Bill Text: MI HR0087 | 2011-2012 | 96th Legislature | Introduced
Bill Title: A resolution to urge the Environmental Protection Agency to allow proven bioreactor technologies, which can use liquid wastes to enhance methane generation at active and closed landfills, to move from Research, Development and Demonstration Project status to designation as full-scale permitted operations to support waste-to-energy facilities.
Spectrum: Strong Partisan Bill (Republican 11-1)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2011-05-12 - Referred To Committee On Energy And Technology [HR0087 Detail]
Download: Michigan-2011-HR0087-Introduced.html
Rep. LaFontaine offered the following resolution:
House Resolution No. 87.
A resolution to urge the Environmental Protection Agency to allow proven bioreactor technologies, which can use liquid wastes to enhance methane generation at active and closed landfills, to move from Research, Development and Demonstration Project status to designation as full-scale permitted operations to support waste-to-energy facilities.
Whereas, Innovative and sustainable technologies that convert waste materials into green energy sources are critical for helping the state and the nation meet current and future energy and waste management challenges. The realization that waste materials still have inherent value has facilitated the development of technologies like anaerobic digesters, bioreactors, and other waste-to-energy facilities that can extract energy from environmental liabilities, such as scrap tires, household trash, septage, animal manure, and other wastes. Waste-to-energy technologies reduce environmental threats to our air, land, and water while creating energy and avoiding the use of fossil fuels; and
Whereas, The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) have recognized the value of waste-to-energy technologies. EPA's AgStar, Project XL, and Landfill Methane Outreach Program promote the generation of methane at agricultural facilities and at landfills. The DEQ's Solid Waste Policy asserts that Michigan can better capitalize on economic opportunities by creating systems that reduce waste generation and utilize waste that is generated through energy recovery and bio-gasification; and
Whereas, The Smiths Creek Landfill bioreactor Research, Development and Demonstration Project (RDDP) located in St. Clair County, Michigan is a showcase for a twenty-first century waste-to-energy solution. Since 2007, the bioreactor has utilized over 2 million gallons of residential septage to speed up the decomposition process of both the septage and other organic wastes in the landfill and extend the life of the landfill. The Smiths Creek Landfill bioreactor brings the concept of a perpetual landfill closer to reality and indicates that previously closed landfills have a renewed purpose for the treatment of liquid wastes and the generation of methane; and
Whereas, The Smiths Creek Landfill bioreactor RDDP has been a confirmed success. The project has successfully demonstrated that the addition of liquid wastes can dramatically increase landfill methane generation and waste decomposition rates without jeopardizing the environmental safety of the landfill. The bioreactor has diverted millions of gallons of septage from land application and eliminated the accompanying risks of contamination from runoff to St. Clair County's surface waters. Additionally, methane from the landfill will likely generate enough electricity to power an onsite leachate pump station, other landfill buildings, and provide Detroit Edison, the local utility, with green power to help it meet the state's renewable portfolio standards; and
Whereas, In recognition of its success, the Smiths Creek Landfill bioreactor RDDP won a 2010 PISCES Award from the EPA. The PISCES Award recognizes projects identified by state Clean Water Revolving Fund Programs as examples of innovative and sustainable strategies to enhance water quality. Clearly, the bioreactor has demonstrated the value, safety, and wisdom of adding liquid wastes to landfills for increased waste decomposition and energy production; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we urge the Environmental Protection Agency to allow proven bioreactor technologies, which can use liquid wastes to enhance methane generation at active and closed landfills, to move from Research, Development and Demonstration Project status to designation as full-scale permitted operations to support waste-to-energy facilities; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, the Director of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, and the members of the Michigan congressional delegation.
