A confidential pilot facility converts naturally occurring microbes in an underground coal seam into renewable biomethane. Merrick supported this first-of-its-kind effort with process engineering, cost estimating, detailed design and construction support. The system recycles up to 420,000 gallons of water per day, delivers nutrient blends to stimulate microbial activity and enhances anaerobic digestion to increase biomethane output.

To translate this novel concept into a scalable production platform, Merrick designed an integrated above-and-below-ground system that manages nutrient dosing, water balance and gas collection. Four injection wells and 13 production wells are positioned across a 160-acre site and monitored through automated controls that manage flow, pressure and chemical delivery. This approach creates a repeatable framework for future facilities, reducing operational uncertainty and enabling predictable, efficient biomethane production from unconventional resources.