Short Mountain FAQs

How did Short Mountain begin?

The project began development in 1985 when EPUD approached Lane County with the idea to capture methane gas from the landfill and turn it into electricity. The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) had mandated that counties take measures to reduce greenhouse gases, and the County later put out a request for proposals that was granted to EPUD. 

What are the benefits of Short Mountain?

The Short Mountain project brings many benefits to the local community, EPUD, and the Pacific Northwest. As a “green” or “renewable” resource, it is consistent with the resource priorities of our customers and the region. It uses the best available emission-control technology, and significantly reduces methane, a powerful greenhouse gas, which naturally escapes from the landfill.

Equally important, Short Mountain is a relatively low-cost resource that helps keep Emerald's rates stable. Lane County also receives a royalty of about $20,000 per year, and avoided having to build a $1.1 million collection system. The project also contributes over $15,000 per year in property taxes to schools and local and state governments.

Why doesn’t EPUD approve of the current Lane County Food Waste study?  

We are not opposed to the Lane County Food Waste study; our concern was that the proposed study didn’t include looking at the negative impacts to the energy generation at Short Mountain. Lane County has since agreed to include this in their study.

Why would EPUD terminate the contract with Lane County?

EPUD is considering terminating our contract with Lane County in an effort to ensure an adequate supply of power at a cost our customers can afford. Generation at Short Mountain has declined by 37% since a peak in 1999, largely due to the loss of yard waste and debris to recycling programs. While recycling is good for the environment, it has reduced landfill gas at Short Mountain. If the County builds a digester and diverts food waste from Short Mountain, it would cut down the landfill gas significantly and further reduce our energy generation.