Media Advisory: Phoenix and Ameresco Host Groundbreaking Ceremony for Largest Wastewater Treatment Biogas Facility in the U.S.

WHAT: Groundbreaking of the new biogas facility at the 91st Avenue Wastewater Treatment Plant

WHEN: Thursday, February 2, 2017 10:00 a.m. MST

WHERE: 91st Avenue Wastewater Treatment Plant
5615 South 91st Avenue
Tolleson, Arizona 85353-9388

WHO: City and Ameresco, Inc. Officials

WHY: Groundbreaking event for the start of a multi-million dollar wastewater treatment biogas utilization project at the 91st Ave Wastewater Treatment Plant. The gas is a result of the natural breakdown of organic matter in the wastewater treatment process. Currently, a small portion of the gas produced is burned as boiler fuel in the plant, but most is burned off using flares. Through this new effort, 600,000 cubic feet of gas will be treated and transferred to a nearby commercial gas pipeline, where it will be sold on the open market as green energy. Once operational, it is expected to be the largest wastewater treatment biogas-to-renewable natural gas facility of its kind in the United States.

The project is expected to produce $1.2 million in annual revenue, to be shared among the cities that jointly own the 91st Avenue Wastewater Treatment Plant. The 91st Avenue Wastewater Treatment Plant is the largest wastewater treatment plant in Arizona. It is jointly owned by the cities of Glendale, Mesa, Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tempe.

VISUALS AND INTERVIEWS:
•    Onsite b-roll opportunities of the wastewater treatment process and the future location of the biogas facility.
•    Interview opportunities with City and Ameresco Officials.