Hourly Update

Sewer sludge fuel considered for Flagstaff

FLAGSTAFF - Flagstaff could soon decide to power its government vehicles with fuel converted from sewage sludge. City officials are evaluating whether to spend nearly $500,000 next year to test a machine that is supposed to turn the sludge into heat, liquid fertilizer and a hydrogen-based fuel. Ron Doba, Flagstaff utilities director, has evaluated a bid by Palm Harbor, Fla.-based MagneGas and found that the machine could more than pay for itself if it works as promised. "One of the big concerns is the risk," Doba said. "Because it's really not proven." The device would cost between $2 million and $4 million if it's successful. The machine takes sewage sludge and pumps it into a hollow carbon electrode and separates water, carbon, metals and other solids under intense heat that's similar to a welding arc, the company said. Sterile fertilizer and hydrogen gases are produced. The gases are captured and can be used to power vehicles, generators or anything that runs on natural gas. The city has about 225 light-duty vehicles that now run on gasoline and could be altered to accept the new fuel, at a cost the company estimates at $600 to $1,300 apiece. As part of the trial run now under consideration, the city would only convert a few vehicles to accept the fuel to see how well it works.