South Coast Air-Quality Management District (SCAQMD)

Abstract

Current landfills emit copious quantities of methane, which is typically flared on-site. Such flaring results in significant emissions of oxides of nitrogen (NOx), as well as potentially serious levels of toxics, greenhouse gases, and other flare gas contaminants. The district has worked closely with TeraMeth Industries (TMI) to establish the first demonstration plant in the world that will divert the gaseous waste stream from the BKK Landfill, located in West Covina, CA, through a syngas synthesis process, and produce 50 metric tons/d of methanol. Multiple replication of this technology is projected by TMI to be commercially competitive with worldwide methanol production economics. For example, contractual commitments for the long-term purchased product have been obtained. Permitting issues unique to landfills, such as site-specific gas composition, have also been addressed as part of this project. This article identifies: 1. The air-quality context of this facility; 2. The key permitting issues being addressed to facilitate the construction and operation of this facility; and 3. The commercial and economic implications of the plant design, including the potential future markets for this conversion technology.