County Executive Owens Announces Waste-to-Energy Study

Annapolis, MD (September 6, 2006) - Anne Arundel County Executive Janet S. Owens announced the Sudley Landfill in South County will become the site of a feasibility study looking for alternative energy sources.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation (AAEDC) and the Anne Arundel Soil Conservation District was signed creating a partnership with North Shore Technologies, Inc. to evaluate the practicality of converting landfill gas and waste products into energy.

The Sudley Landfill Feasibility Study will provide a review of advanced technologies available to convert waste into electricity or liquid fuels, such as Ethanol. The targeted waste includes wood waste such as leaves, brush, and stumps; horse manure; and the methane gas that is a natural by-product of landfills.

"This study could provide options to generate alternative energy sources," said Anne Arundel County Executive Janet S. Owens. "With the increasing costs of waste disposal and energy needs, we must be vigilant in our efforts to keep Anne Arundel County in the forefront of innovative alternatives that benefit the environment."

North Shore Technologies and the AAEDC conceptualized and developed a plan for the feasibility study, and worked together to raise funds to support this effort. The funds raised, along with in-kind services from North Shore Technologies, technical support from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Forest Service, and a grant from the USDA Forestry Service, will allow the study to proceed. The Sudley Landfill Feasibility Study will take approximately 12 to 18 months for completion.

"Managing and promoting environmental and agricultural programs are part of the AAEDC mission to serve business needs and to increase the county’s economic base through job growth and investment," said Aaron Greenfield, AAEDC President and CEO.

For additional information on this program please contact the AAEDC Agricultural Marketing and Development Manager, Lisa Barge, at (410) 222-7410 or visit the AAEDC website.