One of the main reasons we’re known as the only fully integrated waste company in Tulsa is the fact that we own our own landfill. It’s considered one of the best in the state of Oklahoma.
We are the only landfill in the state capturing methane gas to power our own waste to energy facility supplying power to nearly 5000 homes every day in the local community.
We’re very proud of that fact and continue to look for ways we can improve our environment and make our community a better place to live. From our liner design and leachate system to our quality control practices, we surpass ODEQ requirements for quality assurance testing.
AEL stands second to none when it comes to our commitment to the environment and innovation. We’re dedicated to our community and work hard to make Tulsa sustainable for generations to come.
With over 220 acres of permitted landfill space available for construction, AEL is committed to Tulsa’s future and assuring the safest and most cost effective disposal solution available in Green Country.
Basic Facts:
• American Environmental Landfill is constructed of a one foot clay liner, Geo-Synthetic Clay Liner (GCL), 60 mil HPPE Liner, Geo-Net, Leachate collection system, two foot sand blanket and a special interceptor water line to ensure water is kept away from the landfill.
• We designed our landfill with overlapping environmental protection systems so that we contain a wide variety of materials while protecting the community in which we live.
• AEL takes many precautions to ensure the environment is free from any contaminants. By closely monitoring ground and surface water and methane, AEL ensures that the landfill site performs as designed and protects the environment.
• Tracking ground and surface water and methane migration patterns allows AEL to detect migration quickly. In addition, AEL has developed important groundwater monitoring well installation and sampling procedures that help eliminate the common problem of measuring contamination from sources unrelated to the landfill. Our experienced hydrologist and other specialists constantly interpret groundwater monitoring data and statistics for fast, appropriate response.
• AEL’s LFG monitoring system consists of a perimeter compliance network of 12 gas probes located at or near the permit boundary. Monthly monitoring of the probes is conducted by 3rd party LFG consultants. Should methane levels exceed the lower explosive limit in any of the gas probes, AEL employs effective design alternatives to prevent potential migration of the methane. The recommended alternative will depend on methane value, soil conditions, climate, depth to an impermeable layer and distance to buildings. Follow-up monitoring ensures these measures are effective.
• We also have a strict screening protocol for special waste so that we’re sure to always protect our surrounding areas and the well being of our employees. Liquids and semi-solid waste typically are rejected at a standard solid waste facility to limit leachate production in the landfill. With the liquid solidification program at AEL, liquids and semi-solid wastes can be accepted and mixed with a bulking material for proper disposal in the landfill.
• This makes it easy and convenient for waste haulers throughout the area. AEL has capacity to store and process over 80,000 gallons of liquid special waste at one time!
Waste to Energy Project:
With our new waste to energy facility, we are generating enough electricity to power nearly 5000 homes in Oklahoma. We’re very proud of the fact we can cut emissions and provide a unique source of power to local homes.
• The project relies on methane-rich landfill gas made by decomposing waste that could not be recycled at the landfill. Landfill gas is about 50 percent methane, the primary component of natural gas.
• Our goal was to find a way to harness the waste our city produces so we could cut emissions levels of methane gas, plus use it as an energy source to benefit the community.
• The power generated by AEL is used locally by the Oklahoma Municipal Power Authority, which supplies power to Pawhuska and 38 other small Oklahoma communities.
Environmental Stewardship. Our system is not only generating electricity, but its offsetting fossil fuel consumption and reducing greenhouse gas to create huge benefits for the community. We began our trash to energy project in 2008, and now we have the capacity to treat millions of pounds of waste per year.
