Granger News
Officials from Republic Services, Inc. (NYSE:RSG) and Granger today dedicated the Whitefeather Landfill gas-to-energy project, providing renewable energy to Consumers Energy, Michigan's second-largest electric and natural gas utility. The Whitefeather Landfill, in Pinconning, is located on the west side of Saginaw Bay, about 30 miles north of Saginaw.
The partners broke ground for this landfill gas project in the summer of 2008. Now complete, the Whitefeather Landfill Gas Utilization Project captures 1,000 standard cubic feet of landfill gas per minute that is converted to 3.2 megawatts of electricity at Granger's on-site plant and then delivered to Consumers Energy. The landfill gas-to-energy project at Whitefeather Landfill was designed, built and is owned by Granger. The Whitefeather Landfill is owned and operated by Republic Services.
The project leaders hailed the achievement as a significant stride toward the goals for energy independence set by Governor Jennifer Granholm.
Landfill gas, which is created when organic material in a municipal solid waste landfill decomposes, consists of about 50 percent methane. It is piped from the landfill to the Granger facility, where it is processed and used as a fuel source for engine generators. The gas is a readily available, local alternative energy source that offsets the need for fossil fuels. It can be converted and used in many ways: to generate electricity, heat or steam or as an alternative vehicle fuel.
"When it comes to the environment, we are committed to being part of the solution by creating better, cleaner processes and programs through fresh thinking and innovative solutions," said Tom Mahoney, general manager for Republic Services. "This exciting project is an example of the kind of sustainable solid waste ventures we can offer to our customers and communities."
"Landfills have long been valuable resources as safe repositories for the waste we all generate," said Keith Granger, chief executive officer, Granger. "Now, landfills are an even greater resource as we tap into the energy potential of trash."
The annual reduction of greenhouse gases attributable to this project is approximately the same as the annual greenhouse gas emission from nearly 25,000 passenger vehicles, the carbon dioxide emissions from more than 318,000 barrels of oil consumed, or the carbon sequestered by more than 31,000 acres of pine or fir forests. The energy produced will be enough to power nearly 2,000 homes.
The Whitefeather Landfill gas project is one of 75 alternative energy projects at Republic Services landfills nationwide. These projects provide enough power to serve more than 319,000 homes per year.
Senator Jim Barcia; Representative Jeff Mayes; Tom Mahoney, general manager for Republic Services; and Joel Zylstra, chief operating officer, Granger Energy Services were on hand to celebrate the successful launch of the green energy project.
About Republic Services
Republic Services, Inc. has been building on success since its inception in 1998, becoming an industry-leading provider of waste and environmental services. The company provides trash collection services to commercial, industrial, municipal and residential customers in 40 states and Puerto Rico through its 400 collection companies. Republic Services owns or operates 242 transfer stations, 213 solid waste landfills and 78 recycling facilities. The company is headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, and has more than 34,000 employees.
About Granger
Granger, the parent company of Granger Electric of Pinconning, is a leader in the development of renewable energy projects and has been since the technology began. A third generation family-owned and operated business based in Lansing, Michigan, Granger was founded in 1959 as a commercial construction company and has evolved into a comprehensive waste management and renewable energy organization. With over 23 years of experience developing successful landfill gas recovery projects, Granger has grown into a nationwide developer, earning national recognition from leaders in the field, state agencies, and the U.S. EPA. Granger has been a landfill owner and operator for 35 years, and has successfully developed landfill gas projects in Alabama, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Utah.
