Newland Park Landfill to Turn Methane Into Natural Gas

Wicomico County, MD - Wicomico County is moving ahead with a plan to turn gas from the Newland Park Landfill in Salisbury into natural gas that can go straight into a pipeline. County Executive Julie Giordano shared an update on the project, and gas production is expected to start in the spring or summer of 2028.

The county spent close to a year looking over the deal before signing agreements with WAGA Energy. The company will build a cryogenic distillation facility at the landfill, and it's expected to be the first one of its kind in Maryland.

Cryogenic distillation uses very cold temperatures to separate gases. At Newland Park, it will pull methane and other landfill gases apart and clean them up so the gas is pipeline quality.

Landfills give off a lot of methane, and methane is a strong greenhouse gas. Capturing it keeps it out of the air and turns it into energy the county can use.

Giordano said the project shows what the county can do when it looks for long-term answers.

"This project is another example of what can happen when we focus on innovation, responsible government, and long-term solutions," said County Executive Julie Giordano. "We are turning what was once considered a waste product into a valuable energy resource while strengthening our infrastructure and protecting our environment. I am incredibly proud of our Department of Public Works and the partnerships making this possible."

The county has also gone to the Maryland Energy Administration for help. It's working with the state agency through its Local Government Energy Modernization (L-GEM) Grant Program on planning and building the infrastructure the project needs.

Work behind the scenes started in November 2025. Since then, WAGA Energy, local utility companies and Archaea, the company that already turns the landfill's gas into energy for the county, have worked together on easements, agreements and plans to connect to the natural gas system.

Engineering and work on the facility are now underway. Until the new plant is up and running, Archaea will keep turning the landfill's methane into electricity.

That keeps gas collection going without a break, and it keeps the landfill in line with air emissions rules. Once WAGA Energy starts operating, Archaea is expected to stay at Newland Park as an electrical peaking facility.

A peaking facility makes extra electricity during times when people across the region are using the most power. It helps keep the lights on when demand is high.

Giordano said the project is meant to help people in the county now and down the road.

"This is exactly the kind of forward-thinking investment that benefits our residents today while preparing our county for tomorrow," Giordano added. "Through strong leadership, strategic partnerships, and responsible planning, we are finding innovative ways to improve government operations and create long-term value for our community."

Giordano thanked the Department of Public Works, WAGA Energy, Archaea, the Maryland Energy Administration and the utility companies taking part for their work to move the project forward.