Merced County Animal Control - Waste-to-Energy Plant in Atwater, California

Merced County Animal Control is a waste-to-energy facility located at 2150 Shuttle Drive in Atwater, California, United States. The plant operates in Merced County and is classified under NAICS code 562213 for Solid Waste Combustors and Incinerators. As a waste-to-energy plant, it plays a role in converting animal waste into usable energy, contributing to the region's waste management infrastructure. The facility operates under the regulatory framework of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), including RCRA Subtitle D for municipal solid waste and Clean Air Act landfill gas rules. In California, additional state regulations such as CalRecycle and local air quality management district rules apply. Waste-to-energy plants like this one typically use combustion technology to reduce waste volume and generate electricity or heat. This plant serves the Atwater area and Merced County, providing a disposal solution for animal waste while generating energy. Its operational status is active, and it contributes to the local circular economy by diverting waste from landfills and reducing methane emissions. The facility's location in California's Central Valley places it in an agricultural region where animal waste management is particularly relevant.

The facility is located in Atwater, California, within the San Joaquin Valley, an area with significant agricultural activity. Waste-to-energy plants help reduce methane emissions from decomposing animal waste and lower the volume of waste sent to landfills. Proper management of leachate and air emissions is critical to minimize environmental impact on nearby communities and groundwater. The plant's operations are subject to air quality regulations due to the region's non-attainment status for ozone and particulate matter.