HomeMy WebLinkAbout5D Public CommentAnthony Mejia
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RE: Agenda Item
5. New Business:
A.Fiscal Year 2020/2021
Lani Miller <1millermd1@gmail.com>
Thursday, April 22, 2021 3:19 PM
City Clerk
04/22.2021 PS City Council Meeting
Scan_20210422.png
Greetings Mayor Holstege and City of Palm SpringsCouncil Members,
First, Much appreciation to Assistant City Manager, Marcus Fuller and his Staff who, tonight,
have presented us with a plan for the modernization of our Waste Water Treatment Plant (WWTP). It is to be completed
by 2026 and includes a sewage collection service which serves the
entire community, including previously annexed, areas of Riverside County, from the 1990's.
The starring project, though buried after the 25th page, demonstrates the production of Renewable Natural Gas (RNG)
from biogas. The latter has long been generated by the plant in ever increasing megatons of CO2 equivalents. This
methane flare emits GHG in the midst of Demuth neighborhood and playgrounds. It comprises by far, the highest
percentage of GHG emissions produced by Palm Springs. This to RNG production would go a long way for CA to rank
Palm Springs with the many municipalities which have already advanced organic waste treatment beyond GHG emitting
composting to high temperature anaerobic digestion.
The production of RNG from Biogas incentivizes by providing energy for the plant, municipal vehicles, and many other
consumers. (The solar array produces only 70% of the energy required by WWTP.)
It was mentioned that PS WWTP did not produce enough biogas to be profitable. If based on post-COVID numbers, that
may not be true. In the anaerobic facilities I studied over the past two years on the Sustainability Commission, the ideal
is to ramp up slowly, while ironing the inevitable bugs out. Then operations thought not to be profitable were surprised
to find they most definitely were.
Two composting facilities are mentioned. Edom Hill is operated by Burrtec. Coachella Compost Facility is never expected
to produce RNG, but only GNG, emitted by compost of a questionable fertility and cleanliness. Attached is a schematic
of a WWTP which is processing green food waste. See separation facility on top section. This receiving/processing facility
could be at the WWTP. All organizations would benefit from the proximity of PSDS to WWTP.
Thanks for your time.
I would be happy to meet with you again.
Best,
Lani Miller,MD
City of Palm Springs
Sustainability Commissioner
Lmillermdl@gmail.com
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