File #: Res 2089-2009    Version: * Name: Environmental Protection to implement and encourage the use of advanced thermal technologies as part of its program to manage the conversion of biosolids and organic waste.
Type: Resolution Status: Filed
Committee: Committee on Environmental Protection
On agenda: 7/29/2009
Enactment date: Law number:
Title: Resolution calling on the New York City Department of Environmental Protection to implement and encourage the use of advanced thermal technologies as part of its program to manage the conversion of biosolids and organic waste.
Sponsors: James F. Gennaro, Gale A. Brewer, Leroy G. Comrie, Jr., Lewis A. Fidler, Letitia James, G. Oliver Koppell, Michael C. Nelson, Annabel Palma, James Sanders, Jr., David I. Weprin, Alan J. Gerson
Council Member Sponsors: 11

Res. No. 2089

 

Resolution calling on the New York City Department of Environmental Protection to implement and encourage the use of advanced thermal technologies as part of its program to manage the conversion of biosolids and organic waste.

 

By Council Members Gennaro, Brewer, Comrie, Fidler, James, Koppell, Nelson, Palma, Sanders Jr., Weprin and Gerson

 

                     Whereas, New York City’s water pollution control plants treat 1.4 billion gallons of wastewater every day; and

Whereas, The wastewater treatment process produces approximately 1200 tons of biosolids each day; and

Whereas, Pursuant to Section 1401 of the New York City Charter, the New York City Department of Environmental Protection may decide on and implement the process for the removal and conversion of biosolids and fats, oils, and greases; and

                     Whereas, The Department of Environmental Protection currently treats its biosolids in a variety of ways, with the largest portion dried and converted into pellets that are used as fertilizer in agriculture, and smaller portions composted or stabilized with lime for agricultural use; and

                     Whereas, Fertilizer pellets and other biosolid products are then transported throughout the country, requiring the use of fuel and generating greenhouse gas emissions; and

                     Whereas, The Department of Environmental Protection removes fats, oils, and greases from sewage during the wastewater treatment process; and

                     Whereas, The fats, oils, and greases removed during this process are transported to landfills to be disposed of as solid waste; and

                     Whereas, The decomposition of fats, oils, and greases in landfills produces methane, a potent greenhouse gas; and

                     Whereas, Heat drying and incineration processes have proven to be environmentally unsuitable and energy inefficient and further contribute to greenhouse gas levels; and

Whereas, Thermal processes are currently available to convert both biosolids as well as fats, oils, and greases into renewable fuel; and

Whereas, This fuel does not need to be transported long distances and can be used to generate power, thereby reducing New York City’s reliance on coal-fired power plants and further reducing greenhouse gas emissions; and

Whereas, Fuels produced through thermal processes produce twice the amount of energy that is needed to create them; and

Whereas, New York City should take advantage of all opportunities to use its waste products as resources; now, therefore, be it

                     Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the New York City Department of Environmental Protection to implement and encourage the use of advanced thermal technologies as part of its program to manage the conversion of biosolids and organic waste.

 

LS# 7364

PJS

6/19/09