~ Idaho Falls Wastewater Treatment Plant Recognized for Energy Efficiency Improvements

The Idaho Falls Wastewater Treatment Plant has been commended by the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) and Idaho Falls Power for successfully implementing major energy efficiency upgrades. These improvements have resulted in significant cost savings and reduced energy consumption.

Thanks to their participation in BPA's energy efficiency program, the City of Idaho Falls received a generous incentive payment of $128,738. The wastewater treatment project is estimated to save the city $21,248 annually in energy costs and reduce energy usage by 472,191 kilowatt-hours (kWh).

The treatment plant, responsible for processing domestic and industrial wastewater from surrounding areas before safely discharging it into the Snake River, identified the need to upgrade its sludge dewatering equipment. After considering two centrifuges, the team conducted an alternative analysis and ultimately chose two lower-energy screw presses. This decision not only maintained strong solids capture performance but also significantly reduced energy consumption.

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Mayor Lisa Burtenshaw expressed her pride in the city's efforts to improve efficiencies and lower operational costs. "As City leaders, we are also Idaho Falls residents, and are focused on delivering on our commitment to our community," she said. "Taking advantage of BPA's energy efficiency program is just one example of how different departments within our city are working together towards this goal."

In addition to upgrading their sludge dewatering equipment, the treatment plant also installed variable frequency drives (VFDs) on two digester chopper pumps. By optimizing motor speeds, these VFDs have effectively reduced overall energy use while still providing efficient mixing.

Stephen Boorman, IFP Interim General Manager, emphasized the importance of being responsible stewards of both financial and natural resources. "These kinds of energy efficiency improvements reflect our commitment to sustainability," he said. "We are grateful for BPA's partnership and support in making these investments possible."

This project's success highlights the benefits of carefully evaluating equipment options and strategically implementing upgrades. Not only does it result in reduced operational costs, but it also contributes to the community's overall sustainability.

For more information about Idaho Falls' energy efficiency initiatives, please contact Idaho Falls Power at 208-612-8140.

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