LOGAN TWP. A capped landfill in Bridgeport is the newest convert to solar energy and the clean energy source is being used to clean the groundwater there.

Owned by Clean Harbors Environmental Services, the property currently has 6,500 solar panels being erected which will power its water pump and treatment system.

The landfill was closed and capped years ago by federal standards, and has been undergoing groundwater decontamination, a lengthy process that includes pumping the water and putting it through a system of filters before releasing it back into Raccoon Creek.

"We as an environmental company are looking for ways to adopt renewable energy in conduction our operations," said Clean Harbors CEO Bill Geary.

Clean Harbors did a nationwide survey of its properties and chose the Logan Township facility for a few different reasons. First, the fact that it's open space that can't be used for any other purpose, such as recreation or building, made it ideal for solar panel construction.

"It's perfect for the particular purpose because we are able to use a brownfield that otherwise couldn't be used and it's powering the system," Geary said.

Secondly, New Jersey's incentives for the use of solar energy, from its Solar Energy Renewable Credits program to its 30 percent tax credit for construction, New Jersey has proven to be one of the best states to implement a green energy program.

"It's saying great things for New Jersey in creating jobs and creating clean energy," said Jeff Wolfe, the CEO of groSolar, the Vermont-based company that is installing the 1.5 Megawatt system.

The $6.5 million project is being funded by Clean Harbors, which expects to see a return on its investment due to the tax credit and electric usage savings.

Currently the facility's annual electric bill hovers around $270,000. Most of the energy is used to run the pump and treat system, with a minimal amount being used to power offices at the site....

Source: www.nj.com/gloucester