As the State of California intensifies its efforts to mitigate the impacts of climate change, key legislative and policy measures, including the ambitious California Climate Action Plan, aim to reduce the state's environmental footprint.
One significant challenge is the management of the 11 million tons of organic waste produced annually, a critical issue addressed through the state's climate action goals.
These goals emphasize reducing greenhouse gas emissions by optimizing waste management processes, enhancing renewable energy production, and promoting circular economy practices.
Read on to find out how Republic Services, at its Oroville biogas facility, advances biogas production in California by deploying new pumps as part of its sustainable organic waste management business. And, by doing this they also help the community to comply with the California Climate Action Plan:
Affirmative Biogas Action with Right Pumps and Mixers
In alignment with these statewide initiatives, the environmental services industry is stepping up to transform waste management practices.
This press release highlights the proactive approach taken by Republic Services in upgrading the mixing process at anaerobic digestion facilities, in collaboration with Landia.
Such upgrades are crucial in boosting biogas yields, converting material that would otherwise contribute to landfill methane emissions into clean, renewable energy.
This initiative not only supports California’s climate action goals but also demonstrates a commitment to sustainable, community-focused practices that align with statutory requirements and environmental stewardship.
Press Release 10 April 2024:
Affirmative biogas action with the right pumps and mixers
As California takes affirmative action to address climate challenges, including the 23 million tons of organic waste that it produces annually, the environmental services industry is also taking positive steps to ensure that the unwanted material is put to the best possible use.
This includes upgrades of the important mixing process at anaerobic digestion facilities to boost biogas yields from material that would have otherwise been destined for landfill; releasing harmful methane, rather than converting it into clean, green renewable energy.
‘It's first anaerobic digester’
In May 2023, Republic Services, a leader in the environmental services industry, made a significant expansion of its organics recycling operations when it acquired North State Bioenergy, a biogas facility at Oroville; its first anaerobic digester.
The site, located some 70 miles north of Sacramento, was once home to a rendering plant, from whom the AD plant received organic matter, but it now mainly uses commercial food waste from across Northern California as feedstock for its principal, 64’ high, 2200m3 (580,000-gallon) digester.
With Republic Services wanting to optimize the biogas operation at Oroville, a new submersible chopper pump has been introduced for the facility’s 20,000-gallon Receiving Pit; from the same company whose equipment still works efficiently and effectively on the main digester.
‘Minimizes safety risks for our operators’
Dave Meyer, Operations Manager at Republic Services, explains:
“We made a calculated investment when we chose the Landia GasMix system for the main digester. It is a highly dependable system, with external accessibility, which simplifies maintenance and avoids costly downtime associated with internal components.
Unlike other systems with moving parts inside, Landia's design minimizes safety risks for our operators and ensures a seamless, efficient, and profitable process without the challenges of shutting down a delicate biological operation.”
Long-Term Performance
Ten years on, and the GasMix Chopper Pumps on the main digester are still going strong. When Republic Services decided to replace the pump for for the demanding food-waste application that runs 24/7, 365-days a year.
Ten years on, and the GasMix Chopper Pumps on the main digester are still going strong working to help the state achieve its California Climate Action Plan.
When Republic Services decided to replace the pump for the Receiving Pit at Oroville, it chose Landia again for the demanding food-waste application that runs 24/7, 365 days a year.
Deployment of New Chopper Pump
The new Landia Chopper Pump is stainless-steel, 30 HP, with an external 5-blade knife system that continuously reduces the particle size of the feedstock. Using the original site drawings that Landia had safely archived, meant that the new submersible could be integrated with the original pump and mix system, dropping the new Chopper Pump straight into the Receiving Pit.
Enhancing Efficiency in Waste Processing
It now blends up all the incoming food waste (25-30% solids; some of it is pre-processed at a Republic Services facility in Sacramento), ensuring that there is a continuous, consistent flow of homogenized feedstock going into the digester.
The Biogas Production Process
The Landia Chopper Pump at Republic Service's Oroville facility transfers the food waste it has now homogenized into two tanks (40′ diameter by 24′ high), where the first acid-forming phase of the biogas production process takes place.
These heated tanks contain bacteria that break down the material and prepare it for its onward process. When the feedstock is ready, it is then pumped into the main digester, where the biogas-producing bacteria get to work.
Ken Jacobs, Landia’s Aftermarket Manager, added:
“It’s fair to say that we had some fun and games at first with the installation of the new Chopper Pump. Sometimes, nothing seems straightforward when upgrading a biogas plant (!), but Dave and I worked closely to make everything right. We have a fully stocked inventory in the US, so can always provide backup, without delay.”
In 2022, Republic Services recycled 2 billion pounds of organic waste.
Environmental Benefit
Diverting this organic material from a landfill provided a climate benefit equivalent to removing the annual emissions of 22,000 passenger vehicles.
Organics recycling directly supports Republic Services’ sustainability goal to increase the recovery and circularity of key materials from the waste stream by 40% by 2030.
www.republicservices.com www.landiaworld.com
— PR ends–
California Climate Action Plan and Landia Chopper Pump FAQs
What is the California Climate Action Plan?
The California Climate Action Plan is a comprehensive framework aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting renewable energy, and enhancing sustainability initiatives across the state. It addresses various sectors including transportation, energy, waste management, and agriculture with the goal of meeting specific climate targets set for upcoming decades.
How does the California Climate Action Plan impact businesses?
The plan impacts businesses by requiring them to adopt more sustainable practices, such as reducing carbon footprints, implementing renewable energy solutions, and improving energy efficiencies. Businesses in California are encouraged to align with state goals through incentives, regulations, and support programs designed to facilitate the transition to greener operations.
What are California's climate action goals for 2030?
California's climate action goals for 2030 include achieving a 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from 1990 levels, generating 60% of electricity from renewable sources, and doubling the savings from energy efficiency measures in buildings.
What is a Landia Chopper Pump?
A Landia Chopper Pump is a specialized pump used primarily in waste management and biogas production. It features a robust design with an external knife system to chop and reduce the size of solid waste materials before processing, making it ideal for handling tough, fibrous substances commonly found in organic waste.
How does the Landia Chopper Pump contribute to biogas production?
The Landia Chopper Pump enhances biogas production by efficiently processing and homogenizing organic waste into a consistent slurry. This preparation is crucial for the anaerobic digestion process, where microorganisms break down the material in the absence of oxygen, resulting in the production of biogas, a renewable energy source.
What are the benefits of using a Landia Chopper Pump in waste management?
Using a Landia Chopper Pump in waste management provides multiple benefits: Efficiency: It reduces particle size, facilitating faster and more consistent anaerobic digestion. Durability: Designed for heavy-duty applications, it withstands the rigors of continuous operation in harsh environments. Safety: The external knife system minimizes safety risks for operators during maintenance. Environmental Impact: Helps convert organic waste into renewable energy, reducing landfill use and methane emissions.
Can the Landia Chopper Pump be used in other applications besides waste management?
Yes, while primarily used in waste management and biogas production, Landia Chopper Pumps are also suitable for agricultural and industrial applications where solid waste handling and processing are required. They are versatile in managing different types of slurry and effluent in various industrial contexts.
