New River renewable gas named Project of the Year

Employees Brian Clemons, Richard Crews, David McKinney and Mitch Andrews in the gas plant with the landfill’s director and assistant director, Perry Kent and Joel Woolsey.

The American Society of Civil Engineers Gainesville Branch has announced that the New River Renewable Natural Gas Project, a groundbreaking initiative undertaken by the New River Solid Waste Association, has been selected as the prestigious 2023 ASCE Florida Section Project of the Year. 

This recognition underscores the exceptional contributions of local partners and professionals in the field, including Jones Edmunds, OPAL Fuels, TECO Peoples Gas, and the New River Solid Waste Association.

Since its establishment in 1992, the New River Solid Waste Association has strived to set new standards in waste management practices, earning it the distinction of being Florida’s inaugural publicly owned, multicounty solid waste management facility. Serving the communities of Baker, Bradford and Union counties, the association’s dedication to customer service and innovative practices has won it international recognition through collaborative research projects and pilot programs conducted in partnership with the University of Florida.

Most recently, the New River Renewable Natural Gas project testifies to its commitment to innovation and sustainable practices. The project has successfully converted landfill gas into pipeline-quality natural gas, marking a first for the state of Florida. New River Regional Landfill now stands as the first landfill to connect with the Florida Gas Transmission’s interstate pipeline, facilitating the injection of processed gas into the system.

New River’s landfill gas undergoes treatment to adhere to pipeline-gas specifications prior to its transmission through a six-mile high-pressure pipeline that bridges the landfill and the pipeline interconnect. This endeavor not only showcases the New River Solid Waste Association’s dedication to environmental sustainability and energy recovery, but also marks a milestone in Florida’s journey toward more eco-conscious practices.

The ASCE Gainesville Branch extends its hearty congratulations to the exceptional teams behind the New River Renewable Natural Gas Project. Jones Edmunds, New River Solid Waste Association, OPAL Fuels, and TECO Peoples Gas have demonstrated the power of collaboration, innovation, and determination in redefining waste management and energy conversion practices. Their commitment sets an example for the region and beyond.

Pictured at the plant ribbon cutting are Baker Commissioner James Croft in front along with (l-r) OPAL Fuels COO Anthony Falbo, Landfill Director Perry Kent, Assistant Director Joel Woolsey, Union Commissioner Channing Dobbs, Baker Commissioner Cathy Rhoden, Union Commissioner Jimmy Tallman, and Bradford Commissioners Kenny Thompson and Chris Dougherty. (Photos from ASCE Facebook page.)
Employees Brian Clemons, Richard Crews, David McKinney and Mitch Andrews in the gas plant with the landfill’s director and assistant director, Perry Kent and Joel Woolsey.