Comparing the cost-effectiveness of conventional anaerobic digestion expansion to intensified anaerobic digestion via THP pre-treatment

At a Glance

  • $535K

    Project Value

  • 140

    MGD Treatment Capacity

  • 90

    MGD Wet Weather Capacity

Location
Chattanooga, Tennessee
Offices
Client
  • City of Chattanooga
Image
Courtesy of The City of Chattanooga

Moccasin Bend Environmental Campus Thermal Hydrolysis Pilot Study

The Moccasin Bend Environmental Campus (MBEC) treats wastewater flows from the City of Chattanooga and the surrounding region. The City invested in a pilot-scale study and business case evaluation where our team compared the capital improvements required and resulting annual operating costs of implementing conventional anaerobic digestion versus intensified anaerobic digestion via a thermal hydrolysis process (THP) pre-treatment.

We collected data via process monitoring, comprehensive sampling and analysis, and specialty testing. The study yielded valuable, site-specific data for developing a life cycle cost-based business case evaluation, which included pre- and post-dewatering polymer demands and dryness limitations, biogas production, pathogen destruction, volatile solids destruction, and dewatering sidestream impacts.

Our results provided sufficient data to de-risk uncertainties associated with MBEC’s solids handling planning and the recommended alternative, including restructuring the City’s Consent Order and incorporating THP into the solids handling approach, offered a potential savings of nearly $42 million over the 20-year planning period.

At a Glance

  • $535K

    Project Value

  • 140

    MGD Treatment Capacity

  • 90

    MGD Wet Weather Capacity

Location
Chattanooga, Tennessee
Offices
Client
  • City of Chattanooga
Image
Courtesy of The City of Chattanooga

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