Union Sanitary District Dedicates New Green Energy Facility

Announcement, photo submitted by Union Sanitary District:

Union Sanitary District (USD) was honored to receive a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition from Congressman Eric Swalwell for its Union City Treatment Plant Cogeneration Facility. A representative from Swalwell’s office (Fifteenth District) presented the certificate to the District at its recent facility dedication and ribbon-cutting event. The award applauds USD’s “commitment and dedication to renewable energy.” The District’s new cogeneration facility produces up to 1.7 MW of energy, utilizing the biogas generated by USD’s treatment processes to generate power for its 33-acre treatment plant.

“We’re honored to receive this recognition from Congressman Swalwell and sincerely appreciate the acknowledgment of USD’s long standing commitment to our customers and the environment. This is one of many USD projects that help us to reduce our power bills and make the best use of the public’s assets,” says General Manager Paul Eldredge.

The facility took almost two years to construct at a total cost of $14.5 million. It includes two new 850 kW engine generators housed in a 30-foot tall, 5,000 square-foot metal building. A conditioning system cleans gases for engine use. The District anticipates savings of up to $1.6 million annually on its power bills – equal to the annual demand of up to 2,266 homes.

Cogeneration isn’t new to USD The District has used the process for more than 30 years. As its old engines came to the end of their useful life, USD planned for larger, more efficient replacements capable of saving even more on power costs and making better use of a renewable energy resource.

“Wastewater treatment is an energy-intensive process, and we’re always looking for ways to reduce our operational expenses,” says Eldredge. “At about $2 million per year, power costs are a significant portion of our budget. This investment in larger, more efficient cogeneration units continues our stewardship of the environment, and helps us keep rates low for our customers.”

Union Sanitary District operates a 33 million gallon per day wastewater treatment facility in Union City and provides collection, treatment and disposal services to the Tri-City area. For more information about Union Sanitary District’s cogeneration facility, contact General Manager Paul Eldredge at (510) 477-7500.

Photo caption: USD Board President Manny Fernandez cuts the Cogeneration Building dedication ribbon with help from fellow board members and other elected officials and representatives.