North Raleigh Today

Officials from the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ), the North Carolina General Assembly (NCGA), and the Division of Water Resources (DWR) within the NCDEQ recently toured Raleigh Water's new bioenergy facility. The visit highlighted Raleigh's commitment to sustainable practices and innovative wastewater management solutions.

Raleigh Water officials led the tour, focusing on the Bioenergy Recovery Project, which converts solids from wastewater treatment into renewable energy. This project will produce renewable natural gas to fuel Go Raleigh’s compressed natural gas buses.

Erika L. Bailey, assistant director for Raleigh Water, remarked, "This project is more than just a technological advancement. It represents a paradigm shift in how we approach wastewater management. By harnessing the energy within waste, we are not only reducing our environmental impact but also creating a valuable resource for our community."

The visit facilitated engagement between Raleigh Water and key stakeholders. Officials from NCGA and DWR expressed interest in the technology, its environmental benefits, and potential wider applications.

The Bioenergy Recovery Project supports Raleigh Water's sustainability goals and Community Climate Action Plan by reducing biosolid volume and decreasing carbon emissions. As completion approaches, Raleigh Water expects significant environmental and community benefits. This facility serves as a model for other municipalities exploring sustainable wastewater management solutions.