Winnebago County halts use of new landfill gas blowers after corrosion, moves to closed session

The Winnebago County Solid Waste Board paused operation of newly installed landfill gas blowers and voted to convene a closed session to consult legal counsel after staff presented photos, video and warranty documents suggesting bearing corrosion and a manufacturing defect.

Director (S3) told the board that staff had observed unusual discoloration and “burnt‑smelling” grease in blowers shipped to Lone Star (Texas) and that warranty repair documentation showed inboard bearing caps were installed incorrectly by the manufacturer. He said Perennial and Lone Star would send technicians to inspect the gas‑handling and gas‑conditioning skid blowers and that staff had left the old blower and flare onsite to maintain regulatory compliance while investigations proceed.

Ryan Bieber (S2), who presented photographs and video, showed closeups of outlet and inlet bearings and described how one blower developed heavy gray/black material in the grease after only hours of runtime. "We didn't even make it 1 week before we had this severe discoloration," Ryan said, explaining that the team greased the bearings, ran the blower three hours and then saw the gray flecks reappear.

Perennial’s on‑site technician reported shaft pitting and recommended a disassembly and close inspection; Lone Star reported a twisted or overrun shaft on a separate blower and said a replacement would be required. Director (S3) said staff had discussed potential expedited shaft delivery timelines and that reinstallation was tentatively forecast for the week of Feb. 23. He added that one motor series had previously had warranty repairs denied because of water in grease and bearing cavities, and staff had asked the manufacturers for a full investigation.

Because the technical findings raise potential legal and warranty issues, the board voted to enter closed session under Wisconsin Stat. §19.85 to confer with legal counsel about strategy related to the landfill gas equipment replacement project. The clerk read the statutory justification and the board approved the motion by roll call.

What happens next: staff said vendor technicians will return to the site for further inspection and bearing replacement work; staff will report back to the board after vendor evaluations and any recommended corrective actions are complete.