Herbert, Rowland & Grubic, Inc. recently exhibited its wastewater to energy project for the Milton Regional Sewer Authority in Northumberland County at the Rural Development Conference in Memphis, Tennessee.

This invitation-only event, hosted by the White House Rural Council, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, brought together leading policy officials, international experts, and representatives from the private sector to discuss how to improve the quality of life in rural areas and promote national growth and prosperity as a result.

One of the focuses at the event was connecting rural areas to the bio-economy, including a workshop on biofuels.  Thus, Milton’s wastewater treatment plant was a fitting project to spotlight. 

Milton’s wastewater treatment plant, which is currently under construction, will produce its own biofuel from the highly concentrated wastewater it receives from a local manufacturing facility.

Using anaerobic treatment technology, the plant will convert organic pollutants in the wastewater into biogas containing valuable methane.  This methane will fuel electrical generators with the capability to produce up to 2.0 megawatts of electricity. 

As a result, Milton will produce enough electrical energy to power its facility saving itself $300,000 – $400,000 in annual energy costs with excess energy available for sale to the grid generating a new revenue stream. 

6/1/2015