City of Pendleton issued the following announcement on June 13.
The City of Pendleton is applying for a $1 million grant to add solar panels to the Wastewater Treatment Resource Renewal Facility (WWTRRF).
The project to cover the Chlorine Contact Chamber at the WWTRRF with solar panels would provide multiple benefits, including reducing facility power costs by integrating a renewable resource, providing at least 240-300 kilowatt hours of power. Additionally, placing the panels over the chlorine contact chamber provides shade to cool the water and reduce the amount of chlorine chemical lost due to UV degradation. If, granted the fully requested amount, the city could also cover the secondary clarifiers with solar panels as well, providing additional power and temperature control benefits.
The city is applying for a $1 million grant through the Community Renewable Energy Grant Program from the Oregon Department of Energy. The grant requires a 50 percent match from the city, allowing $2 million worth of work. Covering the contact chamber is estimated to cost $1.6 million, and covering the secondary clarifiers would push the project to $2 million, allowing the city to take advantage of the full grant amount. In addition to the CREP grant, city staff is pursuing Energy Trust of Oregon funding to make up part of the city match amount. The city would also see long-term cost savings when the project is completed.
For more information about the grant application or the WWTRRF, call 541-276-3372. The WWTRRF is available for tours, and visits can be scheduled by calling the facility.
Original source can be found here.
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