Officials from Albany County, N.Y., and Saratoga County, N.Y., have announced the next steps of a plan to construct a $45 million organic waste facility after a successful feasibility study that took place last year. A joint anaerobic digester will accept waste from two Albany County plants as well as a sewer treatment plant from Saratoga County.

County officials say the facility should save each county approximately $20 million over 20 years and also reduce sewer and water rates for residents of both counties. The two counties are expected to share the construction, operation and maintenance costs.

Albany Times-Union has more information:

Conducted by Arcadis of Clifton Park, the study assessed the existing infrastructure, evaluated data at the three plants, identified design criteria and funding sources, and helped prepare a master plan and project schedule.

The study was funded by a $50,000 grant from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, and $50,000 split evenly between the two counties.

While plans for an anaerobic digester in Albany County have been discussed for several years, Saratoga County's recent interest helped move it forward.

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