The city has been asked to help find a 2-acre site for the first-of-its-kind demonstration facility that would produce electricity, heat and hydrogen while also bringing international attention to Eureka and the prospect of potential grant funding, according to supporters.

Peter Lehman, director of the Schatz Energy Research Center at Humboldt State University, said methane gas from the Cummings Road landfill can be harnessed using clean technology.

”This is a local resource that right now we waste,” he said.

Lehman said the power park idea comes from a student-designed entry in an international National Hydrogen Association contest. They won the grand prize. He said the facility would “put Eureka on the map.”

Lehman said PG&E has expressed interest in building a pipeline to take the gas from the landfill to the facility and Chevron is co-funding a feasibility study on the project.

Councilman Chris Kerrigan and several council members voiced support for exploring alternative energy sources.

”As we look to the future, this potential project has some major, major benefits to the city and its economy,” he said.

While two speakers supported the project, two others urged caution.

”If you have enough money you can build something that works, but is not practical in the real world,” said Eureka resident Thomas Stewart.

Councilwoman Mary Beth Wolford said it will be important to work with the landfill's neighbors to address concerns as the project moves along.