Environmental/Mechanical Engineer Consultant
Project Summary:
South Park, a historically marginalized neighborhood in Seattle, continues to face serious environmental challenges stemming from decades of industrial pollution. As a designated Superfund Site, the area struggles with poor air, water, and soil quality and inadequate organic waste management infrastructure. These issues disproportionately impact vulnerable residents, including BIPOC, immigrant, low-income, and undocumented families, while contributing to excess landfill use and methane emissions—a major greenhouse gas.
To address these challenges, DVSA has been developing a biodigester initiative over the past three years, now entering its fifth phase. A small-scale anaerobic digester currently operates at Food Lifeline, producing a liquid fertilizer known as Probiotic Plant Food (PPF). However, limited demand for PPF has constrained the system’s potential. Expanding the digester’s capacity to produce biogas would enable clean energy generation as electricity or fuel, advancing both environmental and community sustainability.
With this grant, DVSA aims to conduct a pre-feasibility study to assess technical, environmental, economic, and regulatory considerations for expansion. The study will evaluate several potential sites in South Park and develop a business plan centered on biogas-powered energy solutions—such as electric vehicle and e-bike charging stations—as well as circular food systems using PPF. Ultimately, the project seeks to position South Park as a leader in waste-to-energy innovation, workforce development, and community-driven environmental justice.