FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Thursday, December 13, 2012

Albany County Sewer District Partnership with Power Plant Cited for Innovation in Water Reuse
Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy today announced that a collaborative effort between the Albany County Sewer District and the Empire Generating Co. power plant has been recognized for its sustainability and conservation efforts by the WateReuse Association. The 535-megawatt power plant in Rensselaer was recently awarded the 2012 WateReuse Industrial Project of the Year award in recognition of its use of reclaimed water from Albany Countys South Wastewater Treatment Plant as its sole process water supplyan initiative which conserves up to 7 million gallons per day of fresh water during summer high-demand periods. Empire Generating Co. was among those honored as an innovator in the water reuse industry nationwide for practices that advance sustainable sources of water or offer unique approaches to meeting local water needs. This project is the result of an industrial/municipal alliance that has functioned successfully since 2010, and one that provides benefits to district members in the county. It also enables the districts member municipalities to realize a revenue stream that is used to defray costs that allows for continued investment in needed wastewater infrastructure. This is the largest use of secondary wastewater for beneficial purpose in the state. I am pleased that the sewer districts cooperative effort with Empire Generating has been recognized for innovation, said McCoy. This partnership will help the county operate more efficiently and cost-effectively. My administration will continue to find innovative ways to build successful partnerships and implement green practices in county government.

The Albany County Sewer District appreciates the recognition of WateReuse Association, said Richard Lyons, Executive Director of the Albany County Sewer District. This project is a great example of a partnership that has provided economic and environmental benefit to the region. The cooperation has provided a sustainable solution to Empire Generating's cooling water needs. Empire Generating was proud to accept the WateReuse Association Award this year. The use of reclaimed gray water for all of the plants systems was also a contributor to the Plant receiving the Project of the Year Award last year at Power-Gen International, said Sean Spain, Plant Manager of Empire Generating Co. With the design and operation of the reclaimed water system, Empire maintains a high standard of environmental stewardship and appreciates the Albany County Sewer District for supplying good quality effluent and working closely with us in this effort. The Annual WateReuse Awards recognize successful projects, products, and individuals that are working to advance water reuse or purification. ###