In a recent city council meeting, officials discussed a significant design-build agreement with Energia Services aimed at rehabilitating Digester 5 at the Riverside Bioenergy Facility. This initiative is part of a broader effort to comply with California Senate Bill 1383, which mandates the recycling of organic waste and the establishment of edible food recovery programs.

The project, which has been in development for nearly four years, seeks to enhance the city’s capacity to manage biosolids and organic waste effectively. The rehabilitation of Digester 5, originally constructed in 1982 and retired in 2017, is crucial for optimizing the wastewater treatment plant's operations. The digester will be upgraded to process organic materials, converting them into renewable natural gas for injection into the Southern California Gas Pipeline.

City officials highlighted the increasing costs and decreasing availability of biosolids disposal options, emphasizing the need for a more environmentally friendly management strategy. The project is expected to reduce risks associated with waste disposal and provide a sustainable solution for the city’s waste management challenges.

The council also noted that the project aligns with the city’s Renewable Resource Management Plan, which guides the development of renewable energy projects at the wastewater treatment facility. The rehabilitation will involve significant structural and mechanical upgrades, including the replacement of the digester's dome and the installation of new mixing and heating equipment.

As the city moves forward with this initiative, it aims to position itself as a leader in organic waste management and renewable energy production, addressing both local needs and compliance with state regulations.