The Kenosha Wastewater Treatment Plant is adding new technology that will help it produce its own energy and save money.
In partnership with Centrisys Centrifuge Systems, the treatment plant, 7834 Third Ave., has already installed a newly designed centrifuge that reduces wastewater and solids more efficiently.
It creates a byproduct gas that can be used to produce energy and another byproduct, which can be classified as Class A sludge, that can be used as fertilizer. It may eventually be sold to We Energies as an alternative to coal.
The $6.7 million equipment upgrade will reduce the need for caustic chemicals, thereby saving the facility $600,000 annually. Another $400,000 savings might be possible through the use of a byproduct that no longer has to be sent to a landfill.
"It produces a sludge that is 93 percent dry," said David Lewis, assistant general manager of the plant. The dewatering is so efficient that the residual sludge "can be put on fields as fertilizer."
Melissa Arrot, director of operations, describes the upgrade as a green project. Unlike many of those that can take several years to show a return on investment, this one has already produced savings and return on investment.
Additional phases include new dryers and remodeled buildings. Capacity will be increased to allow the facility to accommodate a higher volume of wastewater. Some of the new equipment will be designed by SH + E, a German company partnering with Centrisys.
Although the technology upgrade may not be easily recognized by Kenosha County residents, they will not have to pay for it. The arrangement is a self-financing one that will help the treatment plant generate revenues, said general manager Ed St. Peter.
Partnership
The partnership began 2 1/2 years ago when CEO Michael Kopper of Centrisys approached treatment plant officials about trying out his new design.
It wasn't readily accepted, said St. Peter, but eventually the arrangement was too enticing. The new centrifuge, which normally has a $400,000 price tag, was given to the city to try out for free under a complex arrangement.
Under the agreement, the city's wastewater treatment plant becomes a marketer for Centrisys: Visitors from other municipalities will be able to tour the plant and evaluate the equipment. If a utility decides to upgrade to the system after its officials visit Kenosha, the Kenosha Water Utility earns a share of the revenue from the sale.
