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Pasco Explores Alternative Fuel Source

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By Carl  Orth | The Suncoast News

Published: August 6, 2008

NEW PORT RICHEY -- In an era of high energy prices, Pasco County officials are checking out a Pinellas firm that converts sewage into a natural gas substitute that can power alternative-fuel cars or even run arc welders.

Commissioner Jack Mariano and two Pasco County Utilities Services officials recently checked out the Palm Harbor-based operation, MagneGas.

"It's an interesting project," said Mike Helfrich, director of operations management at the Pasco utility. Helfrich and operations manager wastewater operations Greg Dziegielewski saw the MagneGas demonstration using Dunedin waste water.

In fact, the city of Dunedin had tried to get a grant, Helfrich noted. It's unclear if any grant money might be available for a Pasco pilot project.

Many waste conversion processes are available these days, Helfrich observed, but "some are cost prohibitive."

"There are a lot of good things out there" but it comes down to cost when trying to determine if they are feasible.

MagneGas claims its biogas is "clean burning" and "cost competitive," as explained on the MagneGas Web site at magnegas.com. The gas from waste conversion is interchangeable with natural gas.

Carl Orth can be reached at 727-815-1068 or corth@suncoastnews.com.

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