Anaerobic Digestion Facility at Little Miami Plant
OVERVIEW
MSD designed and is now constructing an anaerobic digestion facility at the Little Miami Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) in the East End/Columbia-Tusculum neighborhoods. The facility will 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 process in which bacteria decompose wastewater solids without oxygen, reducing their volume and destroying pathogens. The process generates biogas and biosolids 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 Renewable Energy Source: Biogas, which is primarily methane, will be reused onsite to run other plant operations. This will reduce our reliance on the grid and improve energy efficiency.
- Improves Plant Operations: New solids handling and processing facilities will help optimize operations and maintenance and provide flexibility for the future.
- Reduces Truck Traffic: Due to a 30-45% reduction in volume, fewer trucks are needed to haul the biosolids.
- Reduces Odors: New odor controls will be installed on solids handling processes to minimize/eliminate odors.
- Save Money: The project will create renewable energy from biogas, thereby reducing the amount of grid energy consumed by MSD. In addition, the project is eligible for a federal reimbursement related to biogas production and usage.
PROJECT STATUS
Here's the current project status:
- Construction began in November 2024 and is expected to be completed by December 2028.
- The Ohio River Trail will remain open during construction and will not be impacted.
- Traffic on Kellogg Road will not be impacted; however, the Kellogg Road entrance to the Little Miami plant will be closed to all vehicles, including emergency vehicles, through 2027. The Wilmer Road entrance will remain open.
- 100% design was completed in August 2025.
- Jacobs Project Management Company was awarded the progressive design-build contract in late 2022.
VIEW THE CONSTRUCTION AREA MAP
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 between the plant and other entities.
- The existing entrance drive off Kellogg Avenue will be relocated.
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
