Case Study of Energy Conservation Measures at Three New York Wastewater Plants

Wastewater treatment plants continue to experience challenges related to balancing increasing energy costs while meeting stricter discharge limits. These challenges place additional demands on aging infrastructure and fixed capacity treatment facilities. Additionally, the cost to implement capital improvements is daunting for municipalities to undertake without impacts to tax payers. These challenges emphasize the need for an economically sustainable approach to capital improvements.The three case studies highlight general concepts and examples of energy conservation programs in the wastewater sector and will provide actual measured and verified savings obtained after the implementation of the programs. Additionally, specific opportunities for energy, operational, and maintenance cost savings in treatment plants will be discussed, including aeration system improvements, blower replacements, as well as optimization of pumping systems.