Poop to Power begins Operation
MaxWest Environmental Systems announces Grand Opening of Sanford’s Gasification Facility
(Sanford, FL) An innovative MaxWest gasification system, first approved by
the City of Sanford, Florida in 2008, begins operating on May 21 at Sanford’s
South Water Resource Center. The occasion also marks the official dedication by
the City of its new Water Resource Center.
The unique MaxWest system will gasify Sanford’s treated wastewater sludge to
provide renewable “green” thermal energy to replace energy from natural
gas for the City’s sludge dryer. The energy in sludge is converted to heat
safely and economically.
Because it is scalable, the gasification facility has sufficient capacity to
meet Sanford’s expected growth over coming decades and also to serve as a
disposal site for other nearby cities and private waste haulers.
This first of its kind, industry-changing technology will provide Sanford
with a long-term, green solution for sludge disposal while saving millions of
dollars in natural gas fuel costs. Sanford’s 20-year contract with MaxWest also
provides long-term energy price stability. And, as the system grows, the
opportunity to produce renewable green electricity is available.
The City of Sanford has grown considerably over the last 25 years as the
Central Florida region has expanded. Sanford has decided to seek environmentally
friendly solutions for its waste streams. The MaxWest system fit the bill
perfectly.
Paul Moore, Sanford’s Utility Director says, “We’re pleased to be leading the
country in using waste to energy technology by being the first to utilize the
MaxWest gasification system to convert our biosolids into green energy.”
The MaxWest system is not only cost effective, but it is carbon neutral and
reduces emissions of greenhouse gases compared to other disposal methods.
“For MaxWest and for the wastewater treatment industry, this a major
milestone.” said Bill Baker, Vice President for Marketing, Maxwest, “The Sanford
gasifier will serve as the MaxWest operational education center for interested
municipalities across the country. We’re ready to show it off!”
MaxWest gasification systems are also in commercial operation for animal and
industrial waste. The company has several projects in design or under
development in Florida and other states, including plans to gasify horse “muck”
in Ocala/Marion County, Florida, the “horse capital of the world.”
The Sanford Grand Opening will take place on May 21 2009, beginning at 11 am
at Sanford’s South Water Resource Center. City and State officials will be on
hand with comments about this industry-changing, renewable energy
technology. For more information about MaxWest and the Grand Opening
Ceremony, visit www.MaxWestEnergy.com.
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