The Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District announced plans July 22 for an unprecedented clean-water lab to test new technologies that could revolutionize wastewater treatment, leading to improvements in public health and drinking water supplies worldwide.
The $13-million research lab will be located at MMSD’s Oak Creek reclamation facility, allowing water technology businesses, universities, scientists and inventors to partner with the district to test new concepts and ideas on a large scale at a working treatment plant.
“This facility marks the latest progression in Milwaukee’s long history of wastewater and water technology innovation,” said Kevin Shafer, MMSD executive director. “The new technologies have incredible potential to increase energy reuse, improve filtration, prevent sewer overflows and save millions of dollars for ratepayers.”
Once constructed and operating, the first tests at the research facility will involve two emerging primary filtration technologies that are currently not in operation at a large scale in the United States. Based on research and experience, industry experts believe the new concepts, installed at just one of two regional treatment plants in Milwaukee, could lead to:
- $90 million in savings over 20 years
- Increased waste-to-energy production
- A decrease in chemical usage
- Further reductions in sewer overflows and basement backups.
The two-year pilot study is already receiving federal support with a $3.9 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy. U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin and U.S. Rep. Gwen Moore helped secure another $1.2 million grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
The research facility further demonstrates that the Milwaukee area is a global hub for water technology and innovation and will support the region’s application for a National Science Foundation Regional Innovation Engine award.
The Water + Energy Forward engine aims to develop and scale technologies and processes to help manufacturers and utilities become more resilient and sustainable. The effort – led by Milwaukee-based nonprofit The Water Council and a consortium of universities, nonprofits, utilities and industry – could bring up to $160 million in NSF funds to Wisconsin over the next 10 years. The newly announced facility will allow engine partners to develop, test and scale new technologies in real-world applications.
“Once again, MMSD is showing its leadership in developing wastewater technologies that will help reduce carbon emissions and preserve critical freshwater resources,” said Dean Amhaus, president and chief executive officer of The Water Council. “This facility is a huge step in the development of the Water + Energy Forward engine.”
Construction on the research facility is expected to begin in 2026. The primary filtration technologies being tested will likely replace the current process used in the second stage of wastewater treatment called primary clarification. At MMSD’s South Shore Water Reclamation Facility, the primary clarifiers went into service in 1968, with most supporting equipment being replaced nearly 20 years ago. The supporting equipment is nearing the end of its useful life.
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