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Archaea Energy Proposes Renewable Natural Gas Facility in Newport Beach

Proposed renewable natural gas facility at the Coyote Canyon Landfill site in Newport Beach

News Summary

Archaea Energy plans to develop a renewable natural gas facility at the former Coyote Canyon Landfill site in Newport Beach. The initiative aims to convert landfill emissions into usable natural gas, transforming waste management practices. This project is currently under review by the Newport Beach officials, with a key planning meeting recently canceled. If approved, the facility will contribute to California’s gas infrastructure and reflect a shift towards sustainable energy solutions. The fate of the proposal will be determined in future discussions.

Newport Beach – A BP subsidiary, Houston-based Archaea Energy, plans to transform the former Coyote Canyon Landfill site into a renewable natural gas facility. The facility, which would be located at 20662 Newport Coast Drive, aims to convert emissions from the dormant landfill into usable natural gas. This initiative is currently under review by Newport Beach officials, but the future of the project remains uncertain as a crucial Planning Commission meeting originally scheduled for May 22, 2023, was canceled.

The proposal from Archaea Energy would utilize landfill gas treatment processes to produce renewable natural gas, which will ultimately be injected into existing Southern California gas infrastructure. Currently, landfill gas at the site is treated and flared off, and this new facility would signify a shift towards capturing and utilizing these emissions.

Facility Specifications

The proposed facility is set to cover approximately 4.14 acres and includes a processing plant that spans 38,500 square feet. The processing plant will consist of pipe racks, vessels, tanks, and various pieces of processing equipment. Other essential components of the facility will include water and septic storage tanks, underground power and telecommunications connections, and access roads for vehicular traffic.

The landfill gas treatment process will commence at an existing flaring facility that is operated by Orange County Waste and Recycling. After treatment, the landfill gas will travel through an underground supply line for further processing before being injected into the SoCalGas infrastructure. Additionally, a proposed 6,000-square-foot pipeline interconnection facility is planned to monitor the quality of the renewable natural gas produced.

Company Background

Archaea Energy, which was acquired by BP in 2022, specializes in renewable natural gas facilities and landfill-gas-to-electric projects. With operations spanning across 32 states, Archaea has established nine renewable natural gas plants since 2024. BP has been actively investing in the U.S. renewable energy landscape, committing over $6 billion last year alone. With this investment, BP aims to become the largest producer of renewable natural gas in the nation.

Significance for the Community

The Coyote Canyon Landfill operated for nearly three decades, from 1963 until its closure in 1990. The proposal to develop a renewable natural gas facility at this location not only aims to enhance the region’s energy production but also reflects a broader trend toward sustainable waste management and energy generation practices.

Next Steps

Archaea’s proposal will be reconsidered at a future Planning Commission meeting, with the potential for further consideration by the Newport Beach City Council. The outcome of these discussions will determine whether the project moves forward or is halted.

The transition from flaring landfill gas to producing renewable natural gas demonstrates a significant shift in how waste management can contribute to cleaner energy solutions. As Newport Beach officials review this proposal, the community remains focused on the possible environmental benefits and the infrastructure development that could emerge from this initiative.