Member Spotlight

In October 2023, the Derry Township Municipal Authority (DTMA) in Hershey, Pennsylvania completed significant upgrades at its Clearwater Wastewater Treatment Facility (WWTF) through its Energy Enhancements Project (EEP). This initiative represents a critical milestone in DTMA’s long-term strategy to expand the facility’s capacity to accept high-strength organic waste and to harness on-site renewable energy for beneficial use.

Through a $16 million investment, DTMA constructed a 2-megawatt (MW) combined heat and power (CHP) facility fueled by biogas. This facility powers two cogeneration engines and is fully integrated into the plant’s existing electrical and heating systems—providing energy and heat throughout the facility. Any excess electricity not used by the plant is leveraged through net metering to supply the electric grid or to offset power costs at three nearby DTMA-owned sewage pump stations within a two-mile radius.

Additional improvements include a new biogas collection, conveyance and conditioning system designed to increase the transport capacity of biogas across the facility. Modifications to a secondary digester—featuring a dual membrane cover and tank mixing—further enhance biogas storage and operational flexibility.

With the completion of the EEP, DTMA has significantly increased its renewable energy recovery and utilization capabilities. The facility is now better equipped to accept additional high-strength organic waste for co-digestion, leading to increased biogas production to fuel the CHP system.

This forward-thinking project has yielded substantial financial and operational benefits for both DTMA and its ratepayers, including reduced monthly costs for electricity, natural gas and heating fuel. It has also generated new revenue through the sale of renewable energy credits (RECs) and expanded the facility’s capacity to receive hauled-in waste. Overall, the project is delivering an estimated net savings of approximately $1 million annually to DTMA’s wastewater fund operating budget.

NACWA awarded the Derry Township Municipal Authority a 2025 National Environmental Achievement Award in the Operations & Environmental Performance category for its innovative project. Congratulations to everyone involved!