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Rialto Facility Project Updates

Check back often for updates on the progress of construction for the Rialto Regional Biosolids Processing Facility in Rialto, California.

• June 2009: EnerTech Commissions the Rialto SlurryCarb™ Facility
• April 2009: Rialto Receives $1M from SoCalGas
• October 2008: Rialto Receives First Truckload of Biosolids
• June 2008: Construction is 80% Complete
• February 2008: Construction Continues
• December 2007: Installing Equipment
• June 2007: Breaking Ground
• March 2007: Financial Close

June 2009: EnerTech Commissions the Rialto SlurryCarb™ Facility

On June 11 EnerTech hosted the ceremonial commissioning of the Rialto SlurryCarb™ Facility. The ceremony was attended by representatives from all of Rialto’s biosolids and E-Fuel customers. As the first biosolids-to-renewable energy facility to utilize the SlurryCarb™ process, the Rialto facility is a showcase for EnerTech and a step towards a sustainable future in Southern California.

April 2009: Rialto Receives $1M from SoCalGas

The Rialto SlurryCarb™ Facility received a $1 million incentive check from Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) for its initiative to conserve energy and protect the environment. The facility is projected to save in excess of 3 million therms annually as a result of participating in the SoCalGas Savings by Design program.

Savings by Design provides technical and financial resources to help commercial and industrial customers save energy and money when they design, expand, or change new or existing processes and facilities. The five processes that were optimized at the Rialto facility included an anaerobic digester, heat transfer fluid system, heat exchanger, thermal oxidizer, and dryer.

October 2008: Rialto Receives First Truckload of Biosolids

With just a few months to go in 2008, the Rialto Regional Biosolids Processing Facility is now 94% complete. Construction crews have completed Phase I Mechanical Completion of the site and commissioning activities have commenced for all major areas. North American Energy Services (NAES), EnerTech’s operator for the facility, has established a permanent onsite presence and is ramping up for operation.

On October 15th the plant began initial start-up by accepting its first truckload of biosolids. The event was observed by representatives from the five municipalities currently providing biosolids to the facility.

Construction crews are now focused on equipment check-out and commissioning of all major systems.

June 2008: Construction is 80% Complete

Construction of the Rialto Regional Biosolids Processing Facility is now 80% complete, with all major equipment installed on site, including the centrifuges, reactors, and heat exchangers. The site’s main features are beginning preparation for mechanical testing and completion at the end of the summer.

Recent site accomplishments include:

• Completed odor control piping for the Biosolids Storage Silos
• Installation of the centrifuge equipment
• Erection of the E-Fuel Storage Silo
• Commenced installation of site electrical equipment
• All major underground piping and duct banks are installed

With all major equipment installed on site, construction has shifted focus to finalizing details such as continued installation of electrical systems, piping, and minor instruments.

February 2008: Construction Continues

Construction continues to move along with the installation of major pieces of equipment. Some of the major milestones for February include the following:

• Receiving Bin installation was completed and installation of electrical conduit in receiving pit commenced
• Biosolids Silo Conveyor installation was completed
• Received and installed multiple pieces of SlurryCarb™ equipment
• Completed construction of the E-Fuel Silo

The site is taking shape and beginning to look like a biosolids processing facility. Visit the Rialto Site Photographs page for recent photos of the site.

December 2007: Installing Equipment

The Rialto Regional Biosolids Processing Facility is approaching the halfway point with respect to construction. Significant progress has been made and major equipment is now being received and installed. Major recent milestones include the following:

• Started construction of both the north and south biosolids silos
• Completed the SlurryCarb™ foundation
• Received and started installation of the dryer
• Received and installed the cooling towers

Construction is progressing rapidly and additional equipment is expected to be received onsite in early 2008.

June 2007: Breaking Ground

After receiving the Notice to Proceed on April 1, EnerTech partners HDR and Filanc, the facility’s engineering and construction firms, began mobilizing the Rialto site for construction. EnerTech hosted a ceremonial groundbreaking on May 14, 2007 to celebrate the start of construction. The ceremony was attended by state and local officials from the State of California as well as representatives from all five of the facility’s customers.

This quarter also saw major excavation of the site’s biosolids Receiving Pit and SlurryCarb™ foundations. This work is necessary to prepare these areas for the laying of foundation.

March 2007: Financial Close

EnerTech announced the completion of financing for the Rialto facility – the first ever commercial SlurryCarb™ venture. The transaction, valued at $160 million, was financed through equity and a combination of tax exempt and taxable bonds. Deutsche Bank, a leading global investment bank, purchased 100% of the bonds.