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Redstone Arsenal, Solid Waste Disposal Authority receive City’s Air Pollution Control awards

Published on February 5, 2026

The City of Huntsville’s Air Pollution Control Board recognized two entities for their efforts in preserving the environment at the Air Pollution Control Achievement Awards. The honorees were Redstone Arsenal and the Solid Waste Disposal Authority of the City of Huntsville.

The awards program was established in 1997 to recognize voluntary efforts to reduce air pollutant emissions by industrial, institutional and commercial facilities within Huntsville. The intent is to promote pollution prevention projects and increase public awareness.

Director of Natural Resources Darlene Elliott, right, Mayor Tommy Battle, second to right and members of the Air Pollution Control Board presented the Clean Air Awards to Redstone Arsenal and the Solid Waste Disposal Authority.

“Preserving and protecting our environment is a job that takes all of us and I commend Redstone Arsenal and the Solid Waste Disposal Authority for being leaders in our community,” Mayor Tommy Battle said. “Huntsville is committed to meeting the highest standards set by the Clean Air Act, which is another indicator of why Huntsville is a great place to live, work and play.”

Category 1 – Emission Reduction, Fully Implemented Projects, Award Winners

Redstone Arsenal: A 38,000-acre U.S. Army military installation that adjoins Huntsville, Alabama, Redstone entered into an agreement in 2024 with The Solid Waste Disposal Authority of the City of Huntsville (SWDA) for the installation and operation of a 12.4-MW turbine to provide electricity to Redstone’s power grid, supporting facilities and operations on the military installation. Steam produced by SWDA’s waste-to-energy facility is used to power the turbine to provide an estimated 60,000 MWh of electricity annually, replacing power that would otherwise be provided by TVA with locally produced renewable energy. This equates to regional reductions in emissions oxides of nitrogen (NOx) of roughly 6 tons per year (TPY), regional reductions of sulfur dioxide (SO2) of roughly 8 TPY and regional reductions of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of about 20,000 TPY.

Solid Waste Disposal Authority of City of Huntsville (SWDA): SWDA is a public nonprofit corporation that provides integrated solid waste management and disposal services for Huntsville and Madison County. In 2024, SWDA partnered with Redstone Arsenal for the installation and operation of a 12.4-MW turbine to provide electricity to the power grid serving the Redstone U.S. Army military installation. Steam produced by SWDA’s waste-to-energy facility is used to power the turbine to provide an estimated 60,000 MWh of electricity annually, replacing power that would otherwise by provided by TVA with locally produced renewable energy. This equates to regional reductions in emissions oxides of nitrogen (NOx) of roughly 6 tons per year (TPY), regional reductions of sulfur dioxide (SO2) of roughly 8 TPY and regional reductions of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of about 20,000 TPY.

“The City closely monitors the air quality levels and Redstone Arsenal and the Solid Waste Disposal Authority are making a positive impact toward keeping the pollution levels low,” said Darlene Elliott, the City’s Director of Natural Resources. “We look forward to recognizing more companies and organizations in their partnership to ensure Huntsville’s air remains clean.”

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