Landfill Making Hay With Gas

(Provincial Environment Minister Rick Miles announcing provincial funds for landfill gas project - photo by Gary MacDonald)

The Crane Mountain Landfill is making some history -- officials say it's the first in North America to capture methane gas - produced by decomposing garbage - and use it to generate electricity to power the site. General Manager Marc MacLeod tells CHSJ News excess electricity will be sold to Saint John Energy to help generate revenue which in turn will eventually reduce tipping fees and help with expansion of various programs.Saint John Energy president Eric Marr says the electricity purchased from the landfill will power between 300 and 400 homes per year.The provincial government is contributing 1.75-million dollars to help with the five million dollar total cost of the project.