Logan, Utah, August 24, 2009 – Energy Dynamics Laboratory, the newest unit of the Utah State University Research Foundation, Logan City and Utah State University recently received $500,000 in funding from the Utah State Department of Environmental Quality to do environmental remediation while converting algae into renewable energy.

An EDL‐led team that includes the Municipal Environmental Department of Logan, Utah, and USU’s College of Engineering will design and develop a wastewater and environmental remediation system. The team will build a pilot facility designed to extract harmful phosphorus, which can have devastating effects on delicate ecosystems, from Logan City waste lagoons. The facility will harvest algae that consume nitrogen and phosphorus and convert them into bio‐fuel.

“Logan City has one the largest of over 16,000 wastewater treatment lagoon systems in the United States, and we’re proud to lead the way to find efficient and cost‐effective processes to remove phosphorus from facilities throughout the nation,” said Randy Watts, mayor of Logan City. “In addition to providing alternative energy, we’ll clean up the algal blooms caused by phosphorus in the water flow that create damaging effects on downstream bodies of water used for wildlife habitat, as well as fishing, boating, swimming and other recreational activities.”

Doug Lemon, interim director of EDL, said the laboratory could not have asked for a better inaugural program than leading the new effort with this strong collaborative team.

“Clean, alternative and renewable energy is an ever‐growing need,” Lemon said. “Our team of scientists, engineers and technicians stand ready to develop a pilot facility that will serve as a model for wastewater treatment plants across the country and around the world to comply with environmental standards, and will provide a renewable energy supplement and replacement for currently used fossil fuels.”

Algal blooms occur when certain types of algae grow quickly in water contaminated with phosphorus, forming visible surface patches that harm the health of the environment, plants, and animals. Algal blooms deplete oxygen, threatening local fish, and block sunlight needed by other organisms. Some of these algae release toxins dangerous to animals and humans. Algal blooms occur in marine, estuarine and fresh waters fed by effluence from wastewater treatment facilities. Since the phosphorus comes primarily from detergents and soaps, every wastewater facility requires phosphorus removal. Removal and processing of the algae provides solutions to both needs.

A thriving community of nearly 50,000, Logan boasts an exceptionally high quality of life. Nestled in a beautiful valley, Logan offers unmatched vistas and geography. Residents of the area are committed to maintaining a high standard of living, creating a strong community and building a welcoming atmosphere. As a group, the departments of Logan City are committed to ensuring Logan stays this way.

Since its founding in 1888, Utah State University has evolved from a small, agricultural college to one that is nationally and internationally recognized for its intellectual and technological leadership in land, water, space and life enhancement. As Utah’s land‐grant and space‐grant institution, the university is led by President Stan L. Albrecht and has 850 faculty who provide education for more than 23,000 undergraduate and graduate students, including 10,000 in its continuing education sites located throughout the state of Utah. USU occupies 7,000 acres, 400 of which are on campus, with more than 200 buildings, 63 of which are devoted to academics. USU also has three branch campuses and Extension offices in all of Utah’s 29 counties.

EDL was established in 2009 as unit of the Utah State University Research Foundation located in North Logan, Utah. EDL focuses the applied research, development, design and implementation of green, renewable energy solutions for government and commercial customers. As a business unit of USURF, EDL benefits from 50 years of expertise in applied research with unprecedented access to approximately 500 engineers, scientists, technicians and support staff. EDL received start up funding from USTAR, the Utah Science Technology and Research Initiative.