Because NC has a variety of feed stocks, the choice of technology can be suited to the area, municipality, available feedstock and community preferences. The desired end product can be electricity, synthetic gas, synthetic hydrocarbon products, biodiesel, ferrous recovery, or a combination.
The two most productive, low carbon, low cost, renewable sources of energy are municipal solid waste (after recycling) and dewatered sewage sludge. All WTE technologies investigated can handle both. Some technologies already in use will convert medical, pharmaceutical, and hazardous waste streams into power with low volumes of usable inert products. EPA certified emissions are far below the Clean Air Act standards and resemble pipeline quality natural gas. Nothing goes to a landfill!
Today the federal government and 24 states (except NC) treat waste streams as renewable energy resources which encourages investment in WTE plants. Unlike large landfills, WTE plants belong in industrial sites smaller than 10 acres. Municipalities can handle their own trash if they have an industrial setting or an eco-industrial park that's not in anyone's backyard. By moving waste facilities closer to where waste is produced, communities can reduce greenhouse gases from diesel trucks used to haul waste to far away landfills.
Our WTE Information Center was developed with the help of researchers, regulators and waste management/energy developers. Because there's much that's already been done on other technologies, we started with plasma gasification. . As our research continues, we will add information about other technologies that offer promise for Orange County and North Carolina
As a not-for-profit citizen group, OCV has no vested interest in any technology. We will embrace solutions that are socially, environmentally and economically responsible -- and that do not disproportionately burden any community or taxpayer.
Our research is organized into six areas:
Special thanks to:
- Nancy Holt (fg325@aol.com) for high quality research on technologies, alternatives and environmental impacts
- Dr Lou Circeo (lou.circeo@gtri.gatech.edu) of the Georgia Tech Research Institute for information on plasma gasification technology
- Randy Voller (randy@Voller.org) and the Greater Pittsboro Community Development Corporation (www.greaterpittsborocdc.org) for opening up the dialog about WTE for our local communities.
- Every citizen and public official who has taken the time to learn about WTE technology, ask tough questions, and join the movement for a sustainable future that includes responsible waste management systems.
For more information or to volunteer to work with our WTE working group, please contact Bonnie.
To support our work with a donation to fund research, travel, communication and other out-of-pocket expenses, please click here.
Thank you for your interest in the rural community and a sustainable future.