DATE: May 15, 2014
MEDIA CONTACT: Alan Garcia, Director
Water & Wastewater Services
PHONE: 954-831-0704
EMAIL: agarcia@broward.org
BROWARD COUNTY, Fla. - Broward County broke ground today on a "state-of-the-art" biogas to energy facility that will turn waste, such as restaurant fats, oil and grease, known as "FOG," into reliable, renewable power to provide electricity to power some of the County’s water and wastewater operations. The innovative project located at Broward County’s wastewater facility, 2555 W. Copans Road, Pompano Beach, will generate enough energy annually to power the equivalent of 800 homes.
The venture is the result of a private-public partnership with Chevron Energy Solutions to more efficiently handle grease disposal and increase biogas production. The energy produced by the project will offset the costs of purchased electricity and help achieve countywide carbon reduction benefits. The project will also include an educational nature path featuring drought-tolerant plants and a boardwalk made of recycled materials. The project has received the Broward County Seal of Sustainability for environmental stewardship by benefitting the environment, economy and the entire community.
“In simple terms, we’re talking about turning this waste into recyclable power. This exciting new endeavor is a tangible example of the steps Broward County is taking to help residents save money and ensure our environment for future generations," said Broward County Mayor Barbara Sharief. "We’re also providing employment through approximately 420 direct, indirect and induced jobs and saving $27 million over 17 years in operating costs,” she said.
Alan Garcia, director of Broward County's Water and Wastewater Services, said not only will the project benefit the County's 600,000 residents whose wastewater is treated every day, but will also impact every person who calls Broward County their home.
"Once in operation, this plant will reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the North Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant by 8,846 tonnes -- 26 percent of Broward County's total 2015 greenhouse gas reduction goal," Garcia said.
FOG haulers will also benefit by having their own special-purpose facility for drop-off, resulting in less time spent waiting in line at other comingled waste drop off facilities.
The project, which was designed and is being built by Chevron Energy Solutions and their partners, is expected to generate almost 2 Megawatts of power and reduce electricity usage by over 30 percent to create tremendous savings over the years of use. "It will help Broward County accomplish two important goals, offset utility-purchased power to reduce costs and help achieve countywide carbon reduction," said John Mahoney, senior vice president, Chevron Energy Solutions.
“I am delighted and proud that Chevron Energy Solutions has chosen Broward County as the first site in South Florida to have a Biogas to Energy Plant. Our public/private partnership is a win-win for Broward County residents, our business community and environment. We appreciative our partnership and look forward to this exciting venture,” said Broward County Administrator Bertha Henry.
Photo Caption:
John Mahoney, senior vice president, Chevron Energy Solutions, (center) presents a plaque to, from left, Greg Balicki, director of Water and Wastewater Services Engineering Division; Bertha Henry, Broward County administrator; Barbara Sharief, Broward County mayor; and Alan Garcia, director, Water and Wastewater Services, to commemorate today's groundbreaking.
About Water and Wastewater Services
Broward County’s Water and Wastewater Services is committed to providing cost-effective water and wastewater management and programs to residents while maintaining the quality of life in Broward County. This is done through sound environmental practices. The agency plans, designs and constructs facilities to ensure adequate capacity for potable water, sewer and storm water, and provides retail water and sewer services for more than 50,000 customers. Water and Wastewater Services is also responsible for pumping, treating and distributing water, as well as providing for collection, treatment, reuse and disposal of wastewater for more than 600,000 residents. The agency is also involved in the operation of waterways, water control structures and well systems to provide flood management; and canal management services supporting aquifer recharge as well as removal of aquatic vegetation from certain bodies of water throughout Broward County. For more information, call 954-831-3250 or visit Broward.org/Waterservices.
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