Wastewater plants emit more greenhouse gases than estimated
Wastewater plants emit double the methane and nitrous oxide estimated by EPA, study finds.
Why it matters
- Wastewater plants contribute more to greenhouse gas emissions than previously thought.
- Targeted interventions at high-emission plants could significantly reduce overall emissions.
By the numbers
- Emissions are 1.9 times higher for nitrous oxide and 2.4 times higher for methane than EPA estimates.
- Wastewater plants contribute 2.5% of U.S. methane emissions and 8.1% of nitrous oxide emissions.
- Researchers sampled 96 plants and drove 52,000 miles to collect data.
The big picture
- Current EPA estimates may undercount wastewater plant emissions.
- Variability in emissions suggests targeted interventions could be effective.
What they're saying
- Some comments question the accuracy of EPA estimates and the methodology of the study.
- There's interest in the potential financial incentives for reducing emissions.
Caveats
- Study based on a subset of plants; emissions can vary with conditions.
- More comprehensive monitoring may be needed for accurate national estimates.
What’s next
- Work with plant operators to identify high-emission processes.
- Explore capture of methane and nitrous oxide as potential revenue streams.