BESP: The District’s Guide to Energy Independence

Biosolids & Energy Strategic Plan - Strategic Investments Now to Reduce Future Costs

The Goleta Sanitary District’s Strategic Plan calls for the effective management of existing equipment and proactive investment in new capital improvements to maximize return on investment (ROI) and reduce future operating costs. One of these efforts, which began in 2018, is the implementation of a Biosolids and Energy Strategic Plan (BESP).

Pressures from changing conditions, regulatory mandates, and cost increases led the District to look for ways to cut expenses in the treatment of biosolids. We took a strategic, data-driven approach to identify the best improvements to meet our goals.

To fund Phase 1, the District secured a low-interest loan, allowing the first phase to move forward without raising rates. Construction of the new digester and combined heat and power system is nearing completion. We continue to invest in the future to reduce costs over the long term. 

To learn more about our plan and our strategic approach to innovation, see the link below.

The District adopted a comprehensive Biosolids and Energy Strategic Plan (BESP), which provides a roadmap to energy sustainability on a phased timeline. The focus of the BESP is to implement the best combination of biosolids treatment, disposal, and energy recovery improvements to reduce ongoing operational expenditures and move us towards energy self-sufficiency. The first phase includes the construction of a new digester, biogas conditioning facility, and a combined heat and power (CHP) system to convert the biogas generated through the treatment process into energy to power our facilities. These improvements allow us to be less reliant on grid power and save money for our ratepayers and capacity partners.

We have finished the design of our Phase 1 project and have sent out the environmental document for public review.  Construction of the Phase 1 improvements is scheduled to start in early 2023. We have initiated the preliminary design of the BESP phase 2 project and are considering ways to accelerate its completion.  The completion of phase 2 of the BESP is expected to occur by 2030 at the latest.

OBJECTIVES

The main objective of the BESP is to provide a biosolids and energy roadmap and strategy for GSD to reach energy self-sufficiency by reassessing its biosolids management practices in combination with numerous energy production approaches (energy generation, utilization, storage, and renewable energy sources). The planning horizon extends to 2043.

 

For more information, please read the summary document below and the Mitigated Negative Declaration documents. The public comment period has closed.

Biosolids and Energy Strategic Plan (BESP)BESP Phase 1 Project Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration 

Although the public comment period has closed, if you have any questions or comments you may submit comments in writing to the District at our headquarters, 1 William Moffett Place, Goleta. If you'd like a response please include your name and address. Thank you.