Utilizing Natural Engergy from Waste

Methane gas, a byproduct of the treatment process, was initially burned off as waste at the Regional Treatment Plant. In 1992, the gas was successfully utilized as a fuel source for large, engine-driven generators to create electricity.

Today, all of the electricity required to run the treatment plant is produced from a blend of methane and natural gas. Almost 9.5 million kilowatt hours of electricity are produced per year, enough to power 9,900 average homes for a month.

Cogeneration, or "co-gen," also means customer savings. Almost $300,000 a year is saved in deferred electrical purchases.

MRWPCA is committed to continually improving our management of energy resources, which reduces both operating costs and related forms of pollution. We are proud to partner with ENERGY STAR^®.