WICHITA FALLS, Texas (KAUZ) – Landfills usually have negative effects on the environment, but the City of Wichita Falls is working to create renewable energy with its facility turning trash into a hidden treasure.

Landfills produce large amounts of greenhouse gases like methane that can be used as an alternative to traditional gas energy such as propane. The city is partnering with Lucy Park Renewable LLC on a project that will not only generate revenue but also save taxpayers from footing the bill for a multimillion-dollar project required to meet Environmental Protection Agency standards.

City Chief Engineer Tyson Traw said the project will save Wichita Falls roughly $9 million.

“Our landfill has aged to the point to where we are just at the trigger for when we were going to have to install this infrastructure. And now our partner’s going to do that for us and be able to market the gas and turn it into a beneficial use,” Traw said.

In addition to the environmental benefits, the city will make at least $30,000 a month from the project. Norman Herrera, CEO of Sparq Renewables, said the process also significantly reduces emissions.

“Methane from landfills is something that is human generated. It’s a large emitter. And so our process is to capture that methane, process it, achieve a high BTU pipeline quality specification and make revenue from that in the sale of that gas,” Herrera said.

As part of the agreement, Lucy Park Renewables is also required to donate $50,000 annually to a Wichita Falls nonprofit. This year’s beneficiary is the organization behind the Hotter’N Hell Hundred. Chairman David Coleman said he was pleasantly surprised.

“My initial reaction was, that’s too good to be true, but it’s true. And it’s just a phenomenal boost for our community, but it definitely helps us to keep our registration fees down. And it’s just a big boost for the entire event,” Coleman said.

City officials said the project has the potential to bring in as much as $80 million over its 20-year term revenue that could ultimately help lower taxes for residents.

Officials also said that the methane-to-energy system is expected to be operating by May 2027.

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