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Strategic Capital Improvements - Energy & Sustainability Improvements Strategic Capital Improvements - Energy & Sustainability Improvements

Onondaga County's energy and sustainability goals are focused on reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, improving energy efficiency, and promoting the use of renewable energy sources. These objectives are aligned with the county's Climate Action Plan, which aims for a 25% reduction in GHG emissions over 25 years. The initiatives taken by the Department of Water Environment Protection (WEP) exemplify these goals through specific projects and upgrades.

 

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Metropolitan Syracuse Wastewater Treatment Plant


Biosolids Dryer - Conveyor

Biosolids dryer conveyor

 

Duospheres are used for biogas storage

 

Biosolids Dryer

Onondaga County and the Department of Water Environment Protection (WEP) are advancing their goals of cost savings and sustainability with a new project to install a drying system at the Metropolitan Syracuse Wastewater Treatment Plant (Metro) in Syracuse. Biosolids, the organic solid materials filtered out of wastewater, are managed at the Metro Solids Management Facility, which has been operational since 1959. This facility handles solids disposal for the Metro plant and four other WEP treatment plants.

 

Biosolids are dewatered using centrifuges, similar to a washing machine's spin cycle, to remove some moisture before they are transported to landfills. Metro produces approximately 37,000 wet tons of dewatered biosolids annually, with about 70% of that weight being residual water not removed by the centrifuges. This high-water content increases transportation and disposal costs. By investing in advanced drying technology, WEP aims to significantly reduce the water content to just 10%, leading to substantial savings in transportation and disposal fees. Additionally, the drying process improves the quality of the biosolids, allowing for more versatile reuse options, including soil applications.

 

Digester Improvements

As part of the treatment process, Metro employs anaerobic digestion, where bacteria feed on organic matter in the wastewater. This process produces biogas, primarily composed of methane. Digesters, the equipment used for anaerobic digestion, are often recognizable by the torch on top, which indicates the burning off of excess biogas. The Digester Improvement Project aims to upgrade and rehabilitate all major digestion equipment, with a goal to increase biogas production by installing a new cover on one of the digesters. The addition of two new Duospheres to store biogas maximizes WEP's ability to reuse the biogas to heat and power parts of the Metro facility. 

 

 

Baldwinsville-Seneca Knolls Wastewater Treatment Plant


Autothermal Thermophilic Aerobic Digestion (ATAD) Upgrades

The Baldwinsville-Seneca Knolls Wastewater Treatment Plant (BSK) harnesses Autothermal Thermophilic Aerobic Digestion (ATAD) technology, for processing biosolids. ATAD uses the metabolic heat generated by the microbes digesting sludge to maintain high temperatures without needing an external heat source. ATAD also uses the nutrients present in the sludge to support microbial growth and activity, enhancing the breakdown of organic material, resulting in the production of Class A biosolids. The high temperatures achieved during ATAD effectively reduce pathogens, making the biosolids safe for potential use in land applications and other beneficial reuse options. 

 

Various WEP Locations


Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) Upgrades

Variable frequency drives (VFDs) are pretty cool when it comes to saving energy. They control the speed and torque of electric motors by adjusting the motor's input frequency and voltage. What makes VFDs so efficient is their ability to tweak the motor's speed to match exactly what's needed for the job, instead of running at full blast all the time like traditional motor systems. This means they use way less energy, which is great for lowering your electricity bills.

 

But that's not all—VFDs also help keep motors in better shape for longer. By avoiding unnecessary high speeds, they reduce wear and tear, meaning less maintenance and fewer replacements. Plus, they make motor operations smoother, which cuts down on mechanical stress and the chance of breakdowns.

 

 


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