The Jackson County Green Energy Park project captures methane gas from a local landfill to provide heat for various artisan studios, including glassblowing, metalworking, and pottery kilns. It has restored an eyesore property into a usable facility that hosts classes and events promoting arts education. Future plans include an Artisans' Complex to house more working studios and rental spaces to create jobs and increase tourism. The park has received over 15,000 visitors and hosts an annual youth arts festival attracting hundreds. It demonstrates the economic and environmental benefits of converting landfill gas into a productive resource.

1. Jackson County Green Energy Park

2. Project Overview
Captures 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)

3. Landfill Gas Supply System
Methane 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

4. Site Clean-up
Over 550 tons
of loose debris
and trash
removed from
project site.
After clean-up
Original mess
Site for old
recycling center
and trash transfer
station had
accumulated many
years’ worth of
salvaged materials
and junk.
Unsightly
brownfield
restored to
usable facility
and attractive,
green space.

5. 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.
Original Mess
Crafts Building
reconstructed to house
blacksmith and foundry
shop, glassblowing
studio, and a gallery.
Crafts Building 2009

6. Glassblowing
1 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.

7. Metals Studio
Only blacksmith forges
and foundry in the world
fired 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.

8. Metals Studio/Foundry
First (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.

9. Ceramics Kiln
Anagama-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.

10. Greenhouses
Old gutter-connect
greenhouses donated by Coy
Melton.
~ $25,000 savings by reusing
steel greenhouse framework.
USDA and Rural Center grants
funded reconstruction.
Original donation
Over 7,500 sq. ft. of
greenhouse space
reconstructed.
Hydronic heating system.
Boiler operates on LFG or
biodiesel/fuel oil.
Under reconstruction

11. Greenhouses
8,000 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.

12. th
6
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!

13. Visitors to the Green Energy Park
NC 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.

14. 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:
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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
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15. Artisans’ Complex
to Glass
Shop
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16. 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