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House committee approves legislation to convert landfill to bioreactor Smiths Creek first in nation to speed decomposition The House Natural Resources, Great Lakes, Land Use and Environment Committee today approved legislation to allow Smiths Creek Landfill to use waste from residential septic tanks to speed the decomposition process. The method will extend the life of the landfill, reduce the amount of needed space, decompose trash more efficiently and produce methane gas that can be sold. State Reps. Phil Pavlov and Dan Acciavatti, sponsors of the legislation, testified before the committee in support of the bills along with guests Larry O'Keefe, St. Clair County Environmental Services Director; and Dr. Te Yang Soong and Morgan Subbarayan, consultants with CTI and Associates. "A bioreactor landfill will extend landfill service life beyond the estimated 20 year capacity," said Pavlov, R-St. Clair Township. "This is a promising project that will enhance the decomposition process and is environmentally sound. A bioreactor landfill also accelerates the landfill gas production of methane which is a great renewable energy source." Landfills currently dig a hole, put garbage in it and cover it up, making it a dry landfill. Decomposition takes decades while methane gas spews out of the ground. According to research, a wet landfill decomposes quicker than a dry landfill. By pumping septic liquid into the landfill, the micro-organisms work 10 times faster to settle the landfill, which increases the decomposition rate dramatically. Workers already are getting the landfill ready for the septic waste in anticipation of the Legislature's approval of the bills. To prevent the liquid septic waste from seeping into the ground, the landfill will be fitted with a special lining. Rep. Acciavatti, R-Chesterfield Township, said: "The current standard of landfills needs to be updated to create a landfill that is environmentally friendly. A bioreactor landfill is a way to re-use and recycle materials and products. This will help solve long term gas migration problems while at the same time reduce the amount of landfill space that is currently needed." In addition to speeding the decomposition process, the procedure will allow septic waste to be used instead of being taken to a treatment center which will result in significant cost savings. House Bills 5148-9 now go to the full House for consideration. ##### Melinda Uerling, Executive Director Recycle Ann Arbor 2420 S Industrial Hwy Ann Arbor MI 48104 email: muerling at recycleannarbor.org |
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