Biogas Enhancement Pilot Test Project

SRCSD and SMUD are currently partnering in the implementation of the Biogas Enhancement Pilot Test Project, which is expected to be completed by the fall of 2009. The pilot test will evaluate the feasibility of using other waste materials, such as fats, oils, grease and food processing waste by injecting them directly into an anaerobic (lacking oxygen) digester (that breaks down or “digests” organic matter) to generate additional biogas. In addition, the pilot test will assess the effects the new waste materials will have on the existing anaerobic digestion process, including quantity and quality impacts to biogas production, amount of additional residual biosolids that will be produced and require disposal, and assessment of waste material handling and storage needs.

Ultimately, the results of this pilot test will help SRCSD determine if a full scale project should be implemented at the wastewater treatment plant. A full scale project could bring the following potential benefits:

• Increase the production of biogas, from 1,400 standard cubic feet per minute (SCFM) up to 2,200 SCFM, to generate enough additional renewable energy to meet the needs of approximately 1,000 to 3,000 area homes
• Improve the handling, processing, and disposal of other waste materials.
• Reduce the amount of waste materials that enter the sewer collection system, which could cause sewer blockages or overflows
• Be a self-sustainable “green project” that pays for itself.

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