05/30/2007 Env Bd Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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AIR QUALITY AND CLIMATE PROTECTION Elk River Landfill Gas to Energy Project Nominated by Julie Ketchum, Waste Management The Elk River Landfill Gas to Energy Project collects landfill gas that is generated by the natural decomposition of municipal solid waste and uses that gas to generate electricity. Burning the methane gas for fuel produces electricity, which supplants the need for fossil fuel. The gas to energy facility currently generates approximately 27 million kilowatt - hours per year, displacing the need for 14,000 tons of coal annually. This project represents an opportunity to reduce our dependence on fossil fuel and reduce the production of greenhouse gases. Project partners include: Waste Management, Elk River Municipal Utility (ERMU), Great River Energy, and Sherburne County. Laurentian Energy Authority — Biomass Energy Project Nominated by Michael R. Kunz, Sebesta Blomberg The Laurentian Energy Authority (LEA) is a joint powers public authority formed between the municipal utilities of Virginia and Hibbing to develop and operate combined heat and power renewable energy biomass plants in Northeastern Minnesota. The LEA Biomass Energy Project preserves public utilities, creates new jobs, reduces reliance on fossil fuels, improves environmental impacts, and provides a framework for biomass research opportunities in northern Minnesota. Project partners include: Sebesta Blomberg, Barr Engineering, Biomass, Forest Management Systems, Forest Resource Council, Harris Group Inc., Innovative Ventures, Institute of Agriculture and Trade Policy, Iron Range Resources, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, RBC Dain Rauscher, Springsted Incorporated, State of Minnesota, University of Minnesota Extension Service University of Minnesota - Natural Resources Research Institute (NRRI), and USDA Forest Service. Waldsee BioHaus Nominated by Warren Shulze, Concordia Language Village Waldsee BioHaus serves as a unique Environmental Living Center for the Concordia Language Villages in Bemidji, Minnesota. The BioHaus features cutting -edge approaches to energy conservation and innovations in sustainable building design. These approaches resulted in a dramatic reduction in energy consumption, as well as the showcasing of a green roof system and low- emission building products such as paints, flooring materials, and cabinetry. Project partners include: Concordia Language Village, Albert W. Cherne Foundation Amvic, Ecolab, Deutshe Bundesstiftung Umwelt, Intep, Integrated Planning, LLC, Kresge Foundation, Muller Fensterbau, REHAU North America, Sto Corporation, System One Controls, and Zetah Construction. • • •