Wastewater Energy Modernization Projects

West County Wastewater and OPTERRA Energy Services reported progress on the 'Clean & Green' Project, an upgrade that adds a backup-power microgrid, solar, a cogeneration system, electric vehicle charging and lighting. The improvements are expected to save nearly $83 million over the project's life and cut greenhouse gas emissions by more than 90%.

The centerpiece modernizes solids handling, enabling the plant to produce Class A EPA biosolids using new digesters, a thermal dryer and an equalization basin. This turns wastewater residuals into a potential fertilizer source, diverts material from landfills and saves nearly $2 million annually in disposal costs.

As utilities face extreme weather and rising seas, this project signals how wastewater plants can become resource-recovery and renewable-energy facilities, pairing resilience gains with lower emissions and long-term cost savings.