Page 4 THE VILLADOM TIMES II • October 14, 2009 Ridgewood Council interested in methane conversion concept by John Koster The Ridgewood Council has asked for more details on a proposal to convert the methane generated by the sewage treatment plant into electricity. “Right now, the excess methane is just going off into the atmosphere,” said Village Engineer Christopher Rutishauser, who introduced the proposal at last week’s work session. “We think we can do better.” The outside proponents, Joseph Cleary of HydroQual in Mahwah and Craig Schatzlein of Fuss & O’Neill in Manchester, Connecticut, proposed a deal in which the council would receive a study showing how Ridgewood’s methane could be used to produce electricity, possibly saving the village 30 to 40 percent of the sewage treatment plant’s electric bill. The formal study, which has not been approved by the council, would cost $38,000. If Ridgewood approved the $1 million to $1.5 million project, the engineering study fee would come out of the total construction cost. Cleary and Schatzlein explained that, if Ridgewood were to request the study and subsequently elect not to authorize the related construction, the village would still be required to pay the $38,000 fee. The two proponents added that federal and state grants are available for construction of methane conversion projects, and outside sources could defray as much as 50 to 60 percent of the $1 million to $1.5 million price tag. “There (are) a number of creative ways that we can look at this together,” Cleary said. “I’d like to re-use it,” Rutishauser said of the methane. “It’s better for the environment and better for the village.” He added, “We wouldn’t be the first. There are other sewage plants that are doing this.” “I think it’s something we should look into and evaluate,” said Councilman Patrick Mancuso. Councilwoman Anne Zusy expressed an interest, but wanted to make absolutely ����������� Hair Care �������� �������� ����������������� ����������������� �������������� ��������� �������� ����������� ��������������� ���������� sure that Cleary and Schatzlein understood that Ridgewood’s preliminary indication of interest was not a commitment to pay $38,000 if the study proved unacceptable. The proponents left with an indication of Ridgewood’s interest, but without a commitment to pay the fee. Cleary, a licensed professional engineer, and Schatzlein, an experienced project manager, said after the meeting that they could have the apparatus operating within six months to a year of formal approval and funding. Depending on Ridgewood’s particular situation, they said the project could incorporate turbines or an internal combustion engine with methane as fuel to power a generator and produce electricity to run the sewage treatment plant. Neither Rutishauser nor the outside proponents believed the methane project would produce revenue for Ridgewood through the sale of electricity. However, Rutishauser said, “The use of methane to run electricity for the plant could lead to a 30 to 40 percent reduction with our (Public Service Electric & Gas) bill.” � ������� ������� ������������� ����� � ������������� ����� ��� Kurt Gallagher to perform The Ridgewood Public Library will host a Family Fun Day on Sunday, Oct. 18 at 2 p.m. featuring the children’s performer Kurt Gallagher. The program, “Kurt Gallagher’s Songs for Playful Children,” is sponsored by the Friends of the Library, and will be held in the library’s Belcher Auditorium. Gallagher’s material is ideal children from pre-kindergarten through grade five and their families. Tickets may be purchased at the library’s children’s center and are $5 each, or 3 tickets for $12. Friends of the Library members will be charged $4 per ticket. For additional information, contact the children’s center at (201) 670-5600 extension 110. ��������� ����������������������������������� �������������� ��������������������� ���������������������� ���������� ���������� ����������� ������������������������������ �������������������������������������� ���������������������������������������������������� ������������������������������ ������������������������� ����������������������������������������������������������� ��������������������������������������������������������� ������������������� �������������������������������������������� EMMANUEL CANCER FOUNDATION Charity Headquarters Located in Midland Park ��������������������������� ������������������� ���������������������������������������������� ���������������������� All proceeds go to 9-23-09 ester/janine