Province Approves Chatham-Kent Methane to RNG Project

Note: The following is reposted from a CBC News article, found here

Pipes shown collecting methane and carbon dioxide produced from a landfill in Ottawa. (Michel Aspirot/CBC)

A new pipeline is set to be built in the Blenheim area to support turning landfill methane into renewable natural gas.

Enbridge Gas says it’s a first for them, having a renewable natural gas (RNG) project go through the Ontario Energy Board regulatory process — and receive approval.

The company calls the Waste Connections of Canada Ridge Landfill RNG project a “major milestone” on what it refers to as its “path to net zero” emissions.

“Leveraging the existing gas system to deliver increasing levels of green fuel content, including renewable natural gas, is just one example of the steps we’re taking to support the transition to a low-carbon future,” said Jim Redford, with Enbridge Gas.

Pending some “required permits,” a new RNG facility will be built at the Ridge Landfill site near Blenheim. “This innovative project is excellent for both Chatham-Kent and our future generations, who rely on the sustainable choices we make today,” said Darrin Canniff, mayor of Chatham-Kent. Work on the pipeline, and its related facilities, could begin this month — with the project fully operational by the end of 2024 — according to a statement by the company.

“It’s projects like this that lake Ontario a leader in Canada for reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” said David Piccini, Ontario’s minister of the environment, conservation and parks.

Enbridge says the pipeline and conversion method will eventually offset 110,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions each year — something it compares to taking 24,000 passenger vehicles off the road.