Title
Wastewater Biogas to Renewable Natural Gas Project
Action
Action:
A. Approve a contract with Burnham RNG, LLC for the sale of unconditioned biogas recovered from the wastewater treatment process for a term of 20 years, and
B. Authorize the City Manager to amend the contract consistent with the purpose for which the contract was approved.
Body
Staff Resource(s):
Angela Charles, Charlotte Water
Joseph Lockler, Charlotte Water
Richelle Hines, Charlotte Water
Explanation
§ Charlotte Water intends to sell a wastewater treatment byproduct (unconditioned biogas) that will be converted into renewable natural gas (RNG).
§ As a condition of the sale, Burnham RNG, LLC will finance, design, construct, own, operate, and maintain a new RNG processing facility within the McAlpine Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant site in the Town of Pineville (adjacent to Council District 7).
§ The terms of the agreement are as follows:
- Access to Charlotte Water property for a 20-year term, and
- Net revenue share of 25 percent over the 20-year term.
§ On March 18, 2026, the city issued a Request for Proposals (RFP); five proposals were received.
§ Burnham RNG, LLC best meets the city’s needs in terms of qualifications, experience, value, and responsiveness to RFP requirements.
§ The sale of unconditioned biogas to be converted into RNG supports the city’s Strategic Energy Action Plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Background
§ Charlotte Water is implementing an RNG project at McAlpine Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant. This initiative focuses on converting biogas generated from the wastewater digesters at the McAlpine Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant into RNG.
§ The primary objective of this project is to clean and refine the biogas produced at the facility, turning it into a valuable energy source. By capturing and converting methane into RNG, Charlotte Water is taking another step in environmental sustainability.
§ Benefits of the RNG Project include:
- Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions at the treatment plant.
- Utilization of methane: reduction in flaring of methane ensures that this resource is fully harnessed; and
- Economic incentives: the RNG will be sold to a third party, generating payments for the city, and adding to Charlotte Water’s revenue streams.
Fiscal Note
Funding: Proceeds from sales will be deposited with Charlotte Water general revenues