Hershey Wastewater Plant Adds CHP System for Savings

By Blake Jackson

In October 2023, the Derry Township Municipal Authority (DTMA) in Hershey, Pennsylvania, completed major enhancements to its Clearwater Wastewater Treatment Facility (WWTF) as part of its Energy Enhancements Project (EEP).

This project marks a key step in DTMA’s ongoing efforts to expand its ability to process high-strength organic waste and utilize on-site renewable energy.

The $16 million project included the construction of a 2-megawatt combined heat and power (CHP) system powered by biogas. This system supports two cogeneration engines and is fully integrated with the plant’s existing energy infrastructure, supplying both electricity and heat across the facility.

Surplus electricity that isn’t needed at the WWTF is either fed back into the grid through net metering or used to power three DTMA-owned pump stations located within two miles.

Other upgrades include a new biogas collection, conveyance, and conditioning system that boosts the facility’s biogas handling capabilities. Improvements to a secondary digester-featuring a dual membrane cover and enhanced mixing system-have increased biogas storage and operational efficiency.

Thanks to these improvements, DTMA has significantly increased its ability to recover and use renewable energy. The plant can now accept more high-strength organic waste, which leads to greater biogas production and fuels the CHP system more effectively.

This innovative project brings numerous benefits, including reduced energy costs for electricity, natural gas, and heating fuel. It also provides new revenue through the sale of renewable energy credits (RECs) and increases the facility’s capacity to accept hauled waste.

DTMA estimates the upgrades will deliver around $1 million in annual net savings to its wastewater operations budget.

In recognition of this achievement, the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) awarded DTMA a 2025 National Environmental Achievement Award for Operations & Environmental Performance.

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