Mayor Michael Nutter, Synagro Technologies President and CEO Eric Zimmer and other local officials hosted a public opening and tour of the Philadelphia Renewable Bio-fuels Facility on Friday, May 9 at 3 p.m.
“I’m proud to participate in the public opening and tour of this modern, eco-friendly facility,” said Mayor Nutter. “The city of Philadelphia’s partnership with Synagro, one of the nation’s leading biosolids management companies, has led to the successful creation and management of the Philadelphia Renewable Bio-fuels Facility. The processes within this plant turn waste into quality biosolids pellets for organic fertilizer and renewable fuel—an environmentally friendly solution for managing the Philadelphia Water Department’s biosolid waste.”
The Philadelphia Renewable Bio-fuels Facility is the result of a process that began when the water department recognized the need to upgrade it biosolids management program. Synagro Technologies was selected for the project and developed a comprehensive approach to maximize sustainability while streamlining costs. Its heat drying and pelletization system produces quality biosolids pellets for sale in organic fertilizer and renewable fuel markets. These sustainable outlets will ensure consistent recycling of Philadelphia Water Department biosolids for many years to come.
“We’re proud of the achievements that our team, working with the city and local community, has made to make this center a reality,” Zimmer said. “Together we are creating an environmentally and economically sustainable solution to the ongoing challenges of recycling organic wastes.”
The city of Philadelphia will reap many benefits from the project, including more than $200 million in savings over the 20-year contract, production of a Class A biosolids product, elimination of off-site odors, improvement of site aesthetics, minimized noise and traffic impacts and reduced greenhouse gas emissions, while bringing the facility into compliance with air emission regulations.
In addition, significant community input was solicited and considered as the residents in the area were directly impacted by this project. The Southwest Community Development Corp. had sent a letter of support for this project to City Council. Synagro routinely coordinates the hiring of new employees through the Southwest community.
Source: Synagro
