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LANDFILL GAS-TO-ENERGY
Heath and Associates, Inc., offers a variety of services to
address the needs of landfill gas-to-energy projects.
Feasibility studies, end-user analysis, sales contract
negotiations, and consulting services can be prepared to address
the preliminary aspects of landfill gas-to-energy projects.
Engineering design and construction management services can be
prepared for any type landfill gas system facility. Our
knowledge of gas system operations, regulatory compliance, and
operator training are other aspects that assist our clients with
the completion of their LFGE projects. Heath and Associates can
provide economic evaluation to assess financial alternatives and
to identify financing opportunities. Our studies and reports
developed by professional engineers, are often used by our
clients as a primary component of information packages used to
secure financing.
Feasibility Studies and Financial Analysis
 General Feasibility Study
General
feasibility studies include a review of the landfill’s methane
generation potential and value, proximity evaluation of potential
end-users and sales opportunities, and project economics. The
economics will include capital and operational costs, identify
revenues, financing alternatives, and rate of return. Both the
LFGE project opportunities and risks will be identified. The
study will conclude the feasibility and commissioning recommendations
for viable projects.
Detailed Project Study
Detailed project studies take a
feasible project and detail the necessary steps for project
completion. The studies summarize the end user contacts,
interest, and potential energy use. The LFG pipeline route
is selected, and both the right-of-way necessary for
construction and the necessary permits needed for construction
are identified. The studies provide economic evaluation
for financing by estimating the Capital and O&M costs for the
project, projecting the Sales Revenue for the project, and
providing performance projections suitable for obtaining
financing. The study will also evaluate Greenhouse Gas
Offset Credits and other financial and intangible opportunities
associated with the project. The studies conclude with
detailed recommendations and action items.
Negotiation with End-Users for Sales Contract
End-user sales agreements play a key role in securing
financing. Through our vast experience in the Natural Gas
industry we have worked with various industrial customers in
many different aspects and regulatory environments. Our
knowledge of and experience with negotiating rates and sales
contracts with industries will ensure that a fair and lucrative
deal is achieved for all parties involved.
Pipeline System Routing, Design, and
Specifications
Engineering design and
specifications can be developed addressing the needs of a LFGE
project. Construction conditions and cost estimates are a
critical component of the economic feasibility analysis and are
developed by our professional engineers who have many years of
natural gas construction experience. Detailed specifications for material standards and
installation methods along with contract documents for public
bidding can be developed for each project. Our services include
design, bidding, permitting, construction management,
verification of invoices, and overall project management.
Project Permitting
Permitting is a very important
aspect of a LFGE project due to the time that is required to
obtain permits. Highway, railroad, and environmental permitting
may be necessary to begin the construction of the pipeline. Our
experience and reputation with various railroads and regulatory
agencies will streamline the permit process and insure that
construction can begin without delaying the project.
Project Construction Management
All phases of LFGE project
construction management are available including design,
specifications, permitting, mapping, fabrication drawings,
contract development, project inspection, and new or expanding
facility startup.
 Operations Assistance
Heath and
Associates can assist operators with any aspect of system
operations. Management guidance, reporting, maintenance
scheduling, and technical reports direct
operators to use industry best practices. Heath and
Associates can perform many of the
operations and maintenance tasks on a contract basis as well.
The operations assistance is usually directed toward system
safety, regulatory compliance, and efficient and economical
routine operations.
Regulatory Compliance Plans and Training
Operations and Maintenance Plans
Landfill gas-to-energy pipeline
operators are required to have Operations and Maintenance plans.
Heath and Associates develops operation and maintenance plans
for clients that meet all Department of Transportation/Office
of Pipeline Safety and State Utility Commission requirements.
Plan manuals developed by Heath and Associates guide client
personnel in the areas of reporting, system design, operations
and maintenance procedures, and record keeping.
Plans contain generic minimum
compliance requirements and are customized to the client's
system. Procedures for responding to emergencies and abnormal
operating conditions are included in the operations and
maintenance plan. The manuals address material for construction,
construction specifications and procedures, and the testing and
rating of new facilities. The manuals aid clients in scheduling
maintenance, identifying reporting requirements and deadlines,
and creating appropriate forms and formats to keep records.
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 Integrity
Management Programs
Heath and Associates can provide operators
with detailed Integrity Management Programs
for transmission pipelines. Heath and
Associates has invested many hours in the
development of a core or master IMP Manual
that can be used as a basis for developing a
customized plan for a specific operator. The
master IMP contains process development and
critical planning guidance, detailed
procedures and forms, recordkeeping and
documentation aids, and a cross-reference to
Subpart O of Part 192, ASME B31.8S, NACE
RP502, and PHMSA Inspection Protocols. The
master IMP addresses all sixteen elements
required by Part 192.911. Heath and
Associates can assist operators in upgrading
current IMPs as well as implementing pipeline
integrity assessments and compliance
mandated activities. Heath and Associates
Integrity Management Programs are currently
in use in six states and have successfully
passed inspections from PHMSA and/or State
Utility Commissions.
Public Awareness Plans
Landfill gas-to-energy pipeline
operators are required to have a written Public Awareness Plan. Heath and Associates, Inc., offers
consulting services to gas utilities to help develop and
implement Public Awareness Plans. Heath and Associates has
developed sample distribution materials, forms, guidelines, and
generic justification language to aid operators in Public
Awareness implementation activities. We can provide a
comprehensive written plan or provide supplemental consulting
assistance to aid operators in enhancement of their existing plans.
Operator Qualification Plans
All
gas systems are required to have an Operator
Qualification Plan. Heath and Associates,
Inc., offers consulting services and packaged OQ Plans to gas
utilities to help develop and implement Operator Qualification
Plans. The combination of Heath and Associates' operational and
regulatory compliance experience along with the packaged OQ
plans and management systems enable Heath and Associates to
provide comprehensive solutions to assist gas utilities with
Operator Qualification activities.
Operator Qualification
Heath
and Associates offers training and testing/qualification of gas
system and contract operating personnel. Heath and Associates
offers several OQ schools that cover many of the covered tasks
associated with Operations and Maintenance, Corrosion, and
Construction. Customized training and evaluation for operating
personnel can be developed. Heath and Associates also assists
operators in the development of tests and evaluation criteria
and with OQ plan modifications.
 Safety Evaluations Study / Compliance Audits
On-site field inspections and a
comprehensive review of safety and maintenance records are
performed to identify safety concerns of client systems. Safe,
desirable operating functions are defined for each system.
Existing operating policies are monitored and reviewed for
safety and adequacy. An analysis of these practices is made and
recommendations for necessary changes to bring the client's
system into compliance are detailed. Specific review of
operating procedures or facilities identified by client or
DOT/OPS inspector will also be addressed in a system study.
Customized Service Training and Needs
Customized engineering or
management oriented consulting services are tailored to address
specific client requests. A training program, which is
prescribed by the client on any gas transmission subject
matter, can be defined and delivered to the client's staff.
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