Senator Susan Collins recently visited the Biddeford Pool clean water facility to commend their use of Maine-made green technology to reduce the impact on climate change.

In 2022, Biddeford became the first municipality in Maine to implement DiriGoH20, a system developed by Maine-based engineering and manufacturing company, Maine Manufacturing Partners.

The device is used at the Biddeford Pool clean water facility, and is powered by wastewater. This new technology has the potential to reduce the use of chemicals, generate clean energy, and save money, Superintendent of Biddeford Wastewater Division Alex Buechner said.

“We see ourselves as stewards of the environment,” Buechner said. “Our work is critical to clean water in Maine.”

During the treatment process, DiriGoH20 produces a naturally occurring disinfectant and generates clean hydrogen gas, which can be harnessed and used to offset energy costs at the plant.

The natural chemicals can replace the use of harsh chemicals like chlorine in the water treatment process.

If enough municipalities were to adopt this technology, there would be meaningful impacts to the environment, President of Maine Manufacturing Partners Craig Cunningham said.

“Statewide, Maine would see a reduction of fossil-fuel powered trucks on the road, the safety of employees would increase by reducing exposure to highly concentrated chlorine, and there would be cost savings,” Cunningham said.

If the City of Biddeford implemented this technology citywide, it could save about $57,000 annually, Cunningham reported.

Senator Collins, who has been a federal leader for Maine’s clean water industry, commended the Biddeford Pool clean water facility’s innovative technology this spring.

“Wastewater facilities play an important role in the health and environmental sustainability of towns and cities throughout Maine,” Collins said.  “As Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I am working to secure funding to support the Biddeford wastewater treatment facility, as well as other important water infrastructure projects across the state that will help communities thrive for years to come.”

The City of Saco is using similar technology developed by Maine Manufacturing Partners to neutralize odor and clean the air at the Water Resource Recovery Department.