Colorado landfills face millions in new methane emission rules

A sweeping new regulation from the colorado Air Quality Control Commission threatens to saddle county governments with crippling costs – potentially reaching tens of millions of dollars – as landfills grapple with mandatory methane emission controls.

A toxic legacy: landfills as a major greenhouse gas source

colorado’s landfills are currently the state’s third-largest contributor to methane emissions, releasing a staggering 1.3 million tons annually. While representing only approximately 1% of the state’s overall greenhouse gas output, methane’s potency – 80 times greater than carbon dioxide – amplifies its impact dramatically. This isn't a minor inconvenience; it’s a substantial environmental and economic challenge.

Commissioner Tim Malone of Morgan County succinctly captures the dilemma: “It’s just unrealistic, some of the numbers.” Malone estimates that implementing a gas collection and control system will require investments between $4 and $6 million, with ongoing monitoring, reporting, and maintenance adding at least $1 million annually – effectively an unfunded mandate.

State intervention: a bill to provide financial relief

Recognizing the potential financial strain, two state senators – Republican Byron Pelton and Democrat Dylan Roberts – have introduced legislation to ease the burden. The bill aims to qualify counties for crucial grant funding through two existing state coffers.

Beyond cost: addressing environmental concerns

Pelton stresses the shared goal: “Nobody is saying that they don’t want clean air. What they’re saying is ‘we don’t want to raise fees so high that it becomes an affordability problem to dump our trash.’” He warns that increased fees could incentivize illegal dumping, undermining the very objective the regulation seeks to achieve.

Brian Loma, a spokesperson for GreenLatinos, underscores the particularly toxic nature of landfill-derived methane, citing sources like meat processing facilities in Weld County and the disposal of children’s diapers and construction materials. He argues that the long-term benefits of methane capture significantly outweigh the initial costs, a perspective vehemently contested by Malone, who insists that the financial realities for many counties are simply unsustainable.

Implementation timeline and scope

The new rule applies to landfills exceeding 450,000 tons in capacity – approximately 15 to 16 facilities across Colorado. However, Loma highlights a potential shift due to an upcoming statewide recycling program, which could reduce the number of affected landfills. Counties have a three-year window to submit their methane capture plans and then an additional 18 months to implement them. The bill passed the Senate Transportation and Energy Committee unanimously, signaling momentum toward final passage.

Ultimately, this isn't about resisting clean air; it’s about ensuring responsible implementation without bankrupting communities.