County officials announced their next steps Wednesday after conducting a feasibility study last year on a joint anaerobic digester that would take in waste from two Albany County treatment plants (Albany and Menands) and from the Saratoga County sewer treatment plant in Mechanicville, producing energy to heat and power the facility.
Conducted by Arcadis of Clifton Park, the study assessed the existing infrastructure, evaluated data at the three plants, identified design criteria and funding sources, and helped prepare a master plan and project schedule.
The study was funded by a $50,000 grant from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, and $50,000 split evenly between the two counties.
While plans for an anaerobic digester in Albany County have been discussed for several years, Saratoga County’s recent interest helped move it forward.
“Saratoga County has been looking at ways to lessen their overall costs with waste production, and this is one way and another avenue that we’re able to take advantage of,” Saratoga County Board of Supervisors Chairman Ed Kinowski said. “Hitch a ride, if you want to call it, but it takes both to bring it all together.”
The facility itself is expected to save the counties $20 million each county over 20 years, while also reducing sewer and water rates for Albany and Saratoga residents through eliminating the incineration process and lowering transportation and dumping costs.
The two counties would also share in the construction, operation and maintenance of the digester, and officials would seek NYSERDA and other grants to help fund construction. Officials hope to put out a request-for-proposal for the project’s design this year.
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