County Tour &
Autumnal Update

PHOENIXVILLE, PA – SEPT. 28, 2022

On September 28, PXVNEO– North America’s first hydrothermal carbonization implementation at a municipal wastewater treatment plant, was visited by Chester County Commissioner, Josh Maxwell.

Maxwell was guided through the PXVNEO’s most recent progress by Borough Manager, Jean Krack; Borough Council President, Jonathan Ewald; Public Works Director, Brian Watson; and Waste Water Treatment Superintendent, Matt Mullin. The group toured the system—currently a construction site that is partially funded by a grant supported by the previous slate of Chester County Commissioners.

The $402,000 grant—unanimously approved by the Chester County Commissioners—enabled the borough of Phoenixville to become first-in-the-nation (and in the western hemisphere) to transform human and food waste into potential energy while improving the system every step of the way. Hydrothermal Carbonization is faster, cleaner and more beneficial than traditional anaerobic digestion systems.

“I was honored to spend time visiting PXVNEO learning about the hydrothermal carbonization implementation at Phoenixville Borough’s municipal wastewater treatment plant.,” offered Commissioner Maxwell. “Not only does this project provide a real-world success story on how the quality of life in Chester County can be preserved while using less energy and protecting our environment, it also serves as a model for how local governments can partner with like-minded, clean-technology companies to move our communities toward a sustainable future.”

PXVNEO’s first phase piping run is nearly complete and, once the primary pump arrives in the next three weeks, the second phase piping run can begin. Once the pump and piping are complete a series of rigorous tests will commence.

Phoenixville was the first municipality in the state of Pennsylvania to pledge a transition to 100% renewable energy for electricity by 2035 for all municipal operations.

“Like most construction projects of this magnitude we encountered several delays, said Ewald. “We are entering the final phase of construction now and very excited to begin testing in this calendar year!”

The Borough and project partner, SoMax Circular Solutions, hopes to complete construction and commissioning of the first commercial scale Hydrothermal Carbonization Plant in the United States before the end of the year.