Methane from Sioux Falls landfill could help fuel ethanol plant Eds: APNewsNow.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) Methane gas from the Sioux Falls Regional Landfill could soon help fuel a nearby ethanol plant.

The city and ethanol producer Poet on Thursday are expected to sign a 10-year contract pledging the city would build an 11-mile methane gas pipeline from the landfill to Poet's Chancellor plant.

Mark Cotter, Sioux Falls' public works director, said the project would cost about $4.3 million and generate about $1.8 million in annual gross revenue.

Cotter said the landfill could begin delivering methane gas, a natural byproduct of decomposing waste, to Poet sometime in the first half of 2009.

James Moe, chief operating officer of Poet plant management, said it will be the first landfill gas project within the Poet organization.

Information from: Argus Leader, http://www.argusleader.com (Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 04-10-08 0858CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list