EPA Awards Grant to Nebraska for Sewer Improvements

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded $534,000 to the city of Lincoln, Neb., for improvements to the Theresa Street Wastewater Treatment Facility, which is expected for completion by the spring of 2013.

The project will improve the efficiency of existing anaerobic digesters by increasing the quantity of biogas or methane produced. Three additional pumps and internal piping improvements will provide for greater mixing efficiency of the digesters’ contents.  The additional gas production will increase the amount of electricity and heat generated by the existing electrical cogeneration equipment by 5%.

The project also includes efficiency and energy improvements to the existing aeration system used in the biological treatment process. The treatment system aeration piping and process control system will be modified to reduce overall electrical energy used for aeration at the facility.

“By paying nearly half the cost of upgrades at the Theresa Street facility, EPA is helping Lincoln save ratepayers money and run a more effective wastewater treatment system,” EPA Region 7 Administrator Karl Brooks said. “And, better still, short-term energy savings at one facility will pay back over the longer term, helping Lincoln grow and prosper while protecting its residents' health.”

EPA is working with community leaders and the public to meet the growing needs and demands of limited water resources. EPA remains committed to developing innovative and sustainable solutions for managing and financing infrastructure with public and private partners.
 

Source: EPA