Energy Efficiency Key To Proposed Wastewater Plant Upgrades

By addressing equipment that is out of date and inefficient, a wastewater treatment plant in a small northeastern town has become emblematic of the challenges faced by many like it across the country.

In late August, the village of Potsdam, NY held a public meeting to discuss much-needed upgrades to its wastewater treatment plant, according to an initial report in the local Watertown Daily Times. Operating since 1970 without any major renovations since 1998, engineering consultants from the firm Barton & Loguidice (B&L) proposed a $10.5 million overhaul plan as a remedy for the aging facility.

“B&L Senior Project Engineer Jesse D. Semanchik said main upgrades to the plant include a finer screen to remove flushable wipes and plastics, a new grit removal unit, new aeration equipment, an overhaul of the anaerobic digester complex, a new belt filter press, and energy-efficiency updates to buildings,” according to a follow-up report in the Daily Times.

A particular energy-saving focus of the project addresses the plant’s out-of-date aeration and digester equipment.

“Mr. Semanchik said the plant’s aeration equipment and anaerobic digesters, at 45 years old, are causing unnecessary energy costs and are also inefficient,” per the Daily Times. By installing more efficient treatment equipment, the plant would ultimately save on energy costs.

The upgrades were lauded in no uncertain terms by Mayor Steve Yurgartis. “We’re going to improve the aeration process and we’re going to improve how we handle solids,” he said, per North Country Now.

Potsdam is still seeking funding for the project.

“The funding plan includes a state Environmental Facilities Corporation Clean Water State Revolving Fund 30-year loan with hardship financing at zero percent interest; a Clean Water Infrastructure Improvement Grant of up to 25 percent of project costs; a USDA Rural Development Rural Utilities Service grant of $500,000; and $600,000 from a Community Development Block Grant,” according to North Country Now.

B&L Vice President Eric A. Pond predicts that “the earliest the village would receive hardship funding and a grant determination would be early next year, with short-term financing to follow in the fall,” the Daily Times reported. “He said construction would potentially begin in 2018, after a bidding process.”