Date: October 22, 2011
Source: News Room
A WCA landfill in Wewoka, Oklahoma is now supplying methane gas to a nearby brick maker. The Wewoka Biogas Project, which broke ground in July, is now providing methane from the Sooner Landfill to one of Commercial Brick Corp.'s four kilns. William Brinker, operations manager for project developer Enerdyne Power Systems Inc., said the project helps Commercial Brick to reduce its energy costs and WCA to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. The project was partly financed by the selling of carbon offset credits to eBay, Esurance, Designtex, Ceres, Brighter Planet, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters and others. NativeEnergy which specializes in verified carbon offsets and renewable energy credits, arranged the sale.
PRESS RELEASE
June 7, 2011
eBay, Esurance, and Others Help Business Convert to Bioenergy with NativeEnergy
Innovative carbon project will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, support local economy
A groundbreaking project in Wewoka, Okla., demonstrates that environmental upgrades can benefit small businesses and local communities. The project will use gas emitted by a landfill to fuel a nearby brick factory, reducing approximately 30,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas pollution per year in the process. eBay, Esurance, Designtex, Ceres, Brighter Planet, and College of the Atlantic are helping finance the project through the purchase of NativeEnergy's Help Build™ carbon offsets.
The Wewoka Biogas Project will use methane gas produced by WCA Waste's Sooner Landfill to fire kilns at the nearby Commercial Brick Corporation, Typically, gas caused by waste decomposition escapes into the atmosphere and contributes to climate change. But in Wewoka, wells installed in the landfill will capture the gas and deliver it through a half-mile pipeline to the factory's kilns.
Bob Hartsock, President of Commercial Brick Corporation, said the favorable long-term contract for the gas from the landfill will pay for the investment to retrofit the burners in his kilns and help the company remain competitive in a challenging market. As a major employer in Seminole County, the success of the company is crucial to hundreds of local residents.
Jeff Bernicke, President of NativeEnergy, noted: "This project shows that well-planned environmental initiatives can deliver local economic and social benefits too. We're pleased to play a central role in this project and are thankful for the substantial participation of key customers."
eBay, Esurance, Designtex, Ceres, Brighter Planet, and College of the Atlantic have already made significant purchases of carbon offsets from the project. By purchasing NativeEnergy's Help Build™ carbon offsets, these companies are providing critical upfront funding to the project, enabling the gas collection system to be put in place. In return, they will receive a share of the project's long-term verified carbon reductions.
"Enabling entrepreneurship is at the heart of what we do at eBay," explained Amy Skoczlas- Cole, eBay's Head of Environment. "That's why the Wewoka Biogas Project is an excellent match for us. We particularly like that our funding is supporting small business while catalyzing new greenhouse gas reduction activities."
"For over a decade Esurance has focused on reducing its environmental impact through operational initiatives such as our 'paperless experience' for our customers, and engaging with local communities by supporting urban reforestation programs," said Esurance President and CEO, Gary Tolman. "Working with NativeEnergy on the Wewoka Biogas project allows us to continue that tradition, helping offset Esurance's carbon footprint and fostering job creation in the Wewoka community."
Carol Derby, Director of Environmental Strategy elaborated: "The Wewoka project is an elegant example of resourcefulness - converting landfill waste into renewable energy for a local manufacturing business. Designtex is happy to support such forward-thinking, community based projects."
The Wewoka Biogas Project is NativeEnergy's 50th Help Build™ project. The project developer is Enerdyne Power Systems, and the landfill is owned by Sooner Landfill, LLC, a subsidiary of WCA Waste Corporation and WCA of Oklahoma, LLC.
William Brinker, Vice President and Operations Manager of Enerdyne, noted: "This is a perfect example of how to make a small project work. WCA Waste wanted the gas from their project to be put a beneficial use, and Commercial Brick was looking for a way to control their fuel costs. With the two properties adjoining, this was a perfect match! Thanks to the capital and carbon funding provided by NativeEnergy's Help Build™ program, we were able to bridge the gap between all of the parties and build a successful project."
Jerry Kruszka, President and COO of WCA Waste, said, "This project reflects our commitment to deploying the gas generated by our landfills to a use that benefits the environment and the communities that we serve."
NativeEnergy invites companies, individuals, and the wider community to help build the Wewoka Biogas Project by visiting www.nativeenergy.com.
About NativeEnergy
NativeEnergy is a leading provider of verified carbon offsets and renewable energy credits. NativeEnergy's Help Build™ carbon offsets help finance construction of Native American, family farm, and community-based carbon reduction projects. For more information, visit: www.nativeenergy.com.
About Enerdyne Power Systems, Inc.
Enerdyne finds creative ways to utilize landfill gas as a renewable fuel source in applications such as power generation and direct use (medium- BTU/high-BTU). Enerdyne is one of the most accomplished "Landfill Gas to Energy" developers on the East Coast. Learn more at www.enerdynepowersystems.com.
NativeEnergy Contact:
Thomas H. Rawls
VP, Sales & Marketing
802-861-7707 x215
tom.rawls@nativeenergy.com.
Enerdyne Power Systems Contact:
William Brinker
Operations Manager / VP
704-844-8990 x104
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