New CNG Project in Lancaster, PA

The Lancaster County Solid Waste Management Authority (LCSWMA) has recently announced the opening of its $4.8 million compressed natural gas (CNG) project.

Noted Jim Warner, the Authority’s chief executive officer. “We’re bringing a cleaner technology to our community and making the way for a future that’s more environmentally friendly and economically sound.”

LCSWMA’s CNG project includes 14 new Peterbilt transfer trucks with Cummins-Westport ISX 12L CNG engines, costing around $2.2 million total.

LCSWMA purchased the fleet in 2013 and transitioned them into operation last month.

The trucks transfer waste from LCSWMA’s Transfer Station in Lancaster to its waste-to-energy facilities in Bainbridge and Harrisburg, as well as to its landfill in Conestoga.

Previously, LCSWMA used diesel-powered trucks that consumed an average of 140,000 gallons of diesel fuel annually. To help offset the incremental difference (37%) of purchasing the CNG trucks versus diesel trucks, LCSWMA received a $350,000 grant from the PA Department of Environmental Protection (PA-DEP), as part of their Pennsylvania Natural Gas Energy Development Program.

Converting its fleet also required LCSMWA to install CNG fueling infrastructure at its Transfer Station Complex. While LCSWMA will utilize a time-fill (overnight) fueling system with 16 pumps for its fleet, this project also includes a fast-fill fueling system with four pumps for waste haulers and other select fleets.

Total cost for construction of the dual-station CNG fueling infrastructure was about $2.6 million. This is the first system of its kind in Lancaster County.

Category: Engines & Drivetrains, General Update, Green