Quakertown Wastewater Treatment Cogeneration and Biosolids Project
The Quakertown Borough Council and the Wastewater Treatment staff are spearheading an initiative aimed at maximizing environmental benefits through the production and beneficial use of biogas (methane) and renewable electricity, all in an economically efficient manner. On October 30, 2024, Quakertown Borough Council, Borough staff, and representatives from Atlas Technical Consultants LLC, Worth & Company, and Garden Spot Electric gathered to celebrate the groundbreaking of this exciting and transformative project. If all goes according to plan, the project will be completed within 18 months.
This initiative takes a comprehensive approach. Biosolids will be recycled to local farms year-round, significantly reducing the amount sent to landfills. By harnessing biogas, the Borough will generate green energy to meet all the electricity needs of the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP), with surplus electricity being redirected into the Borough to power residents’ homes. This project will enhance electrical resilience and reliability, decreasing dependence on the electrical grid during extreme weather events.
Currently, the treatment plant employs aerobic digestion, utilizing air as a source of oxygen to convert organic material into water, CO2, and stable carbon-based materials. While this process can reduce organic volume by 25%, the planned shift to anaerobic digestion (without oxygen) will produce methane, water, and CO2, reducing organic volume by 40% to 60%. The generated methane will fuel generators, producing 1.8 megawatts of electricity, enough to fully power the wastewater treatment plant with additional surplus for the Borough. This renewable energy generation will lead to significant reductions in peak electrical demand charges, transforming the Treatment Plant into a resource recovery center.
In addition to reducing the volume of organic material, anaerobic digestion will reduce biosolids suitable for use as fertilizer, diverting organic waste from landfills. The goal of the Wastewater Treatment staff is to transform the Borough’s treatment process into a net-zero waste facility that is entirely self-sustaining.
The Borough would like to acknowledge our partners in this co-generation project:
Atlas Technical Consultants LLC provides professional testing, inspection, engineering, and environmental and consulting services from more than 100 locations nationwide. In Southeastern Pennsylvania, they have been providing wastewater engineering design, permitting, planning, and construction administration services to municipalities, authorities, public works officials, utilities, governmental entities, and private sector clients for over 130 years through our legacy company, BCM Engineers.
Atlas Technical Consultants LLC have a long history at Quakertown WWTP, including upgrades to the facility in 1948, 1954, 1984, 1986 and 1995. The Borough is proud to be working on the design and permitting of this Anaerobic Digestion and Electric Co-Generation Facility. Atlas teamed with Keystone Engineering Group, Inc. (Electrical, HVAC Design), ED Pons & Associates, Inc. (Structural Design), and Compliance Management International (Air Permitting) for this important renewable energy project.
Worth & Company is a leading contractor in the industrial and mechanical construction industry. With a reputation built on excellence and innovative solutions, the company has been serving clients across various sectors for over 40 years. Industrial markets include water and wastewater treatment plants, leachate systems, and PFOS projects. Their team of skilled professionals are committed to delivering projects on time and within budget, ensuring customer satisfaction at every stage.
Garden Spot Electric, an electrical industry leader since 1967, is proud to build connections that power our region’s infrastructure and invest in our community. They have built strong relationships with local communities, municipalities, and government organizations to handle a wide array of public works projects. Their people are what makes them industry leaders and are the foundation of our success. They are problem solvers, innovators, and people motivated by giving the customer and end product they can be proud of.
The Quakertown Wastewater Treatment Cogeneration and Biosolids Project represents a significant step toward sustainable energy and resource management in our community. By embracing innovative technologies such as anaerobic digestion and biogas generation, we aim to reduce waste, lower energy costs, and enhance environmental resilience. With the support of our dedicated partners and the commitment of the Borough Council and Wastewater Treatment staff, we are excited to pave the way for a greener, more self-sufficient future for Quakertown. Together, we can achieve our goal of transforming the wastewater treatment process into a model of sustainability and community benefit.
