The Great Neck Water Pollution Control District recently received a $522,500 grant to help build a facility that will convert methane gas into electricity.
The microturbine cogeneration facility will be the first of its kind on Long Island and was the only project in Nassau County to receive the grant from a pool of statewide applicants.
“Since the inception of the district, the preservation of the environment has been very important and we continue to strive to be environmentally conscientious while providing the best possible service,” said district Superintendent Christopher Murphy. “We are thrilled to have received this financial support from the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporations in order to continue being environmentally responsible.”
Methane gas is a by-product of the wastewater treatment process. The facility will save the district $100,000 per year on electricity bills.
“This project will save tax dollars through new technologies and more efficient operations,” said Great Neck Water Pollution Control District Chairman Jerry Landsberg. “This grant is one of several that the district has recently applied for to receive additional funding in order to continue making cost-saving, energy-efficient changes. On behalf of the taxpayers, we greatly appreciate receiving this grant from such a highly competitive program.”
The grant is funded through the Green Innovation Grant from the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporations. A total of $15 million was awarded to New York State.
The Green Innovation Grant Program is intended to make New York State the nation’s leader in green infrastructure. The program is funded through the EPA.
The district is seeking third-party funding to allow cost-saving measures to continue without a tax increase
By collecting waste vegetable oil from local restaurants, the district is able to produce a gallon of biofuel for approximately $1.25, which costs almost $3.35 less than the rising costs of diesel fuel, while helping the environment, district officials said.
Biofuel is used to for powering vehicles, generating electricity and heating buildings.
The district produces 40-60 gallons per week, saving about $3.40/gallon, or $7,000-10,000 a year, depending on oil prices. The district is also working with the Town of North Hempstead on its own biofuel pilot project.
