Overview
Alpha Ridge LFG is a 1 MW biomass power plant in Howard County, Maryland, United States. It converts landfill gas into electricity, supporting local renewable energy generation.
Alpha Ridge LFG is a biomass power plant located in Howard County, Maryland, United States. With a capacity of 1 MW, it is a small-scale facility that utilizes landfill gas as its primary fuel source. The plant is owned by Howard County - Maryland and is currently operational. The plant operates under the regulatory framework of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), including the Clean Air Act (CAA) and its New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) for landfill gas. These regulations ensure that emissions from landfill gas combustion are controlled to protect air quality. The facility's small capacity and use of renewable fuel align with typical small-scale biomass operations in the region. Alpha Ridge LFG contributes to local renewable energy generation by converting methane from the Alpha Ridge Landfill into electricity. This process reduces greenhouse gas emissions that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere. The plant supports Howard County's sustainability goals and provides a community benefit by turning waste into a valuable energy resource.
Environmental context
The plant uses landfill gas, a renewable fuel that reduces methane emissions from waste decomposition. Its small capacity (1 MW) results in a relatively low CO2 and pollutant footprint compared to larger fossil fuel plants. Located in a suburban area of Howard County, the facility's emissions are regulated under the EPA's NSPS to minimize local air quality impacts. The conversion of waste to energy supports circular economy principles.
Frequently asked questions
Alpha Ridge LFG is located in Howard County, Maryland, United States, at coordinates 39.305000, -76.901900.
Alpha Ridge LFG uses landfill gas (waste) as its primary fuel to generate electricity.
Alpha Ridge LFG has a capacity of 1 megawatt (MW), making it a small-scale biomass power plant.
Biomass power plants in the US must comply with the Clean Air Act, including New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) for emissions of pollutants like SOx, NOx, and particulate matter. Landfill gas plants also follow specific NSPS for methane and air toxics.
By capturing and combusting landfill gas, Alpha Ridge LFG reduces methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas, and generates renewable electricity, supporting local sustainability goals.