Anaerobic Digestion

The majority of wastewater that is conveyed to the Gloversville-Johnstown Wastewater Treatment Facility is treated biologically by aerobic microorganisms. High strength wastewater is also accepted and treated in the facility’s 1.5 million-gallon primary or 1.3 million-gallon secondary digester. Anaerobic microorganisms convert the high strength waste to biogas, a renewable blend of approximately 50% methane and 50% carbon dioxide. This lean mixture is an excellent fuel source for an engine or as boiler fuel.

The high strength waste, predominately cheese and yogurt whey is stored in above ground equalization tanks. This liquid is pumped to the digester 24-hours per day, 7-days a week for consistent biogas generation.