Landfill has power to quell controversy

Canberra Times
Monday 22/9/2008 Page: 7

Far from stirring tip controversy, a methane gas-fired power generator at Mugga Lane landfill is likely preventing it. Three powerful generators across the road from the proposed Tuggeranong power station burn 1800 cubic metres of methane gas an hour, 24 hours-a-day. Since 1999, the plant has been generating enough electricity to power 3000 homes, reducing greenhouse gases from the landfill by up to 87 per cent.

Plant operator Martin Janota said residents in surrounding suburbs might be unaware of its existence but would not miss the smell if the methane gas wasn't burnt. "The houses over the hill, they'd be whingeing for miles," he said. Operated by Energy Development Limited, the Mugga Lane power plant with 3.45MW capacity generated 23.8 gigawatt-hours of power last financial year. Spokesman for Canberrans for Power Station Relocation Simon Byrne said he was aware of the Mugga Lane generator, which was so small it was not an issue of community concern.

The group is opposed to the Canberra Technology City gas-fired generation plant, which was scaled down in May from 210MW to 28MW after an outcry from community groups. EDL, which operates landfill gas-generation sites around the world, also has a small plant at the West Belconnen tip. Gas from rotting garbage is collected from production wells drilled into the landfill.

Mugga Lane's plant employs two full-time staff and has three gas engine generators, each powered by V1G diesel engines converted for gas and three stacks. EDL spokesman Chris Murray said carbon dioxide emitted from Mugga Lane, equivalent to one car's emissions, was 20 times lower than the methane gas it was taking out of the atmosphere. The Federal Opposition is calling for an audit of all landfill sites across Australia after residents in an outer Melbourne suburb evacuated homes when dangerous methane gas leaked from a disused rubbish tip.

Opposition environment spokesman Greg Hunt said a national inquiry was needed to prevent a repeat of the Cranbourne housing estate planning debacle, but the Government says states and territories are responsible for landfill sites. ACT Territory and Municipal Services said numerous old landfill sites across the ACT were not required by the Environmental Protection Agency to be monitored for methane gas levels. None were near houses and if a housing development was proposed it would be referred to the agency.