Monterey Park : Gas-to-Electricity Plan OKd

The Monterey Park Planning Commission, by a 4-0 vote with Commissioner David Barron abstaining, has approved a permit allowing Getty Synthetic Fuels Inc. to convert landfill gas to electrical energy. Barron abstained because he is employed by Southern California Edison Co., which will buy the electrical power. Getty has been drawing methane gas out of the Operating Industries landfill and refining it for sale to the Southern California Gas Co. but sought the permit to convert the plant to produce electrical energy, which is more profitable. The methane conversion plant is situated at the western edge of the landfill, beside the Pomona Freeway.