Anaerobic Digestion Facility at Little Miami Plant

 

 

Revised artist rendering of new Anaerobic Digestion facility
Revised 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 and constructing 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, all located on the east side of Hamilton County. These solids are currently being landfilled.

 

Once the project is complete, waste solids will be thickened, anaerobically digested, dewatered, and hauled off site.

 

WHAT IS ANAEROBIC DIGESTION?

Anaerobic digestion is a biological treatment process for waste solids that destroys pathogens and reduces the volume of solids. Bacteria break down the solids - in the absence of oxygen - into biogas that can be reused onsite as a renewable energy source and biosolids that can potentially be beneficially reused.

 

process flow diagram showing the digestion process

 

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, 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: 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 tax incentive related to biogas production and usage.

 

Rendering of new Anaerobic Digestion facility (as seen from Kellogg Avenue)
Revised 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; 100% design is expected to be complete by second quarter 2025.
  • Construction is anticipated to start in November 2024 and run through early 2028.
  • The Ohio River Trail will remain open during the construction and will not be impacted.

 

 

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.

 

Revised site map
VIEW THE REVISED 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)
Revised 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)
Revised 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