RFP #2503 - Waste to Energy Feasibility Study

Background
The Augusta County Service Authority, operating as Augusta Water, is seeking proposals for a feasibility study to develop a Waste to Energy facility at the Stuarts Draft Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) in Virginia.
The goal of this project is to evaluate the potential for converting waste into energy, thereby enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of the wastewater treatment process.

Work Details
The feasibility study will include the following primary elements:

A. Evaluation of the existing WWTP's suitability for Waste to Energy production, including an assessment of its current capacity (4.0 Million Gallons per Day) and average flow (1.25 MGD). This includes analyzing existing infrastructure such as Flow Equalization Lagoon, Aeration Tanks, Secondary Clarifiers, Denitrification Filters, UV Disinfection, and sludge processing facilities.

B. Identification of necessary upgrades or construction of additional infrastructure to enhance the WWTP's efficiency as a Waste to Energy facility, including consideration of increased operating expenses.

C. Identification and evaluation of potential sources for high-strength waste suitable for energy production and delivery methods to the WWTP.

D. Assessment of relaxing pretreatment limits on specific industries currently discharging pre-treated waste into the WWTP to ensure a consistent waste stream.

E. If feasible, an evaluation of costs associated with gas treatment infrastructure for producing commercial-grade gas products.

F. Analysis of potential purchasers for Waste to Energy pipeline quality gas and delivery methods, including pipeline extension costs and ongoing maintenance expenses.

G. Evaluation of agricultural-grade fertilizer production from byproducts and identification of potential buyers.

H. Ensuring compliance with redundancy and reliability requirements in accordance with WWTP permits and regulations, including OSHA standards related to stored fuel.

I. A comprehensive report detailing evaluated options with a Return on Investment (ROI) analysis for the most cost-effective solution.

Period of Performance
The contract will be performed over a period starting from March 2025 until completion, with specific milestones including proposal submission by February 27, 2025; proposal review by March 14, 2025; and award announcement by March 28, 2025.

Place of Performance
The work will be conducted at the Stuarts Draft Wastewater Treatment Plant located in Stuarts Draft, Virginia.