The City of Coos Bay utilizes two anaerobic digesters at Plant 1 located at 680 Ivy Ave. Wastewater digesters are sealed tanks where microorganisms break down organic waste from sewage in the absence of oxygen, a process called anaerobic digestion.

Anaerobic digesters contain wastewater sludge that is heated and mixed inside the digester. Bacteria consume the organic material and convert it into simpler compounds, producing biogas – mainly methane. This methane is then recycled to heat the digesters and keep them operating within the right temperature ranges. During this process the bacteria help neutralize any vector sources that can be caused by human waste, ensuring the safety and health of the community we serve.

Another useful resource yielded in the process is the biosolids which are utilized by local landowners as a fertilizer source for their crops.