In a historic move, the West County Wastewater (WCW) Board of Directors approved a contract for a large-scale energy-savings project that will overhaul WCW’s operations, ensure continued reliable wastewater service, increase efficiency, and significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The project, approved at the August 4, 2021, Board meeting, is expected to save $43.8 million over 20 years.

“This transformational project will change the way we do business and benefit our community for decades to come,” said WCW Deputy General Manager Andrew Clough. “It will modernize our facilities, save money, reduce our carbon footprint and put us at the forefront of wastewater and environmental best practices.”

The Comprehensive Energy and Sustainability Upgrades will improve facilities and structures to gain significant energy and cost savings. The project will reduce WCW’s overall environmental impact and support its strategic goal of being an environmental leader.

The project includes construction and upgrades at the Water Quality Resource and Recovery Plant (WQRRP) and other facilities that will:

  • Reduce WQRRP greenhouse gas emissions by 90 percent
  • Modify the sludge drying process to produce biosolids suitable for agricultural and other reclamation uses
  • Reduce energy use by 4.2 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) per year
  • Generate power from biogas by constructing new digesters and other equipment
  • Provide solar energy for use at some WCW facilities
  • Install electric vehicle charging stations at the WCW headquarters

Find detailed project information in the August 4, 2021, Board agenda packet available at www.wcwd.org/about-us/meetings-and-agendas/.