A model of the Glasgow Regional Landfill showing the proposed gas extraction wells sits on display during the announcement of a new methane gas recovery system which will be installed at the landfill, in Glasgow, Ky., Wednesday, April 9, 2014. The gas will be used to create electricity for the city. (Alex Slitz/Daily News)

GLASGOW — The Glasgow Regional Landfill will soon be making its trash an environmental treasure.

The Landfill Methane Gas Recovery and Utilization project was introduced today at the landfill. The project will take methane from the ground at the landfill and convert it to electricity that will power about 500 homes. The project will be operational within 90 days, but that is only the beginning of the project, said Glasgow Mayor Rhonda Trautman, who walked away before for a more extensive interview could be conducted.

Governor Steve Beshear spoke at the event where about 40 or so people gathered. He praised Glasgow for its innovative project.

“It’s not only going to save money. It’s going to save energy,” Beshear said.

The methane recovery system will also provide an emergency backup service to the city’s wastewater treatment plant, which will save $400,000 to buy a new generator for the plant.

The Kentucky Energy Efficiency and Conservation for Local Governments program gave a $100,000 grant for the project, and the city of Glasgow gave $212,000, according to a release from the governor’s office. The Farmers Rural Electric and East Kentucky Power helped Glasgow secure a $1 million no-interest loan from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant Program for construction of the system.

“The Glasgow Regional Landfill will lease space to East Kentucky Power to construct a facility to house their generator. Once the new system is operational, the gas will be sold to East Kentucky Power for conversion to electricity, putting the energy onto the local FRECC power grid,” according to the release.

The system is projected to generate 7.5 million kilowatt-hours each year, according to the release.

No specific time frame was given for how long it will take before the system is fully operational.

— More on this story in tomorrow’s Daily News by business beat reporter Monica Spees. Follow her on Twitter at twitter.com/BGDNbusiness or visit bgdailynews.com.