NEW ENERGY IN LA SLUDGE

L.A. to turn sludge from treated wastewater into energy; Methane gas from biosolids pumped into deep wells in San Pedro will run fuel cells
Duke Helfand, April 6, 2007 (LA Times)

WHO
Operator: L.A. Public Works Department with Terralog Technologies USA Inc. Permitted by EPA.

WHAT
A five-year plan at the city's Terminal Island Water Reclamation Plant to inject spongy organic material left over from treated wastewater into depleted oil and gas reservoirs a mile deep where high underground pressures and temperatures will compress the biosolid material. The methane gas produced will power surface fuel cells, producing 3.5 megawatts of electricity, worth $2.4 million a year and enough to power nearly 3,000 homes, while dissolving carbon dioxide normally released into the air, the equivalent of 3,200 cars’ exhaust over five years.

WHEN
The system will come on-line in phases, beginning in Spring, 2008; fully operational in 3 years.

WHERE
The energy conversion facility is in San Pedro, California, adjacent to Long Beach Harbor. Biosolid waste from Terminal Island and El Segundo sewage treatment plants.

WHY
While producing 3.5 megawatts of electricity, worth $2.4 million, and saving tons of greenhouse gas emissions, the service also saves 22 daily waste truck trips to a Kern County treatment plant, saving $1.6 million/year in hauling costs.

QUOTES
- "This renewable energy project is absolutely electrifying," Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa said in announcing the plan, which is part of a broader effort to increase the city's use of alternative energy sources. "It will save money and make money."
- "There is a great deal of interest among researchers, among operators, among other cities and utilities in exploring what can be gained as this operation moves forward," said Alexis Strauss, the EPA's water division director in California.
- "I have no concerns about this project now," [City Councilwoman Janice Hahn said]. "I'm excited that Los Angeles is the first anywhere to put this project into implementation. We're making history here today."