Fighting Creek landfill sees higher seasonal volume; county reports steady gas collection and potential second generator in 2027

Kootenai County officials told commissioners April 7 that Fighting Creek Landfill has experienced higher seasonal volumes and that landfill gas collection is operating within expected seasonal ranges.

"The landfill's been receiving an average recently of approximately 800 tons per day of municipal solid waste," Solid Waste Director John Phillips said, adding that crews have kept up with placement of intermediate cover and installation of horizontal gas collection devices.

Phillips reported the county is collecting about 1,550 standard cubic feet per minute (SCFM) of landfill gas, with seasonal fluctuation of roughly ±200 SCFM; he said roughly 1,000 SCFM is typically used by the two‑engine gas‑to‑energy plant while the remainder is combusted in flares. "KRE, the company that owns the gas‑to‑energy plant, is interested in possibly installing a second generator," Phillips said, but he added any installation would likely be in 2027 and the contract would be revisited if KRE proceeds.

Phillips also described routine spring cleanup work including litter removal along Highway 95 and placement of intermediate cover to minimize odors for neighbors. He emphasized continued attention to landfill gas system maintenance and incremental horizontal collection ahead of refuse placement.

The commission did not take any formal action at the meeting; Phillips said county staff will continue operations and revisit the KRE contract if the company pursues a second generator.