Energy economics now has direct impact on design of wastewater treatment and facilities

With the increased prices of energy, innovative technology in wastewater treatment and disposal is being introduced. It must be taken into consideration in sewer system layout, in choosing between a more capital-cost-intensive gravity alternative or a less-capital-cost pumping alternative. In the treatment process, the recovery of energy from digester gas and various heat-producing units, including incineration processes, must be examined to determine the cost effectiveness of converting and using each major energy source. Reclaiming heat from these processes is briefly described. (MCW)