PURPOSE:
In 2007, the City Council through adoption of a “Sustainable and Resilient Riverside” policy initiated its vision to provide a framework for sustainability and green practices. From this work, the City’s Green Action Plan was developed as a strategy to go green in the areas of Energy, Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Waste, Urban Design, Urban Nature Transportation and Water.
In support of the City’s Sustainability and Green Action Plan initiative, the Public Works Department, Wastewater Division vision is committed to protecting natural resources, promoting environmental stewardship, and implementing sustainable operational practices through Renewable Resource projects and programs.
GOALS:
The Public Works Department, Wastewater Division manages the City’s Regional Water Quality Control Plant (RWQCP) and Sewer Enterprise Fund. The following goals will be used to guide decision making to implement projects and programs to support a Sustainable and Resilient Riverside through “Renewable Resource” activities. These Renewable Resource Management opportunities are based on four Resource areas - 1) Recycled water production, 2) Organics receiving and treatment, 3) Energy production and independence, and 4) Waste management and reuse.
1. Energy Neutrality - Produce 100% of the RWQCP electrical energy needs (Microgrid) and become a net exporter of energy to Riverside Public Utilities (RPU).
2. Renewable Energy and Waste Diversion Credits – Reduce air emissions & waste, produce energy and pursue all available programs to receive renewal energy and waste reduction credits. Maximizing the value of those credits to support city incentives.
3. Infrastructure Capital Investment – Utilizing private & public partnerships opportunities, grant funding and Sewer Enterprise capital funding as the source to develop and implement renewable resource projects.
4. Organic & Green Waste Management – partner with Solid Waste Division to put in place refuse and organic service contracts that divert waste form going to landfills and brings waste to the RWQCP for bio-methane production and energy generation.
5. Outside Partnerships - Pursue funding and research partnerships with industry, University of California Riverside, California Air Resources Board, non-profit organizations and City of Riverside
Public Works Department
Renewable Resource Management Plan
“Sustainable and Self-Reliant Riverside”
July 2020
other public agencies to improve and develop technology that will maximize renewable resources.
6. Project Delivery – Pursue private & public partnerships to enhance funding opportunities, provide community value and project success.
7. Products for market – Produce products for the open market such as Class A biosolids for beneficial reuse, recycled water and renewal natural gas, as a potential revenue source for capital investment and to stabilize wastewater operation and maintenance expenses.
8. Public Education and Outreach – Educate the public about the importance and value of renewable resources.