San Jacinto Valley Regional Water Reclamation Facility Digestor Gas Handling Improvements
Summary
SCH Number
2025050764
Public Agency
Eastern Municipal Water District
(EMWD)
Document Title
San Jacinto Valley Regional Water Reclamation Facility Digestor Gas Handling Improvements
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
5/19/2025
Document Description
San Jacinto Valley Regional Water Reclamation Facility’s (SJVRWRF) digestor gas system has been experiencing recurring issues with the pressure in the digestors caused by the gas flow exceeding the compressor’s capacity. This triggers alarms and requires the SJVRWRF operations staff to manually adjust the valves, diverting the excess gas to the flare. Gas buildup in gas storage sphere is also flared off due to low usage. This manual operation presents a safety concern. Much of the anaerobic digestors equipment is also nearing the end of its useful life.
The scope of the project includes the installation of two new compressors, a glycol chiller and heat exchanger system, the replacement of the existing scrubbers and media, and the addition of motorized valves at key points in the system to enhance automation. Additionally, modifications to operational setpoints will be made to increase efficiency and the construction of an outdoor enclosure will protect the new equipment and staff. Beneficiaries of the project are SJVRWRF operations staff and EMWD ratepayers.
Contact Information
Name
Martha Vilchis
Agency Name
Eastern Municipal Water District
Job Title
Water Resources Specialist Assistant I
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Address
Phone
Email
Location
Cities
San Jacinto
Counties
Riverside
Regions
Citywide
Zip
92582
Other Location Info
770 North Sanderson Avenue
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Art. 19, Sec. 15301(a)
Reasons for Exemption
This class of exemption covers the repair and maintenance of an existing public facility involving no expansion of SJVRWRF’s design capacity. The project will install new equipment and replace existing equipment as a solution to the excess pressure build up in the digestors. The enhancements to automation will allow the equipment to run without staff interference, addressing the safety concern. Overall, the modifications will be made to increase efficiency of the gas digestor system without increasing SJVRWRF’s rated capacity.
County Clerk
Riverside
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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