A cost-effective solution was required to reduce the need for future rate increases.

In order to provide benefits to taxpayers, Frederick-Winchester Service Authority (FWSA) needed to leverage project cost savings to cover its debt service. As a result, FWSA selected proven partners to deliver infrastructure improvements at the Opequon Water Reclamation Facility to stabilize rates for its customers and promote economic development in the Winchester, Frederick-County area.

Waste to energy upgrades generate savings and revenue.

The project team designed a facility that will produce methane gas which will meet more than 50 percent of the treatment plant’s electrical needs. The Green Energy Facility will also be equipped to harvest phosphorus from the wastewater stream, a rare element that is an essential ingredient for fertilizer and crop production.

Facility achieves economic and environmental development.

In addition to being a great example of the government striving for operational efficiency and advancing sustainable infrastructure solutions, the environment is also positively impacted. The facility includes a new sludge dewatering process that reduces the use of chemicals and amount of biosolids hauled by approximately 50 percent.