Groundbreaking Expansion of Water Reuse and Renewable Energy Facility
The City of Pasco, Washington, in collaboration with Burnham RNG and key project partners, has announced the expansion of the Process Water Reuse Facility (PWRF) and Pasco Resource Recovery Center (PRRC). A ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for March 22 at 11 a.m. to mark this milestone.
This facility is designed to transform process water from seven local food processing plants into multiple valuable resources. Using advanced treatment and energy recovery technologies, the PRRC generates renewable natural gas (RNG), nutrient-rich soil amendments, and algae-based bioproducts while returning clean water for agricultural irrigation. The expansion is driven by increasing demand from local industry, including the addition of Darigold. The upgraded PWRF aims to boost treatment capacity and environmental benefits while reducing costs through a long-term public-private partnership between Pasco and Burnham RNG, which owns and operates the facility.
Maria Serra, Pasco’s public works director, emphasized the facility’s innovative approach. “By repurposing water from food processing plants, we’re improving our environmental impact, meeting state and federal environmental standards, and harnessing valuable resources like renewable natural gas, all while sharing costs with industry partners,” Serra stated.
Sustainability and Advanced Treatment Technologies
The expansion in the City of Pasco introduces several advanced treatment technologies that significantly improve sustainability and efficiency. One of the key enhancements is the facility’s ability to recycle more than one billion gallons of water annually, treating it to a higher standard for safer agricultural irrigation. This development helps the region manage water resources more effectively while supporting local industries.
A major upgrade includes the addition of two 34-million-gallon anaerobic digesters provided by Xylem. These digesters use microorganisms to break down organic materials in process water, effectively treating waste while capturing methane gas for energy production. This process is a crucial step in producing RNG, a cleaner alternative to conventional fossil fuels. Biogas Engineering has supplied advanced gas upgrading technology that purifies the biogas to pipeline quality, which will be distributed locally by Cascade Natural Gas.
Additionally, an algae-based purification system engineered by Gross-Wen Technologies in the City of Pasco will play a vital role in nitrogen recovery while simultaneously capturing carbon dioxide. This greenhouse filtration method benefits both water and air quality by reducing excess nutrients and greenhouse gas emissions.
Storage, Distribution, and Economic Benefits
The expanded facility also introduces improved water storage solutions. Newly constructed holding ponds will store treated water until it is needed for irrigation, ensuring a more efficient and sustainable distribution process. This innovation aligns with the region’s agricultural needs and helps optimize water availability for farming operations.
Project completion was overseen by Swinerton Energy, which served as the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractor. Their involvement ensured that the project remained on schedule and within budget. Chris Tynan, CEO of Burnham RNG, highlighted the facility’s broader impact. “This project does much more than treat wastewater; it unlocks long-term value for the City of Pasco and its industries. By integrating advanced treatment, nutrient recovery, and energy production, we and our partners have built a system that makes wastewater a financial and environmental asset,” Tynan said.
The Process Water Reuse Facility stands as a testament to technological innovation, environmental stewardship, and strategic partnerships, reinforcing Pasco’s position as a leader in sustainable industrial practices.
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