The landfill gas collection system at the Kiefer Landfill was the first phase in the County of Sacramento's plan to develop a landfill to energy project. Phase one began at the end of 1995 when Landfill Energy Systems, (LES) was selected from a competitive bid field of fourteen other project developers. The County awarded LES a contract for the installation of a landfill gas collection system complete with a blower flare station. LES provided the design, all major equipment and start-up services for the collection system and flare station.

In 1996 LES installed 145 gas collection wells, a blower station and a flare designed to handle 7.2 million standard cubic feet of gas per day. The project is currently processing over 6.0 million cubic feet of landfill gas per day.

The collection system, which is owned by Sacramento Gas Produces, began commercial operation in January 1997. The landfill gas that is collected is sold to the County for consumption in its 9-megawatt electrical generating facility.

In addition to fueling the plant, landfill gas is used for condensate disposal. LES designed, installed, permitted and currently operates and maintains a condensate injection system. The condensate is injected into the flare where it is destroyed by incineration. The water portion is flashed into steam. The result is a significant cost reduction for condensate disposal.

LES provides a full-time wellfield technician to perform operation and maintenance services for the collection system and blower flare station. LES also works with the County to recommend improvements to the collection system, as the Kiefer Landfill is an actively filling Landfill.