KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) – The City of Keene has successfully addressed power generation violations at its transfer station, working closely with the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NH DES). The issues stemmed from the use of a backup generator and non-compliance with state regulations regarding primary power sources.

The violations were linked to the use of an emergency generator, which was deployed at the Keene Transfer Station during interruptions with the primary landfill gas-fired generator, according to a news release. The station, which processes household waste and recyclables, relies on power generated from landfill methane. However, between 2014 and 2017, the gas-to-energy system faced repeated reliability issues, forcing the city to rely on the backup generator. Although city officials considered this an emergency solution, NH DES did not classify it as such.

After receiving the violations, the City of Keene worked quickly to resolve the matter, the release said. A biofuel generator, installed in 2018 with the aid of an EPA grant, is now serving as the station’s primary power source, while the backup generator remains available for emergencies. The city is now fully in compliance with NH DES regulations, which require specific performance testing, emission controls, and regular reporting for primary power generators.

Duncan Watson, Keene’s Assistant Public Works Director, played a leading role in resolving the power generation issues and ensuring compliance.