By NICOLE CARTRETTE
Staff Writer

It sounds too good to be true.

That’s what some commissioners are saying about a recent proposal by an environmental firm. William Binker of Enerdyne Power Systems told the Columbus County Board of Commissioners recently that his firm will come into the closed New Hope Landfill, purchase and operate all equipment associated with a project that could make the county money.

Binker explained greenhouse gases are bad for the atmosphere and deplete the ozone. Environmental laws allow companies with emissions in excess of what is allowable to offset that damage by purchases “carbon credits” from entities that are preventing emissions. In the case of the closed New Hope Landfill the operation would burn off greenhouse gases being admitted into the atmosphere and therefore have carbon credits to sell.

Binker said if the county has other uses for the gas, such as a sale to a customer or electric company, that option is available also.

“It’s a turn key job,” Binker said,, pointing out his company had built 12 similar projects in the state. “This site has some potential from what we see.”

Essentially the company would be given rights to the gases at the landfill and through an environmental service agreement own the gases and sell the credits. Once the company costs were recouped, Binker said the county could get a 25 percent share of the future profits.

“There is no negative way to look at a project like this –there is nothing bad that can come of it,” Binker said. “The longer you guys wait the more potential revenue is being lost.”

“From what I am hearing right now we can’t loose,” said Interim Finance Director and now Interim County Manager Leo Hunt.

“Time is of the essence,” Chairman Sammie Jacobs said of the landfill that’s gases are being released into the atmosphere daily. “Its at no cost to the county.”

Yet, some board members are skeptical if not thinking a better deal needs to be negotiated.

Commissioner James Prevatte asked about how carbon credit sales work.

“It sounded too good to be true,” Commissioner Ricky Bullard said. “I’m very hesitant when it sounds so good.” As for the split of profit he would like to see more than 25 percent.

“I think 60/40 may be better than 75/25,” Bullard said of future profits above the company’s costs.

“They’re taking all the responsibility,” Commissioner Memory said. “If we don’t get any money at least we are burning off the gas (a danger to the environment).”

Commissioner Amon McKenzie asked if burning the gase could be a hazard to citizens.

Binker said no.

Public Utilities Director Leroy Sellers asked about oversight of or cost reports and the county’s ability to see revenue data.

Binker said a private-public entity would be set up and “everything would run through those books.

“We have never offered this at no cost to a county,” he said.