Renewable Energy Facilities at Closed Landfills

1. Renewable Energy Facilities at Closed Landfills Siting and Installation Considerations January 19, 2010

2. Overview Several types of renewable energy technologies that can be applicable for both closed and active landfills: Wind, Solar, LFG2NRG, Others The focus today will be on Wind and Solar applications Siting considerations for wind and solar Benefits of locating renewable energy projects at landfills Benefits of a fatal flaw analysis Installation considerations Turbine and solar foundations Cap disruption considerations

3. Renewable Energy Siting - Picking your site is picking your fight

4. Siting Considerations Proximity to Source Proximity to Grid Access and Staging Sensitive Receptors – Humans, Wildlife and Natural Resources Zoning

5. MA Wind Resources – Proximity to Source

6. MA Wind Resources – Proximity to Source

7. MA Solar Resources – Proximity to Source

8. Blade throw Fire Tower collapse Ice shedding Noise Flicker Potential Wind Energy Siting Concerns

9. Potential Wind Energy Siting Concerns, Cont’d Access Construction/ Installation Federal Aviation Administration Telecommunications Interference Avian/bat impacts

10. Potential Solar Energy Siting Concerns Land Clearing Aesthetics Wildlife/ Endangered Species Hazardous Materials

11. Renewables on Landfills

12. Evaluating a Site

13. Critical Wind Installation Considerations Critical considerations for wind turbine installation: Access roads need to allow the turbine components to access the location (s) Maximum grade = 10% or less Turning radii needs to accommodate the blade, tower and nacelle trailer trucks Installation cranes are very large and need to access and set up immediately adjacent to the turbine Staging area adjacent to the turbine location (s) Impacts to the landfill cap, ground pressure

14. Installation Considerations (Cont’d) Foundation considerations: Landfill cap configurations Landfill Thickness Subsurface Materials Soils: Till/Clay Sands/Gravel Organics Bedrock Solid Waste: MSW C&D Urban Soils

15. Turbine Foundations Gravity foundations- Most Common Relies on gravity (weight of footing and soil above) for stability

16. Turbine Foundations Deep foundations are used in soft or loose soils, suitable for landfill applications

17. Solar Foundations Rigid frame installations for fixed or tracking panels require a stable surface with proper orientation. The PV film applications can actually be part of the final capping materials. Solar installations have several challenges: Northeast climate, i.e. snow accumulations Concentration of run off Landfill settlement NIMBY syndrome

18. Cap Disruption Considerations Turbine foundations need to be integrated into the cap repair to create a seamless capping system

19. Summary: Features of a Good Landfill Site for Siting of Renewables Closed and capped in accordance with requirements Contents already settled and able to bear weight of solar arrays/ turbines No state or federal solid/hazardous waste obligations or other open compliance items Large flat, graded, unshadowed areas for maximum sun exposure Good wind resources, minimal obstructions Methane extracted Transmission and interconnection access No major contamination, leaks, or groundwater intrusion Receptive site owner, local officials, and neighbors

20. Questions? Thank you!