Ground breaking for Arvin wastewater plant that would make it completely solar powered
ARVIN, Calif. (KGET) — It’s a happy day at work for Gerry Lemus, who will soon never have to worry about power outages again in Arvin’s wastewater plant.
“We’re going to be able to sustain the plant with no PG&E. I don’t need to worry about blackouts anymore,” project manager at the Veolia water treatment plant Gerry Lemus said. “Pretty much all the mechanicals, everything stops, and if it stops there’s not going to be any more process.”
Which isn’t good for anyone.
“If the water is not treated properly, that water will go to the crops … not healthy,” Lemus said.
Clean water is a necessity for all, and especially necessary for the water in the Central Valley, which grows the food that feeds the nation.
“We get reduction of nitrates, we get some phosphorous down as well, some metals, there’s a list of metals that we are getting down during the process,” said Gerry Lemus.
Having an off-the-grid plant will reduce up to 30% of water treatment costs, and cut down all greenhouse gas emissions.
The 5,000 solar panels are expected to generate enough electricity to power around 200 homes, eliminating 1,055 metric tons of carbon dioxide.
Arvin is no stranger to sustainability. The city leads the nation for the number of electric car charging stations per capita, and is also the first city to adopt an all-electric fleet of city buses.
Lemus can’t wait to see finished in the plant that’s been cleaning Arvin’s water for the past decade.
“If it would’ve been me, it would’ve been today.” said Gerry Lemus.
The project is expected to be completed by the summer of 2025.
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