BEND, OR -- A private developer is moving ahead with plans to harness the gas emitted at the Knott Landfill in Bend. Timm Schimke, Deschutes County’s solid waste director says, "Originally Waste To Energy Group came forth with an unsolicited proposal to install a landfill gas to energy project here at the landfill. They had a very unique approach, which seemed to fit well with our landfill being relatively small and very dry – which is usually not good for landfill gas production – but they proposed to enhance gas production. It was a very favorable contract for the county; there was no financial risk for us."

But Schimke says after the contract was signed last year, delays occured when the California-based company failed to secure necessary funding. "Just recently, within the last 60 days or so, I got word they were successful with funding," Schimke says. "So, they are starting the process to schedule the initial stages of work, which is some engineering work and scientific evaluations of the landfill. And we gave them information on what they would need to complete a site plan review needed for the Community Development Department. Once that’s done, they’ll go through a DEQ permitting process."