FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 11, 2008

Contact:
John Picone
Corporate Communications Manager
(562) 426-9544 x 3063

Maui County Awards Construction of Gas Collection System to SCS Field Services

Maui, HI – Maui County has selected SCS Field Services, a division of SCS Engineers, to procure, construct and install the landfill gas collection system at the Central Maui County Landfill.

In the absence of oxygen, municipal solid waste decomposes and naturally produces “landfill gas” (LFG), a mixture of organic vapors.  LFG is a potent greenhouse gas and, if not controlled, this gas can be harmful to the global environment.  Thus, the County is installing a gas collection and flaring system at the Central Maui County Landfill.  This is the first phase of a LFG collection system that will actively control the landfill gas, and dispose of it in an environmentally safe and responsible manner.

The LFG system is engineered to comply with federal, state and local regulations. The system consists of a series of perforated wells drilled vertically into the landfill waste. The wells are connected by horizontal pipes through which LFG flows to the enclosed ground flare station.  The methane fraction of the gas is destroyed through combustion.

Landfill gas typically consists of from 45 to 50 percent carbon dioxide (CO2) and 50 to 55 percent methane (CH4), with trace concentrations of other organic vapors. The methane in LFG is 21 to 23 times more harmful to the environment than is carbon dioxide, in terms of greenhouse gas contributions. By controlling the LFG, Maui County not only complies with regulations, it also helps to protect and preserve the local and global environment.

About Central Maui County Landfill
The landfill has been serving the citizens of Maui County since 1987 when it received its permit to operate. It is open seven days a week and on average receives approximately 575 tons of waste per day. As the site continues to accumulate waste, more landfill gas is created. Eventually, the county might consider using the landfill gas to create a beneficial form of energy such as electricity. When asked about this possibility, county official Tracey Takamine commented, “This is an option the county is evaluating. By creating energy from landfill gas, we can convert a liability into a valuable asset which will benefit the community.”

About SCS Field Services and SCS Engineers
SCS Field Services is a division of SCS Engineers. Since 1970, SCS has delivered economically and environmentally sound solutions for solid waste management and site remediation projects throughout the world.  The award-winning firm provides engineering, construction, and long-term operations and maintenance to private and public sector clients through a network of over 40 offices in 21 states. SCS’s clients have entrusted the care of over 13,000 landfill gas wells to its SCS Field Services group.  Using standard assumptions, this is the equivalent of 21 million metric tons per year of carbon dioxide that is prevented from being released into the atmosphere.  If someone asks if SCS is helping to address the subject of global climate change, the answer is a resounding , “Yes.”

For more information about SCS, please visit our website at www.scsengineers.com or contact service@scsengineers.com.

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