Freeport Landfill Could Convert Methane To Energy

Freeport, Illinois- Freeport`s City Finance Director Craig Joesten spoke about methane Monday at the city council meeting. "We`ve been led to believe that there is methane," says Joesten, "that does escape out of landfills as a normal process of decomposition." Joesten convinced city council members to hear more about a methane recovery program. If Joesten`s proposal goes through, at no cost to the city, a company called Eco Energy says they can capture and convert the methane into enough energy to power 200 Freeport homes. "They thought they could be up and running by the end of next year," says Joesten. He believes methane recovery would also reduce odors around the landfill. One Freeport resident agrees. "I think it would be worthwhile checking it out," says Sandy Helms. Helms lives about one-half miles away from the landfill. She says she has not smelled a thing. "Of course it`s winter now," says Helms, "I haven`t been outside a whole lot." Reducing methane emissions, experts say, could also help stop global warming. Many believe it`s a win-win situation. Council members said they would like to see more information at their next meeting. "There`s absolutely no downside," says Joesten. "There`s no liability, no financial investment, no downfall, nothing for the city of Freeport."