Possible Energy Source

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By Stephanie Domurat

Story Published: Aug 25, 2008 at 9:44 PM MST

Story Updated: Aug 26, 2008 at 6:19 AM MST

BILLINGS - The Billings City Council approved plans Monday for Montana-Dakota Utilities to begin extracting Methane from the Billings landfill.

The city will partner with Montana-Dakota Utilities to turn methane gas into a source of clean energy that will then be sold on the market. The 10-year renewable contract states that the city of Billings will receive 15% of the revenue. Officials estimate the city will receive as much as $800,000 dollars a year, for up to 40 years.

"Methane needs to be regularly monitored, we're not allowed to just let it escape into the atmosphere. So we would eventually have to deal with methane in some form or another at our own expense, where this allows us to joint venture with MDU and get rid of it ahead of time, plus bring revenue that the city can use," says Public Works Director David Mumford.

Officials say the plant will cost Montana-Dakota Utilities up to $14 million dollars to construct. Designs will begin in the next few months, and if things go as planned, construction will start next summer.

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