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Issue link: http://wateronline.epubxp.com/i/79777
Feature Blue Plains Wastewater Treatment Plant, set for completion in 2014, will generate heat and power by "pressure-cooking" biosolids left over from the wastewater treatment process. Through the use of four anaerobic digesters, DC Water predicts it will produce enough biogas to cut its electricity consumption by a third, while also saving $10 million annually in trucking costs by cutting the amount of solids at the end of the process in half. The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) is another utility looking to draw energy from the waste stream, using a system developed by BlackGold Biofuels that turns fats, oils, and grease (FOG) into biodiesel fuel for use in city agency vehicles. The 300-gallon/day demonstration project is the first large-scale brown grease recycling project in the United States and, if proven successful, would serve as a prototype for municipalities nationwide. The technology could potentially solve two common issues for wastewater utilities and municipalities: It reduces high energy spending, and it disposes of problematic FOG. According to SFPUC, grease-clogged sewer pipes cost the city over $3.5 million each year to clean out. Get On Board, Or Get Left Behind The common obstacles besetting municipalities — particularly aging infrastructure and high energy costs — are becoming so acute that cold feet nor political agendas will be able to slow the march of progress. The inevitable tipping point, according to Paul O'Callaghan, CEO of BlueTech Research, will be here within the decade, and perhaps much sooner. "Every technology goes through an innovation cycle periodically," said O'Callaghan, whose firm provides market intelligence on innovative water technologies and companies. "Telecommunications had one about 10 or 15 years ago, and water hasn't had one for about 100 to 150 years. The water industry is ripe for innovation, because it's been static for a quite a long time." O'Callaghan points to other signs that innovation is ready to bubble over, including annual growth rates of 30% for water R&D;, a stark rise in patents filed for water technologies, and the proliferation of conferences dedicated exclusively to water research and technology. Indeed, the writing on the wall suggests that the wastewater technology revolution is on its way, and with it comes the choice to either get on board or play catch-up. With solutions designed specifically for what ails the industry, it is a wise move to investigate every alternative to the declining status quo — and the sooner, the better. wateronline.com ■ Water Online The Magazine, Wastewater Edition 9