Anaerobic Digestion Facility at Little Miami Plant

 

 

Preliminary rendering of new Anaerobic Digestion facility
Preliminary artist rendering of the new Anaerobic Digestion facility (in the foreground) - subject to change. Landscaping is for visual purposes only and has not been finalized.

 

 

OVERVIEW

MSD is designing an anaerobic digestion facility at the Little Miami treatment plant to process waste solids from the Little Miami, Polk Run, and Sycamore Creek treatment plants on the east side of Hamilton County. These solids are currently being landfilled.

 

 

WHAT IS ANAEROBIC DIGESTION?

Anaerobic digestion is a biological treatment process for waste solids. Bacteria break down the residuals - in the absence of oxygen - into biogas and biosolids. The process destroys pathogens and reduces the volume of the solids. With this project, waste solids will be thickened, anaerobically digested, dewatered, and hauled off site for beneficial reuse.

 

 

PROJECT BENEFITS

  • Diverts Waste from Landfill for Beneficial Reuse: MSD is evaluating the most economical and environmentally friendly ways to reuse the biosolids (e.g., soil amendments and fertilizers)
  • Reuses Biogas as Energy Source: Biogas, which is primarily methane, is produced by anaerobic digestion. It will be reused onsite as a renewable energy source to run other plant operations. This will reduce our carbon footprint and reliance on the grid and improve energy efficiency
  • Improves Plant Operations: New solids handling and processing facilities at Little Miami will help optimize operations and maintenance and provide flexibility for the future.
  • Reduces Truck Traffic: Fewer trucks are needed to haul away biosolids, due to 30-45% reduction in solids volume
  • Reduces Odors: New odor controls will be installed on solids handling processes to minimize/eliminate odors
  • Save Money: Since the project involves renewable energy generation (biogas), MSD is potentially eligible for IRS reimbursement of up to $50 million in project cost.

 

Rendering of new Anaerobic Digestion facility (as seen from Kellogg Avenue)
Preliminary artist rendering of the new Anaerobic Digestion facility (as seen from Kellogg Avenue) - subject to change. Landscaping is for visual purposes only and has not been finalized.

 

PROJECT STATUS

Here's the current project status:

 

  • In December 2022, MSD awarded a progressive design-build project to Jacobs Project Management Company to design and construct an anaerobic digestion facility at the Little Miami Wastewater Treatment Plant in the East End/Columbia-Tusculum neighborhoods.
  • Design kicked off in January 2023; 30% design expected to be complete in April 2024.
  • Construction is anticipated to start in August 2024 and run through 2028.

 

 

EXPANDED PLANT FOOTPRINT

  • MSD will expand the footprint of the plant to the north/northwest by about 7 acres (City property) and will leave the maximum buffer zone possible when removing trees.
  • The existing entrance drive off Kellogg Avenue will be relocated.

 

Preliminary site map
Preliminary site map

 

 

 

IMPACT ON OHIO RIVER TRAIL

  • A portion of the Ohio River Trail runs east of the plant
  • The new facilities will not obstruct the trail; the plant grounds and trail will be separated by 25 feet at a minimum
  • MSD is working closely with the City’s Department of Transportation & Engineering (DOTE), who maintains the trail
  • MSD is committed to minimizing impacts to trail users

 

 

Rendering of new Anaerobic Digestion facility (as seen from the bike trail)
Preliminary artist rendering of the new Anaerobic Digestion facility (as seen from the bike trail) - subject to change. Landscaping is for visual purposes only and has not been finalized.

 

Rendering of new Anaerobic Digestion facility (as seen from Carrel Street)
Preliminary artist rendering of the new Anaerobic Digestion facility (as seen from Carrel Street) - subject to change. Landscaping is for visual purposes only and has not been finalized.

WANT TO LEARN MORE?

PRESENTATION TO CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE, MAY 23, 2023 (starts at 4:47)

WVXU ARTICLE, MAY 24, 2023

LOCAL 12 STORY, MAY 25, 2023