Jackson County Green Energy Park

Project OverviewCaptures methane gas from the

old Dillsboro landfill for use as

a fuel.

Promotes increased economic

development, environmental

protection, and education

opportunities.

Provide process heat for:

Blacksmith forges

Metal Foundry

Glassblowing studios

Greenhouses

Fabric dyeing

Pottery kilns (future)

Landfill Gas Supply SystemMethane gas is created as food waste, yard trimmings, and other organic materials decompose in the landfill in the absence of oxygen.

9 acre landfill with 13 gas wells

Average gas flow - 40 cubic feet per min

Methane content - 65%

Heating value - 1.2 Million Btu/hr

– 1 Btu = Heat of 1 kitchen match

– Average residential gas furnace = 60,000 Btu/hr

– LFG resource ~ 20 gas furnaces burning continuously

Site Clean-up

Site for old recycling center and trash transfer station had accumulated many years’ worth of salvaged materials and junk.

Over 550 tonsof loose debris and trash removed from project site.

Original mess

After clean-up

Unsightly brownfield restored to usable facility and attractive, green space.

Crafts Building Rehabilitation

Old trash transfer station was in serious disrepair, with no interior walls, electricity, or lighting, and most of the siding missing or damaged.

Crafts Building reconstructed to house blacksmith and foundry shop, glassblowing studio, and a gallery.

Original Mess

Crafts Building 2009

Glassblowing1 of only 3 Glass Shops in

the world to use landfill gas

as fuel.

Eight (8) regional glass

artists currently renting

shop space.

Facilitating the creation of

private sector jobs.

Offering unique training

opportunities.

Public glassblowing classes

extremely popular, with

100’s of participants

including both locals and

visitors.

Metals Studio

Only blacksmith forges and foundry in the worldfired on landfill gas.

High temperatures to date: 2373 F!

Facility provides forges, metalworking equipment, and studio spaces for three smiths, plus foundry area.

Public blacksmith classes open to adults and teens.

Metals Studio/FoundryFirst (and only) LFG-fired art foundry in the world.

Partnership with WCU offers metal casting opportunities to Fine Arts students.

Bronze plaque poured for Cherokee Language Center.

Foundry opens new opportunities for metal artists.

Public metal pours offer education, art exploration, and unique adventures.

Ceramics KilnAnagama-style kiln fueled

with wood and waste

vegetable oil.

Public-access kiln allows

both hobbyists and

professionals to utilize

renewable fuels and expand

their businesses.

100 cu. ft. kiln designed by

WCU alumni Preston and

Sara Tolbert.

Kiln built by WCU alumni,

students, and faculty.

GreenhousesOld gutter-connect

greenhouses donated by Coy

Melton.

~ $25,000 savings by reusing

steel greenhouse framework.

USDA and Rural Center grants

funded reconstruction.

Over 7,500 sq. ft. of

greenhouse space

reconstructed.

Hydronic heating system.

Boiler operates on LFG or

biodiesel/fuel oil.

Original donation

Under reconstruction

Greenhouses8,000 gallon rainwater collection system nearly eliminates use of water from TWSA.

Solar heat stored in water-filled 55-gallon drums.

Allows County Grounds Department to reduce costs while continuing to install beautiful plants around the County.

Greenhouse also used by SCC grounds dept.

6th annual Youth Arts Festival Annual arts festival, free of

charge to public.

200 attendees – 1st year

Over 1,500 attendees in 2012!

600 attendees in 2013 in the

pouring rain!

Hands-on art activities for kids of

all ages.

35 artisans demonstrating their

skills and meeting the public.

Music and dance groups all day.

Excellent educational

opportunities for kids!

Great community impact!

Visitors to the Green Energy ParkNC Governor Beverly Perdue

U.S. Senator Richard Burr

U.S. Congressman Heath Shuler

Appalachian Regional Commission national conference

Visiting engineers, politicians, and artisans from 12 countries, including Brazil, Mexico, Ukraine, Poland, Serbia, Canada, and India.

Constant influx of tour groups from regional schools, church groups, homeschoolers, universities, and public organizations.

Future of GEP - Artisans’ Complex

Redevelop old Webster Enterprises warehouse into a series of working

artisan studios and other spaces.

Construction of the Artisan’s Complex will complete the original Green

Energy Park Master Plan and meet all funding commitments.

Low-cost rental studio spaces will create opportunities for resident

artisans, coupling private-sector job creation with expanded tourism.

As seen in Asheville’s River Arts District, developing a community of

working artisans leads directly to significant increases in local tourism.

Yearly rental income for GEP will increase by at least $50,000 per year,

offsetting a large portion of project operating costs.

Artisans’ Complex will include:

– Pottery studio, fully equipped with 4 bench stations

– 14 rental studio spaces

– Multi-purpose Education Center

– Professional-level Gallery

– Outdoor seating areas

– Access to wood kiln

– Offices, reception area, restrooms, and maintenance facilities 14

Artisans’ Complex

to Glass

Shop

15

Contact Information

Jackson County Green Energy Park

828/631-0271 phone/fax

www.JCGEP.org

Timm Muth – Project Director

828/507-1800

tmuth@jacksonNC.org