Pennsylvania American Water officials Thursday welcomed state and municipal government officials and business leaders to the Rock Run Water Treatment Plant in Chester County to mark the completion of major plant improvements.

The approximately $24 million upgrade increased the plant’s production capacity, improved reliability and energy efficiency, enhanced safety, and ensures compliance with all water quality standards. During the event, the company also introduced compressed natural gas (CNG) fueled vehicles as part of a pilot at its Coatesville area operations.

The Rock Run plant in West Caln Township treats and delivers drinking water to nearly 12,000 homes and businesses across western Chester County. Construction began in September 2010 to increase the plant’s production capacity from 5 million gallons per day to 7 million gallons per day, as well as replace aging plant equipment and install new chemical feed systems to ensure that the facility complies with more stringent drinking water regulations.

The company also installed an emergency generator to power the plant’s operations in case of electrical outages and replaced pumps and other plant equipment to increase energy efficiency. In addition, the project replaced gas chlorine with on-site liquid chlorine generation, which is a safer alternative to chlorine gas storage.

“This facility was built back in the mid-1970s, so it was essential that we re-invest, refurbish and replace its outdated systems to ensure reliable, quality water service for this community for years to come,” said Pennsylvania American Water President Kathy L. Pape.

Pape noted that the project received a $9.9 million low-interest loan from the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority.

“By taking advantage of PennVEST financing, we were able to reduce our interest expense and cost of capital for this important plant upgrade,” she said.

“I applaud Pennsylvania American Water's achievement exemplified by its re-commissioning of the Rock Run Water Treatment Plant that promises clean, reliable and sustainable water service to the greater Coatesville area. And while Pennsylvania American Water unveils its newly improved water treatment plant, they’re also embarking on a new path through their own alternative fuel-powered vehicles program,” said Pennsylvania Public Utility Commissioner Wayne E. Gardner.  

“We thank Pennsylvania American Water for being proactive in completing these upgrades and improvements to its facility, and we congratulate them on making the switch to natural gas,” Department of Environmental Protection Southeast Regional Director Cosmo Servidio said. “Leading by example, Pennsylvania American Water will show other companies and organizations that using a natural gas fuel source just makes sense for Pennsylvania business.”

In launching its CNG pilot, Pennsylvania American Water added three Ford F-250 trucks powered by the alternative fuel to its Coatesville fleet. “This innovative fuel option enables us to better control our operational expenses, reduce our carbon footprint, and capitalize on the abundant supply of natural gas right here in the Commonwealth,” Pape said.

With gasoline prices currently around $3.50 per gallon, Pennsylvania American Water Vice President of Operations Steve Tambini pointed out that CNG costs approximately $2.00 per gallon. The company is also eager to realize CNG’s environmental benefits, said Tambini. “The vehicles generate significantly less particulate matter, which translates to cleaner air and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.”

PUC Commissioner Gardner said, “Much attention is being paid to Pennsylvania and emerging technology related to the natural gas industry and Marcellus Shale. Pennsylvania American Water has recognized the importance of this fuel and is dedicated to taking advantage of the available benefits of Pennsylvania-produced natural gas through its fleet of compressed natural gas vehicles.”

Pennsylvania American Water will use PECO’s Coatesville area CNG fueling station. “At PECO, we understand that natural gas provides an abundant, clean, domestic and cost-efficient source of energy, which is why we are committed to promoting the use of natural gas in vehicles across the region," said PECO

Director of Energy and Marketing Services Frank Jiruska.

In January, Pennsylvania American Water applied for a grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection to add more CNG-powered vehicles to its fleet. Tambini said Pennsylvania American Water plans to build a company-owned fueling station in Scranton that will support up to 36 CNG vehicles in 2014. 

4/1/2013