21-05-2025
Landfill methane gas project will start larger than expected in Elkhart County
GOSHEN — Elkhart County is one step closer to a landfill expansion project that would provide renewable natural gas through the county's trash.
Elkhart County Commissioners approved on Monday two agreements with Northern Biogas for the incoming methane gas plant.
Commissioners were informed on Monday that it's believed the landfill project will able to be monetized, and to such an extent that it was recommended the facility be built to max specifications.
'It is beneficial for Elkhart County to expand its services to the maximum capacity available, because the more flow that goes through, the more money Elkhart County ultimately earns under its contract,' county attorney Steven Olsen told commissioners. 'The contractor has determined that prior to even building it, we need to build it up to its maximum capacity and have the two extensions permitted under the contract.'
The expansion rights acknowledgement signed by the commissioners allows up to a third expansion, and at least 2,000 standard cubic feet per minute from the starting point, rather than expanding to it at a later date. The acknowledgement also gives two five-year extensions on the agreement.
Commissioners also approved a memorandum of license establishing the location where the conversion system will be placed and land limits.
A notice to proceed was tabled during the meeting, and Olsen explained that it was because the county is waiting on one final certificate of insurance, which may be received as early as next Monday. Once it's in, the project can move forward.
OTHER BOARD ITEMS
• Commissioners approved expansions of South Benton Tax Increment Finance District and Middlebury East TIF District, from resolutions made by the plan commission.
• Crossroads Community Church, 57415 Alpha Drive, Goshen, will be having fireworks and a celebration from 6:30-10:30 p.m. Thursday, July 3. The public is invited to attend. Commissioners approved a noise ordinance variance for the church to have live music and a large crowd for the event.
• Commissioners approved an independent contractor agreement with Terracon Consultants Inc., and approved the company for a geotechnical evaluation of C.R. 6. The project, to be completed within a 12-week period, will cost $42,564.
• Commissioners approved work orders with Network Solutions Incorporated to establish hourly professional services charge to work with third party contractors for programming for the new courthouse for up to $20,500, and for Interlink Group, Inc. for a quarter cabinet on their site along with additional cross-connects at $850.
• Commissioners approved a task order with MainMicro Technologies Corp. to establish specific software and licensing necessary for security purposes.
• They also approved five special purchase resolutions for IT technology.
• The Elkhart County Plan Commission requested approved of multiple amendments to the Elkhart County Development Ordinance including lighting standards, clarifying buffering standards for contractors, and allowing for a plat committee to approve developmental variations when in conjunction with minor and major subdivisions.
