The U.S. EPA has issued a Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) loan totaling $330 million to the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District (MSD Project Clear) in Missouri to help reduce air emissions and construct new biosolids processing facilities.
EPA says that the funding will help reduce air emissions by 90%, support energy efficiency, and meet regulatory regulatory compliance by constructing new biosolids processing facilities.
“With these unprecedented resources, Missouri’s MSD Project Clear has the federal support it needs to reduce air emissions, protect a vital water resource, and create jobs in St. Louis,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan.
While MSD Project Clear’s existing biosolids treatment facilities, built in the 1970s, continue to meet or exceed all air quality standards, they rely on outdated technology. With EPA’s WIFIA loan, newly constructed biosolids processing facilities will have emissions controls that drastically reduce pollutants and air emissions by 90% using modern, energy-efficient equipment that requires less fuel to operate.
MSD Project Clear will also construct odor control systems to reduce the impact of unpleasant smells on neighboring communities with environmental justice concerns.
“The Solids Management Upgrades project is about more than infrastructure improvements – it’s a long-term investment in the health and well-being of our community,” said Brian Hoelscher, MSD Project Clear Executive Director & CEO. “WIFIA’s cost-effective loans are one way we are able to complete these vital improvements while upholding our commitment to be good stewards of public funds.”
MSD Project Clear will save approximately $86 million by financing with a WIFIA loan. Investing in their infrastructure will create approximately 3,000 jobs.
