Submitte by Win Colwill:

Methane gas, naturally created from decomposing garbage in Columbia’s landfill, is producing electricity for Columbia residents.  This potent greenhouse gas, rather than being released to the atmosphere, is collected and burned in a large electric generator. The biogas energy plant came online in June 2008.  It can produce 2.1 megawatts of renewable power and is expected to supply approximately 1.5% of Columbia’s electricity with a full year of production.

The construction cost of the biogas plant was within the $3 million budgeted amount.  It was partially funded through a 2006 bond issue passed with overwhelming public support.  In the near future a new bioreactor will be added at the landfill. It is anticipated that over the next 5 to 10 years as much as 2.5% of the Columbia’s electricity could be generated by the landfill gas facility.

http://www.gocolumbiamo.com/Public_Comm/Public_Information/Press_Releases/11_30_07columbias.php