WINSTON, Ore. — January 5, 2018 — Aging aeration blowers at the Winston-Green Wastewater Treatment Plant, located in Winston, had become a maintenance dilemma. The problem turned into a plus when the plant was able to replace the outdated equipment with help from Energy Trust of Oregon.

The new equipment cuts annual energy costs by nearly $7,200, and also gives plant employees better control of dissolved oxygen in the treatment process.

Aeration blowers supply the oxygen to help compounds in wastewater metabolize, among other things, and can consume more than 50 percent of the energy used at wastewater treatment plants.

“Before, our blowers were always either on or off; there was no in-between,” said Chris Sherlock, plant superintendent. “With the hybrid blower and variable frequency drive, we’re now able to adjust the blower according to fluctuating demand.”

Controls on the new system are more sophisticated, with a range of set points that translate into more precise process control. “The equipment automatically senses and adjusts for dissolved oxygen,” said Sherlock.

The project cost $103,600, and was completed with a $40,552 cash incentive from Energy Trust. Energy Trust also prepared an energy study on the new technology compared to the existing technology prior to installation. Winston-Green Wastewater Treatment Plant is served by Pacific Power.

“The information Energy Trust presented to us was detailed and timely. They made it easy to decide to move forward,” said Sherlock. “This was our first process-related Energy Trust project and the entire process was easy. We’ll turn to them again when it’s time to upgrade or replace aging equipment.”

In addition to the cost savings, Winston-Green Wastewater Treatment Plant is expected to use 133,500 fewer kilowatt hours of electricity each year, and cut carbon dioxide emissions by 60 tons annually. Those savings are equivalent to the amount of electricity used by a dozen homes.

Energy Trust of Oregon is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to helping utility customers benefit from saving energy and generating renewable power. Our services, cash incentives and energy solutions have helped participating customers of Portland General Electric, Pacific Power, NW Natural, Cascade Natural Gas and Avista save $2.7 billion on energy bills. Our work helps keep energy costs as low as possible, creates jobs and builds a sustainable energy future. Learn more at www.energytrust.org or call 1-866-368-7878.

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