Deep Well Injection: T.I.R.E.

The City of Los Angeles and Terralog Technologies in collaboration with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and with research support from the U.S. Department of Energy and the National Science Foundation will demonstrate an innovative technology to convert biosolids into clean energy by deep well injection and geothermal biodegradation. The Terminal Island Renewable Energy (TIRE) project construction will occur at the City’s Terminal Island Water Reclamation Plant, located in San Pedro, CA. The City has been granted a five-year permit from the U. S. EPA to evaluate the viability of injecting biosolids deep underground. This is the first project of its kind in the United States.

The demonstration project will adapt existing petroleum industry technology to convert the constant and growing supply of biosolids into a new source of alternative energy that helps to reduce the greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change. To learn more about the project click the links below.

• Project Scope
• Environmental and Economic Advantages
• Biosolids Processing Overview-Slurry Injection System
• Overview of Well Design
• Biosolids Placement Safeguards
• Project Overview Presentation

In order to get the TIRE project started, environmental documents, permits, and contracts had to be completed and approved. Over 60 public outreach presentations were made. The first presentation was held in 2001 where over 43 participants attended. Click the links below to view the permits and contracts associated with the project.

• U. S. EPA Office of Underground Injection Control Permit
• City of Los Angeles-Mitigated Negative Declaration
• Harbor Commission-Coastal Development Permit
• Bureau of Sanitation Board Report

Project Updates

The City will provide updates on the events and activities related to the project. Check back periodically to find out the project status and view photos.

• Permit issued in November 2006
• Groundbreaking occurred April 2007
• Construction began June 2007
• First two wells completed June and July 2007
• Construction and installation of utilities and injection equipment began December 2007
• Installation of utilities and injection equipment - June 2008
• Tested injection equipment with effluent and brine - July 2008
• Injected digested sludge - August 2008
• Injected dewatered Biosolids (Wet Cake) - September 2008

Photos of projects activities - Revised

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Wells being drilled at Terminal Island.

Bureau staff discussing project with EPA staff.

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