Portland Wastewater Treatment Plant to Produce Renewable Vehicle Fuel

The Portland City Council has approved the development of a facility at the Columbia Boulevard Wastewater Treatment Plant that will convert biogas into compressed natural gas vehicle fuel. The facility, which is expected to be operational by 2017, would allow the plant to re-use nearly all of the 600 million cubic feet of biogas it produces annually.

An Environmental Services study of re-use alternatives found that the vehicle fuel option is the most economical and has the greatest environmental benefit as it will reduce diesel fuel use and cut greenhouse gas emissions. Environmental Services is also thinking of several possible uses for fuel, including selling it to a utility company as well as fueling city vehicles.

"Biogas is a sustainable, renewable energy source," said Portland City Commissioner Nick Fish. "This project will reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and save money for our sewer ratepayers."