RFP 2026-002 Renewable Natural Gas - Compiled Text-Post(PDF).pdf

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

FOR

ROWAN COUNTY

Landfill Gas to Energy Project(s) Environmental Management

# 2026-002

ROWAN COUNTY

130 West Innes Street

Salisbury, NC 28144 704-216-8178 jody.farrow-bennett@rowancountync.gov

Date Issued: Sunday, November 23, 2025

Date Due: Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at 2:00 PM

Administered By: Jody Farrow-Bennett, Purchasing Director mailto:jody.farrow-bennett@rowancountync.gov

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Landfill Gas to Energy Project(s)

Rowan County (County) is issuing this Request for Proposals (RFP) to obtain proposals to identify the most qualified firm or firms to develop one or more landfill gas to energy (LFGTE) or other beneficial use project(s) utilizing landfill gas (LFG) from the Rowan County Landfill (Title V Permit No. 10405T03) (Landfill).The responses to the RFP are expected to include finance, design, permitting, construction, ownership, operation and management of LFG collection, handling, and/or processing equipment for conversion of the LFG to a revenue-generating product or products.

Proposals for the Rowan County Landfill Gas to Energy Project(s) 2026-002 will be accepted until Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at 2:00 PM ET at the Rowan County Purchasing Department, 130 West Innes Street, Suite 31, Salisbury, North Carolina 28144.

Bid documents may be obtained from the County website at:

https://www.rowancountync.gov/675/Purchasing

The County is not responsible for any interpretations or conclusions drawn from this RFP.

Proposers shall not take advantage of any errors or omissions in this RFP and shall promptly notify the County of any omissions or errors found in this document.

Once the RFP is public, all questions related to the RFP shall be directed to the Purchasing Director. Any contact related to the RFP with County Staff and/or Board of Commissioners will be prohibited and cause for rejection.

Rowan County reserves the right to award and/or reject any and/or all proposals and waive any technicalities or irregularities. For complete details, consult the bid package.

This is the 23rd day of November 2025.

Rowan County

By: Jody Farrow-Bennett Rowan County Director of Purchasing and Contract Administration

Table of Contents

1 Introduction, Purpose and Intent .................................................................................................. 1-1

1.1 Schedule ........................................................................................................................... 1-1

1.2 Submittal Information ......................................................................................................... 1-2

1.3 Pre-Proposal Conference and Landfill Tour........................................................................ 1-3

1.4 Additional Information ........................................................................................................ 1-3

1.5 Rights of the County .......................................................................................................... 1-3

1.6 Intention to Contract .......................................................................................................... 1-3

2 Landfill and Existing GCCS Description ....................................................................................... 2-1

2.1 Site Information ................................................................................................................. 2-1

2.2 GCCS and LFG Collection ................................................................................................. 2-1

2.3 Blower/Flare Station .......................................................................................................... 2-2

2.4 Liquids Management ......................................................................................................... 2-3

3 LFG Generation and Collection - Current ..................................................................................... 3-1

3.1 Waste Receipt ................................................................................................................... 3-1

3.2 LFG Generation Modeling Summary .................................................................................. 3-2

3.3 Observed GCCS Coverage/Efficiency ................................................................................ 3-3

3.3.1 GCCS Liquid Levels and Issues ............................................................................ 3-4

3.3.2 GCCS Coverage – Quality and Quantity ................................................................ 3-5

3.4 Observed LFG Methane Content ....................................................................................... 3-5

3.5 Laboratory Analysis ........................................................................................................... 3-5

4 Potential LFG Collection and GCCS Scenarios............................................................................ 4-1

4.1 LFG Modeling Summary and Potentially Available LFG ..................................................... 4-1

5 Expected Project Characteristics ................................................................................................. 5-1

5.1 LFGTE Project Types ........................................................................................................ 5-1

5.2 Other Project(s) ................................................................................................................. 5-1

5.3 GCCS Operations and Future Expansion ........................................................................... 5-1

5.4 County Project Objectives .................................................................................................. 5-2

6 Expected Contract Characteristics ............................................................................................... 6-1

6.1 Landfill Gas Quality and Quantity ....................................................................................... 6-1

6.2 Landfill Gas Ownership ...................................................................................................... 6-1

6.3 Landfill Operations ............................................................................................................. 6-1

6.4 Monetization of Environmental Attributes and Credits ........................................................ 6-1

6.5 General Facilities Requirements ........................................................................................ 6-2

6.6 GCCS Operation and Expansion ....................................................................................... 6-2

6.7 Physical Assets ................................................................................................................. 6-2

6.8 Permitting and Regulatory - LFGTE ................................................................................... 6-2

6.9 Permitting and Regulatory - GCCS .................................................................................... 6-2

6.10 Footprint and Rights of Way............................................................................................... 6-3

6.11 Utilities .............................................................................................................................. 6-3

6.12 Contract Milestones ........................................................................................................... 6-3

6.13 Condensate and LFG Well Dewatering Liquids .................................................................. 6-3 7 Specific Proposal Requirements .................................................................................................. 7-1

7.1 Introductory Materials ........................................................................................................ 7-1

7.1.1 Title Page ............................................................................................................. 7-1

7.1.2 Letter of Transmittal .............................................................................................. 7-1

7.1.3 Table of Contents .................................................................................................. 7-1

7.2 Proposer Information ......................................................................................................... 7-1

7.2.1 Company Background ........................................................................................... 7-1

7.2.2 Project Team ........................................................................................................ 7-1

7.2.3 Qualifications and Experience ............................................................................... 7-1

7.2.4 Financial Resources .............................................................................................. 7-2

7.2.5 Litigation History ................................................................................................... 7-2

7.3 Project Approach ............................................................................................................... 7-3

7.3.1 LFGTE Project ...................................................................................................... 7-3

7.3.2 GCCS Operation, Maintenance and Expansion ..................................................... 7-4

7.3.3 General ................................................................................................................. 7-4

7.4 Financial Proposal Forms .................................................................................................. 7-4

7.5 Example Contract .............................................................................................................. 7-6

8 Evaluation Process and Criteria .................................................................................................. 8-1

8.1 Evaluation Criteria ............................................................................................................. 8-1

8.1.1 Tier 1 – Minimum Qualifications ............................................................................ 8-1

8.1.2 Tier 2 – Short-List Evaluation ................................................................................ 8-2

8.1.3 Selection and Contract Negotiation ....................................................................... 8-3

Attachments

Attachment A: GCCS Design Plan (2017) Attachment B: Rowan LFG 2024 Expansion (Issued for Construction Drawing Set) Attachment C: Excerpt from Parnel Blower/Flare Manual (System Description) Attachment D: EPA LandGEM LFG Generation Model Attachment E: Wellfield Liquid Levels Technical Memorandum Attachment F: Monthly Well Head Readings Attachment G: Financial Proposal Forms

Section 1 – Introduction and Background Rowan County – Landfill Gas to Energy RFP

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1 Introduction, Purpose and Intent Rowan County (County) is issuing this Request for Proposals (RFP) to obtain proposals to identify the most qualified firm or firms to develop one or more landfill gas to energy (LFGTE) beneficial use project(s) utilizing landfill gas (LFG) from the Rowan County Landfill (Title V Permit No. 10405T03) (Landfill). This RFP and the resulting project(s) is/are being developed for the County by the Engineering and Environmental Services Department (Department), which is generally responsible for municipal solid waste (MSW) disposal in the County, including operations at the Landfill. This RFP is generally intended to result in:

• A Developer to assume full operational responsibility for LFG collection and control, and for controlling LFG emissions at the Landfill (currently handled by the County);

• A new LFGTE project or projects (Project) to beneficially utilize the collected LFG at the Landfill; and,

• Expansion of the LFG collection and control system (GCCS) by the Developer as necessary to control LFG emissions, comply with applicable regulations and/or provide additional fuel for the Project.

The responses to the RFP are expected to include finance, design, permitting, construction, ownership, operation and management of LFG collection, handling, direct thermal usage and/or electricity generation and/or processing equipment for conversion of the LFG to a revenue generating product or products.

1.1 Schedule

The County’s anticipated schedule is shown below. The County reserves the right to modify, extend and revise this schedule.

Table 1-1. Procurement Schedule Date Activity

November 23, 2025 Request for Proposals Available January 7, 2026 Non-Mandatory, pre-proposal conference at 9:00 am EST

(Virtual login information can be provided by addendum upon request)

January 7, 2026 Same-day optional landfill tour at 10:00 am EST

February 4, 2026 Deadline for questions about RFP (5:00 pm EST) February 13, 2026 County responses to questions published by Addendum February 25, 2026 Proposals due to County by 2:00 pm EST

Section 1 - Introduction and Background Rowan County - Landfill Gas to Energy RFP

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1.2 Submittal Information

Respondents are required to submit four (4) SEALED hard copy proposals to Rowan County by the stated deadline. Electronic submissions are not accepted as official bids.

However, the County request that respondents also provide an ADA-compliant electronic copy—either via email or via a portable data storage device that connects to a computer via a USB Port—for accessibility purposes. Please ensure any confidential information is clearly marked within the document to facilitate redaction, if necessary.

The electronic submittal is intended solely for ADA compliance and does NOT replace the requirement for a sealed proposal to be delivered to:

Rowan County Purchasing 130 West Innes Street, Suite 31 Salisbury, NC 28144

Sealed proposals may be mailed or delivered in person but must be received prior to the opening on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at 2:00 PM sharp. Late submissions will not be accepted under any circumstances. Please ensure the sealed proposal is properly labeled and delivered in accordance with the instructions outlined in the bidding documents. Failure to submit a sealed physical bid will result in disqualification.

This will be a public proposal opening. Once the proposal is awarded all respondents will receive notification.

Sealed Proposals are due on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at 2:00 PM ET; opening will be held in the J. Newton Cohen, Sr. Administration Building at 130 West Innes Street, Conference Room 101, Salisbury, North Carolina. Failure to submit a Proposal by this deadline will disqualify the respondent from consideration in this project.

All responses received will become a part of official County public records and may be subject to disclosure. Proposers are expected to thoroughly examine all specific information and instructions set forth in this RFP. Each Proposer shall furnish the full information required by this solicitation. Specific proposal requirements are found in Section 7 of this RFP document.

The County will not be bound by or be responsible for any interpretations or conclusions drawn from this RFP. All questions or requests for clarification or additional information must be submitted in writing no later than 5:00 pm on Wednesday, February 4, 2026.

These written questions or requests must be submitted to Jody Farrow-Bennett, Purchasing Director, by mail or e-mail. Any questions the County feels are pertinent to all interested respondents will be delivered to all participants as an addendum to this RFP.

All addendums will be posted on the County website:

https://www.rowancountync.gov/675/Purchasing and it is the responsibility of the participants to check for any addendums. The addenda for clarification will be posted by 5pm Friday, February 13, 2026.

Proposals should be reasonably succinct but shall include the listed information as detailed in Section 7 of this RFP document.

Proposers shall not take advantage of any errors or omissions in this RFP and shall promptly notify the County of any omissions or errors found in this document.

Section 1 – Introduction and Background

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All Proposers must disclose in writing with their bid the name of any owner, officer, director, or agent who is also an employee of the County. All Proposers must also disclose in writing with their bid the name of any employee of the County who owns, directly or indirectly, an interest of five percent (5%) or more in the Proposer’s firm or any of its branches or subsidiaries. By submitting a proposal, the Proposer certifies that there is no relationship between the Proposer and any person or entity which is, or gives the appearance of, a conflict of interest related to this RFP or project.

1.3 Pre-Proposal Conference and Landfill Tour

A non-mandatory pre-proposal conference and site tour will be held at 9:00 am EST, January 7, 2026. At the pre-proposal conference, County staff and representatives of the County will be available to answer questions and explain the intent of this RFP.

Questions about the RFP documents will be addressed to the extent possible. After the pre-proposal conference and site tour, the County may choose to prepare written documentation in response to questions that were raised at the pre-proposal meeting.

The location of the pre-proposal conference and tour will be:

Rowan County Landfill 789 Campbell Road

Woodleaf, NC 27054 704-278-2211

Interested Proposers may participate in these voluntary events, and Proposers are encouraged to attend. No additional tours of the Landfill will be scheduled.

1.4 Additional Information

Additional information concerning the Landfill and general solid waste operations at the County may be found on the County website:

https://www.rowancountync.gov/Facilities/Facility/Details/Rowan-County-Landfill-26.

1.5 Rights of the County

The County reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and may elect to make a decision without further discussion or negotiation. This RFP is not to be construed as an offer of any kind. The County is not liable for any costs incurred by any Proposer in the preparation of a response to this RFP or in any subsequent negotiations or response to questions by the County and its consultants, advisors and agents. The County may withdraw, supplement or modify this RFP at any time. The County reserves the right to award contracts to Proposer(s) who is (are) deemed to offer proposal(s) in the best interests of the County.

The County may select one Proposer (Preferred Proposer) with which it will commence negotiations, or the County may elect to conduct simultaneous negotiations with two or more Proposers (Preferred Proposers).

https://www.rowancountync.gov/Facilities/Facility/Details/Rowan-County-Landfill-26

Section 1 - Introduction and Background

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1.6 Intention to Contract

By submitting a proposal, the Proposer generally agrees to the expected Project and contract characteristics as detailed in Sections 5 and 6 of this RFP document, unless otherwise clearly stated. Proposals that are conditional on specific contractual provisions will be accepted at the County’s discretion. Proposers should assume that the terms and conditions contained in this RFP represent the minimum expectations of the County.

The contract will be negotiated once the Preferred Proposer is chosen.

Section 2 - Landfill and Existing GCCS Description

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2 Landfill and Existing GCCS Description The information presented in this section is excerpted from the following documents provided in their entirety in Attachments A – C:

Attachment A – GCCS Design Plan (2017)

Attachment B – Rowan LFG 2024 Expansion (Issued for Construction Drawing Set)

Attachment C – Excerpt from Parnel Blower/Flare Manual (System Description)

2.1 Site Information

The landfill property consists of approximately 375 acres. A closed land clearing and inert debris (LCID) landfill and a closed construction and demolition (C&D) landfill are located on the eastern portion of the property. In 1989, Phase I of the lined Subtitle D landfill was constructed. The completed landfill will consist of Phases I through IX for a total design capacity of approximately 15.071 million cubic yards for municipal solid waste (MSW). Figure 2-1 shows the Landfill footprint, and all permitted and future-contemplated phases/cells.

Currently Phases I through V are permitted and constructed, with waste actively being placed in Phase IV and Phase V. Figure 2-2 shows the Landfill footprint and permitted phases/cells with the current GCCS as of 2025. The landfill is permitted under the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) Permit No. 80-03.

Site life analysis and calculation is performed annually. The Landfill had approximately 2,748,917 cubic yards (CY) of permitted and constructed capacity remaining as of May 31, 2024. Based on the estimated remaining volume, waste receipt, and estimated density projections; the Landfill (active and permitted Phases I through V) is therefore currently expected to reach capacity in 2032 (although these projections may change over time). The estimated total gross capacity of the full Landfill (Phases I – IX) is 15,071,000 CY and has a currently estimated full date of 2051.

Detailed historical annual waste receipt tonnages are provided in Section 3 for Proposer use in LFG generation modeling, with discussion about assumptions for future growth rate.

2.2 GCCS and LFG Collection

The County currently owns and operates a regulated (i.e. required by NSPS Subpart OOO and NESHAP) LFG collection and control system (GCCS) at the landfill. Pursuant to these (and previously applicable) regulations, a GCCS Design Plan was approved by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) in December 2017 outlining the capacity, sizing and design of the GCCS. This document is provided in its entirety for Proposer review in Attachment A. The GCCS was designed to handle the maximum expected LFG collected flow rate of 1,500 scfm over a 15-year system lifespan. The GCCS currently includes the following components:

• Active Vertical Landfill Gas Extraction Wells.

• Active Gas Extraction on the Leachate Collection System.

Section 2 – Landfill and Existing GCCS Description

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• 4-inch or 6-inch HDPE pipe, serving as landfill gas collection laterals connected to the wells.

• 10-inch HDPE pipe serving as the landfill gas header, connected to all laterals.

• Four condensate drip legs, installed at the low points in the main header collection system, to catch liquids that collect in the system. The drip legs drain to the existing leachate collection system.

• Several isolation/flow control valves on the 10-inch header.

• Several header access points, equipped with stub outs that are fitted with blind flanges, to allow future connection of additional lateral lines and extension of the system.

• Landfill gas flare station, including blower assembly, candlestick flare, and associated controls and alarms.

The originally-proposed GCCS design in the GCCS Design Plan included sixty (60) vertical extraction wells for Phases I – IV:

• Twenty-seven (27) vertical extraction wells were installed in Phase I and Phase II beginning in November 2016 with completion in May 2017.

• Eleven (11) vertical extraction wells were installed in Phase I and Phase III beginning in October 2020 with completion in December 2020.

• Sixteen (16) vertical extraction wells were installed in Phases III and IV in 2024, after waste placement in new Phase V commenced.

• Therefore, the system is currently composed of fifty-four (54) vertical extraction wells.

• Additional wells will be installed in Phases III through IV within 2 years after final grades are reached or 5 years after final waste placement in the cell.

Attachment B includes site drawings depicting the existing Gas Collection and Control System (GCCS) as of 2025, including the expansion completed in late 2024. Figure 2-2 illustrates the current layout of the GCCS, incorporating the recently added components.

Future GCCS expansions beyond the original 15-year system lifespan contemplated in the GCCS Design Plan will be designed, permitted, and installed for future landfill lateral expansions (Phases V-IX) in accordance with scheduling requirements set forth in the applicable regulations or an approved alternative schedule.

2.3 Blower/Flare Station

Collected LFG from the landfill is routed to a blower/flare station where the gas is combusted by candlestick flare. The LFG inlet piping includes thermocouples for temperature monitoring and control. The thermocouples are used to monitor for startup/shutdown/malfunction events. The candlestick flare is designed to provide a minimum 98 percent NMOC destruction efficiency required by NESHAP (40 CRF 63 Subpart AAAA).

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The blower/flare station currently providing wellfield vacuum and LFG destruction is rated for 1,500 standard cubic feet per minute (scfm). Attachment C provides an excerpt from the Parnell Biogas, Inc. operating manual, showing process specifications, plan drawings and detailed schematics showing the attributes and operating characteristics of the blower/flare station.

2.4 Liquids Management

LFG condensate generated within the GCCS is currently drained from driplegs into the lined waste cells’ leachate collection system and is pumped back up the sideslope and comingled with leachate. Leachate (and therefore condensate) is managed at the Landfill by gravity drain or pumping to a lined surface impoundment. Similarly, condensate from the blower/flare station (knockout pot, etc.) is pumped to a manhole that then discharges to the same surface impoundment. Leachate is aerated at the impoundment and final discharge is directly to sanitary sewer connection.

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Figure 2-1: Permitted Site Plan

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Figure 2-2: Existing Site Map and GCCS (Including 2024 GCCS Expansion)

Section 3 – LFG Generation and Collection – Current

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3 LFG Generation and Collection - Current The County originally commissioned the development of LFG generation and collection modeling for the Landfill as a requirement in the development of the GCCS Design Plan.

The results of this original modeling (performed in 2017) are provided in detail in the complete original document provided in Attachment A. Excerpts from this document and updates to this modeling are provided below.

Note that the LFG generation, quality and recovery estimates included in this RFP are for informational purposes only, and no warranty is made or implied regarding future LFG generation, quality and/or collection at the site. Proposers are expected to satisfy themselves with regard to future LFG generation modeling and estimates. Reasonable requests for independent testing, monitoring or sampling by Proposers will be allowed at County discretion.

3.1 Waste Receipt

Table 3-1 provides a breakdown of annual waste tonnages for Proposers to generate their own LFG generation models. These tonnages have been provided by the County and are consistent with regulatory reporting. For additional information, publicly available reporting data for the EPA GHG Mandatory Reporting Rule (40 CFR Subpart HH) can be found here:

https://ghgdata.epa.gov/ghgp/service/facilityDetail/2022?id=1006996&ds=E&et=&po pup=true

Table 3-1: Rowan County Annual Waste Receipt Tonnages1

Year Annual Total

Waste Disposal (tons/year)

Year Annual Total

Waste Disposal (tons/year)

Year Annual Total

Waste Disposal (tons/year)

1989 11,120 2001 69,301 2013 120,435 1990 11,120 2002 71,240 2014 121,286 1991 11,120 2003 76,258 2015 131,138 1992 11,120 2004 77,345 2016 144,064 1993 54,249 2005 87,036 2017 140,578 1994 101,273 2006 96,595 2018 141,370 1995 93,876 2007 90,595 2019 144,225 1996 74,509 2008 111,649 2020 170,877 1997 68,701 2009 135,137 2021 180,363 1998 67,787 2010 132,708 2022 199,558 1999 72,263 2011 125,314 2023 190,189 2000 75,092 2012 117,765 2024 192,857

These tonnages are consistent with the GHG values submitted in the annual EPA GHG Mandatory Reporting Rule. The Landfill does not have a waste characterization study to share with proposers. Since 2008, the Landfill has commingled limited amounts of construction and demolition/debris (C&D) waste with the municipal solid waste (MSW), however, waste is generally consistent with MSW (“bulk waste” in GHG Reporting).

1Tonnage data for years 1989-2024 from the EPA greenhouse gas reporting website:

https://ghgdata.epa.gov/ghgp/service/facilityDetail/2022?id=1002554&ds=E&et=&popup=true https://ghgdata.epa.gov/ghgp/service/facilityDetail/2022?id=1006996&ds=E&et=&popup=true

Section 3 – LFG Generation and Collection

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3.2 LFG Generation Modeling Summary

The original GCCS Design Plan document, developed in 2017 and provided in Attachment A, presents an LFG generation model for Phases I – IV projected through 2032 (as required by regulation). However, Attachment D provides an updated LFG generation model that utilizes the EPA LandGEM (version 3.1-Beta) and incorporates the following information and assumptions:

• Updated waste receipt tonnages through 2024 (see Table 3-1)

• Future waste receipt growth rate is assumed at a nominal 1.50% to match county-specific population data obtained from the United States Census Bureau (average annual growth rate 2019-2024).

• Updated assumptions for Lo and k variables to “best fit” the model to current estimates of LFG flow and collection efficiency. Specifically, values of 110 m3/Mg and 0.057 yr-1 are utilized for L0 and k, respectively. These values are chosen to more closely align with the actual collection flowrates since the GCCS installation and the “estimated” collection efficiency as reported in EPA GHG reporting.

• The best-fit curve generated by these values was compared and selected based on root mean square error (RMSE) methodology.

Figure 3-1 presents the LFG generation model commissioned by the County for this RFP – shown at a nominal 50% methane content.

Figure 3-1: LFG Generation Model (50% Methane Content)

The full results from this model, including all inputs and assumptions are located in Attachment D.

1,200

1,600

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2015 2020 2025 2030 2035 2040 2045 2050 2055

LF

G

F lo w a t 5 0%

M et ha ne

(s cf m

LFG Generated

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3.3 Observed GCCS Coverage/Efficiency

The LandGEM model in Attachment D provides detailed estimates of expected generation of LFG based on the waste receipt and other variables. However, LFG recovery is always assumed as a percentage of the estimated LFG generation. The actual collection of LFG can be compared against the estimated LFG generation to understand the collection efficiency of the GCCS. Figure 3-2 provides a graph of actual total LFG recovery based on the collection system coverage since 2019:

Figure 3-2: Actual Total LFG Recovery

As can be noted in the figure:

• Estimated historical collection system coverage reached a high of 72% in 2021, following GCCS expansion that took place in 2020, when actual LFG recovery exceeded 900 standard cubic feet per minute (scfm) – as adjusted to nominal 50% methane.

• Collection system efficiency was estimated to be 69% in 2022, with LFG recovery averaging 938 scfm at 49.0% methane (equivalent to 919 scfm at 50% methane)

• Collection system efficiency was estimated to be 61% in 2023, with LFG recovery averaging 888 scfm at 47.9% methane (equivalent to 850 scfm at 50% methane).

• Collection system efficiency was estimated to be 56% in 2024, with LFG recovery averaging 826 scfm at 49.2% methane (equivalent to 812 scfm at 50% methane).

• Per GHG reporting, the GCCS has not experienced any significant down time between 2019 and 2024, and a generally consistent methane concentration, averaging approximately 50%.

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2015 2020 2025 2030 2035 2040 2045 2050 2055

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G

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LFG Generated Actual LFG Recovery

Section 3 – LFG Generation and Collection

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See Section 4 for estimates of future collection under anticipated collection scenarios.

3.3.1 GCCS Liquid Levels and Issues

As can be seen in Figure 3-2, the collection efficiency of the existing GCCS is not currently optimal. This is due in part to the liquid levels (perched liquids) in the extraction wells that are inhibiting collection efficiency. Attachment E provides a detailed technical memorandum addressing the issue, and a summary is provided as follows:

• The technical memo examines the existing GCCS at the Landfill and uses historical data gathered on LFG concentrations and water levels in the wells to diagnose issues of poor well performance.

• Based on observations conducted between July 2022 and August 2023, 71% of the LFG wells (27 out of a total 38 wells) exhibit over 50% of their perforated length inundated with perched liquid, leading to the hypothesis that the GCCS is underperforming (i.e. low collection efficiency) because the wellfield is not being adequately dewatered.

• Currently, down-well pumping infrastructure does not exist for the wellfield that could conveniently alleviate these issues.

• The technical memo ultimately recommends that the County monitor flow rates at every well during monthly monitoring and invest in a complete pumping infrastructure (air and forcemain piping to every well), with the understanding that the recommendation may not be feasible for County economics at the present time.

• Alternatively, the County is recommended to prioritize the most affected wells for dewatering and create a moveable pumping system/infrastructure around those.

A temporary solution would be to purchase eight (8) vertical well pumps, connect them by hose to a tanker truck, and manage the liquids in this truck as leachate.

The technical memo recommends that the following wells be prioritized for pumping:

o EW-1 o EW-2 o EW-4 o EW-6 o EW-20 o EW-26 o EW-34 o EW-36

This technical memo is provided to Proposers to outline potential reasons for the inhibited collection efficiency observed at the Site and to highlight the expected actions and expenditures that might be expected to achieve higher collection efficiency. See Section 4 for future collection efficiency assumptions under anticipated scenarios and Section 5 for additional discussion regarding expected actions and expenditures to achieve these results.

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3.3.2 GCCS Coverage – Quality and Quantity

As can be seen in Figure 2-2, the 2024 expansion of the GCCS provides physical coverage of the GCCS to be relatively complete in Phases I – IV, where the majority of waste disposal has occurred. Note that waste placement has started in Phase V, but GCCS coverage is not yet required in this area (but will be expected within two years).

See Section 4 for future collection efficiency under anticipated scenarios and Section 5 for expected actions and expenditures to achieve these results.

3.4 Observed LFG Methane Content

Attachment F provides a compilation of monthly LFG wellhead and blower/flare station data for Proposer review and information. Wellhead readings from January-June 2023 as published in the semi-annual reporting are provided in digest format. Earlier or more recent wellhead data can be provided upon request. Table 3-2 provides a summary of the average methane content reported at the blower/flare station in recent years.

Table 3-2: Recent Annual Average Methane Concentrations2

Year Annual Average Methane Concentration (%)

2019 51.5 2020 53.1 2021 51.6 2022 49.0 2023 47.9 2024 49.2

3.5 Laboratory Analysis

The County has not commissioned LFG analytical samples in recent years from the existing LFG collection system. Therefore, only fixed gases as measured by monthly wellhead monitoring (GEM-5000) is available (see Attachment F). Reasonable requests for independent testing, monitoring or sampling by Proposers will be allowed at County discretion.

2Annual methane concentration data from the EPA greenhouse gas reporting website:

Section 4 – Potential LFG Collection and GCCS Scenarios

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4 Potential LFG Collection and GCCS Scenarios Attachment A provides the GCCS Design Plan that outlines the conceptual GCCS expansion/improvement designs and layout options though Phase IV. Additionally, site drawings provided in Attachment B show the existing GCCS (as of 2025). Figure 2-2 shows the Landfill footprint and permitted phases/cells with the current GCCS as of 2025.

Future GCCS expansions will be designed, permitted, and installed for future landfill lateral expansions (Phases V-IX) in accordance with scheduling requirements set forth in the applicable regulations or an approved alternative schedule. Conceptual designs for these future phases have not been developed by the County but are expected to follow similar design philosophy and expected well density, sizing, materials, typical details, etc.

(See Attachment A).

These design options are presented for Proposer reference and consideration for future expansion of the GCCS, as it is expected that the Developer will be responsible for expansion of the GCCS (see Section 5). As appropriate, the County will plan to coordinate with the Developer for update of the GCCS Design Plan prior to expansion of the GCCS into Phase V (as required by regulation).

As such the “potentially available LFG” and collection graphs provided in this Section have NOT been added to the GCCS Design Plan as of the date of this RFP, and are provided for Proposers information, planning, and to provide context to the potentially available LFG collection estimates.

4.1 LFG Modeling Summary and Potentially Available LFG

Figure 4-1 presents the combined LFG generation and potentially available (collected) LFG for each of two potential forward-looking GCCS scenarios.

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Figure 4-1: LFG Generation, Recovery and Potential Collection

The Baseline Recovery Scenario assumes achieving an overall 75% collection efficiency (industry standard) by implementing the following (see conceptual/typical ROI and GCCS expansion design basis provided in Attachment A):

• The current GCCS provided in Attachment B. Figure 2-2 shows the Landfill footprint and permitted phases/cells with the current GCCS as of 2025.

• Additional expenditure (to be estimated by Proposer as applicable) to implement the recommendations to address the GCCS liquid levels and issues outlined in Section 3.3.1 and Attachment E.

• Note that the current rated capacity of the blower/flare station (1,500 scfm) will be exceeded in this scenario before 2035 and will require expenditure for upgrade or expansion. Furthermore, large-scale GCCS expansion is expected to occur by 2033 to complete the wellfield across the currently permitted and lined existing landfill footprint (Phases I – V). This expansion should be in general accordance with the GCCS Design plan provided in Attachment A. To cover these costs, Proposers should assume an ADDITIONAL expenditure of approximately $2,000,000 in 2033 (minimum, 2025 dollars) to achieve these GCCS improvements.

• GCCS expansion is expected to occur between 2033 and 2051 to complete the wellfield across the FUTURE landfill footprint (Phases VI – IX). This expansion would be in general accordance with the GCCS Design plan provided in Attachment A. This is estimated to be an ADDITIONAL expenditure of approximately $4,000,000 (minimum, 2025 dollars) in future years to achieve these GCCS improvements.

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Baseline Recovery Scenario Enhanced Recovery Scenario

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• Wellfield monitoring will occur on at least a monthly basis using dedicated field personnel.

The Enhanced Recovery Scenario assumes achieving an overall 90% collection efficiency by implementing the following:

• All the planned collection system improvements listed in the Baseline Recovery Scenario over the course of the project above (estimated minimum $6,000,000 expenditure, 2025 dollars).

• Additional expenditure over the course of the project (to be estimated by Proposer as applicable/desired) to increase the density of wellfield coverage to reflect a tighter average ROI of approximately 100 to 125 feet.

• Note that the current rated capacity of the blower/flare station (1,500 scfm) will be exceeded in this scenario before 2030 and will require expenditure for upgrade or expansion earlier than the Baseline scenario.

• Wellfield monitoring will occur at least every other week (twice per month) using dedicated field personnel.

In addition, both recovery scenarios assume that existing wells are repaired and replaced as needed.

Section 5 – Expected Project Characteristics

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5 Expected Project Characteristics The County is requesting proposals from firms who are interested and qualified to collect, process, sell, and/or beneficially utilize LFG. This RFP is generally intended to result in:

• A Developer to assume full operational responsibility for LFG collection and control, and for controlling LFG emissions at the Landfill (currently handled by the County);

• A new LFGTE Project to beneficially utilize the collected LFG; and,

• Expansion of the GCCS by the Developer as necessary to control LFG emissions, comply with applicable regulations and/or provide additional LFG for the Project.

Proposers should respond to this RFP with proposals for LFGTE projects that correspond with the general attributes listed above, although this RFP is open for other or combination project types at the County’s discretion.

5.1 LFGTE Project Types

In general, the following projects types are expected in response to this RFP: Direct use (“medium Btu”); Electricity generation; or Renewable natural gas (“RNG, high Btu”) processes. Proposers are expected to respond to this RFP with proposals for LFGTE projects that correspond with the general project categories listed above, although this RFP is open for other or combination project types at the County’s discretion. The County will make a final determination as to the structure of the Project at the commencement of any formal contract negotiation process. Section 7 outlines the specific details required to be included in proposals as applicable for each technology type.

5.2 Other Project(s)

Proposers should note that RFP responses with projects that include additional technologies such as solar or wind generation components in addition to the LFG project will be accepted and evaluated. At its discretion, the County may choose to evaluate the merits of these other project types as part of or separate from this RFP process.

5.3 GCCS Operations and Future Expansion

The County requires proposals to include operation, monitoring, and expansion (including design and permitting) of the GCCS at the Landfill. At a minimum, these proposed expansions will require capital expenditure over the course of the contract period, and should be installed to generally match the GCCS recovery scenarios described in Section 4 and described in more detail in the proposal documents required in Section 7. Final designs, expansion and operation of the GCCS will be subject to the requirements of any final agreement or contract between the County and Preferred Proposer and will require County approval. “

Section 5 – Expected Project Characteristics

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Under any approach to the LFGTE project, the Proposer will be expected to be responsible for GCCS operation for LFG emissions control including LFG-related odors, and LFG-related environmental compliance at the Landfill.

5.4 County Project Objectives

1. The County shall derive income from the sale of the collected LFG at the Landfill, this income may include any or all of the following:

o Payment for the LFG fuel on a per Btu basis;

o Percentage of Proposer gross revenue (i.e., electricity, product gas, environmental credits);

o Ground lease payment for Proposer equipment on-site; and/or o Up front or continuing lump-sum payment.

2. The County will also receive on-site services associated with the collection and utilization of the LFG by the Proposer. These will include:

o Conduct all sampling and testing as required for the Project.

o Operate, monitor and maintain the GCCS at the Landfill, including the design, permitting, construction and integration of future GCCS expansions. Collaborate with the County and, as directed, other third-party on-site contractor(s) when planning GCCS expansion activities at the site.

o Design, permit, construct, own and operate the LFGTE project and the GCCS in a manner that will minimize interruption with on-going Landfill operations and not cause regulatory violations of any kind or subsurface LFG migration or combustion.

o Integration of Project equipment with the GCCS and the existing infrastructure at the site;

o Optimization, regular monitoring, and sharing of data associated with the operation of the GCCS and the Project at the site (as applicable per the contract).

3. Continued compliance by the County and the Proposer with all current and future federal, state and local regulatory requirements and health and safety requirements.

Section 6 – Expected Contract Characteristics

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6 Expected Contract Characteristics By submitting a proposal, the Proposer agrees to be generally subject to the contract conditions outlined below (pending contract negotiation), except for those items clearly stated as exceptions in the proposal. Proposals that are conditional on one or more of the expected contractual provisions listed below may be accepted at the County’s discretion.

The contract will be negotiated to the satisfaction of both parties once the Preferred Proposer is chosen through this RFP process – at which point the contracted “Proposer” will become the project “Developer” as termed in this section.

6.1 Landfill Gas Quality and Quantity

The County makes no guarantees as to the quality or quantity of the LFG at the Landfill.

Furthermore, it will be the sole responsibility of the Developer to ensure that the quality and quantity of the medium-BTU gas, generated electrical power, or RNG (high-BTU product gas) will meet the requirements of the industrial user, electrical utility, or pipeline company that will be the ultimate buyer of the product. Should more LFG be extracted from the Landfill than what is accepted by the end user/purchaser, the Developer shall either flare the excess LFG or sell the excess to one or more additional purchasers. The Developer shall be responsible for the design, coordination and construction of any and all necessary piping to the LFG flare for diverting any excess or unusable LFG.

Pending final contractual payment terms, the Developer may be expected to pay the County for all LFG collected regardless if flared or used for beneficial use. In no event shall excess LFG or waste gas be vented without being flared. The Developer shall be responsible for providing flare capacity for the total amount of collected LFG at all times (full redundancy).

6.2 Landfill Gas Ownership

The County will own the LFG generated by the Landfill until the contracted point of sale between the County and the Developer. The Developer will own the LFG collected from the Landfill at and after the contracted point of sale. This point of sale will be identified in the contract.

6.3 Landfill Operations

The Developer shall be required to conduct all its operations so as not to interfere with the Landfill operations and not to interfere with the Landfill’s ability to comply with its permits or with applicable laws or regulations.

6.4 Monetization of Environmental Attributes and Credits

The Developer may have the potential to receive various environmental attributes, incentives, and/or marketable credits for the sale or use of the LFG. These might be RECs for the generation of the electricity, RINs and/or LCFS credits for the generation of transportation fuel, or other marketable credits. These attributes will be identified in the

6-2 contract along with compensation, if any, to the County for the Developer’s monetization of the attributes and/or credits.

6.5 General Facilities Requirements

The Developer shall be solely responsible for the design, construction, and operation of all facilities necessary to complete the proposed Project. The facilities shall be operated in a safe, secure, effective, and efficient manner, and shall be in full compliance with all applicable laws, permits, rules and regulations. These include, but are not limited to, all federal and state health laws, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations, and EPA and NCDEQ Regulations. The facilities will be designed and operated to be secure from hazards such as explosions, leaks and all other dangers to human health and the environment

6.6 GCCS Operation and Expansion

The collection of LFG at the Landfill will require operation, maintenance and expansion of the GCCS within the contract term. The Developer shall be responsible for the planning, design, permitting, and construction of the GCCS expansion activities in accordance with the permit and applicable regulations as needed during the contract Term. The County shall have final approval authority on all aspects of the planning, design, permitting, and construction of the GCCS expansions.

6.7 Physical Assets

At the conclusion of the contract, it is the County’s intent to own the installed GCCS components. The contract with the Developer should allow for physical assets of the GCCS system (including any additional backup blower/flare equipment) to be owned by the County at the end of the contract term. Pending detailed contractual negotiations, ownership of the Developer’s LFGTE plant and processing equipment shall likely be retained by the Developer at the end of the contract term and removed from the Landfill within a specified period of time.

6.8 Permitting and Regulatory - LFGTE

The Developer shall be solely responsible for acquiring all required permits and complying with all local, regional, state, and federal requirements for all design, construction and operation activities related to the Project. If a modification to the existing Landfill permit is required, all regulatory coordination for permit updates shall be the responsibility of the County and any proposed change by the Developer shall be approved by the County.

6.9 Permitting…