Anaerobic Digestion Facility at Little Miami Plant

 

 

 

PROJECT NAME, LOCATION AND DELIVERY METHOD

  • Name: Little Miami WWTP Solids Disposal with Odor Control
  • Location: East End/Columbia-Tusculum neighborhood in Cincinnati
  • Project Delivery Method: Progressive Design-Build

 

 

OVERVIEW

MSD is constructing an anaerobic digestion facility 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.

 

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.

 

This project will expand the footprint of the existing Little Miami plant to the north/northwest by about 7 acres (City property>. The existing entrance drive off Kellogg Avenue will be relocated.

 

MSD is working closely with the city’s Department of Transportation & Engineering (DOTE), which maintains the adjacent Ohio River Trail. The new plant facilities and the trail will be separated by 25 feet at a minimum.

 

 

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 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.
Artist rendering of new Anaerobic Digestion facility
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.

PROJECT STATUS

Aerial photo showing status of construction as of August 2026
Construction as of October 2026

 

  • Construction began in November 2024 and is expected to be completed by December 2028. WATCH THE DRONE VIDEO! (as of October 2026)
    • The Ohio River Trail will be impacted by storm sewer construction starting Monday, September 28, for up to a month.
      • The Ohio River Trail will close on Monday, September 28, 2026, for one day.
      • A temporary detour path will be installed around the closure area and will be in place on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, until the project is complete. VIEW THE TRAIL CLOSURE/DETOUR MAP
      • MSD contractors are installing new storm sewers on the west side of the plant where an anaerobic digestion facility is under construction. The trail closure is needed to tie the storm sewers into a manhole in the trail.
    • 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.

 

 

project map
VIEW THE CONSTRUCTION AREA MAP

 

 

Rendering of new Anaerobic Digestion facility (as seen from the bike trail)
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.

 

 

 

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