Res. No. 108
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, Fidler, Nelson, Palma, Recchia and Van Bramer
Whereas, New York City's water pollution control plants treat an average of 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# 102
STW
3/02/10
Res. 2089/2009