INLAND EMPIRE, CA – On November 3rd, the Inland Empire Regional Composting Authority (IERCA) was recognized at the 2021 Special Districts Year-in-Review and Recognition Virtual Summit as a Special Districts Program – Technology Innovation Award winner on behalf of AT&T and Government Technology Magazine.
The Special Districts Awards Program is designed to recognize innovation and leadership within special district agencies across the country. IERCA’s award falls under the Operations category for its safety record of more than two years with no recordable or lost time incidents, its reliability program and its renewable energy program which includes 10,000 solar panels that produce 2.5 million kilowatt hours each year. The entire facility is fully enclosed and monitored remotely.
“Receipt of this award is representative of the exceptional work, commitment and leadership shown each day by staff,” stated Jon Blickenstaff, IERCA Board Chairperson. “Safety and reliability have always been a top priority for IERCA’s Board. By unifying these efforts with our highly efficient renewable energy program, our process results in increased savings for rate payers. We are honored to be the recipient of this award.”
IERCA was formed in 2002 under a Joint Powers Authority agreement between the Inland Empire Utilities Agency (IEUA) and the Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts. The Inland Empire Regional Composting Facility (IERCF), located in the city of Rancho Cucamonga, is the nation’s largest indoor biosolids composting facility, producing over 230,000 cubic yards of high-quality compost each year for local landscaping and horticultural use. In July, IERCA reached a significant milestone by selling a total of three million cubic yards of compost.
“IERCA remains committed to ensuring its processes provide cost-effective, high-quality compost to our community, and will continue to lead the way in innovation and efficiency throughout its daily operations,” stated Paul Hofer, IEUA Board Member and IERCA Board Vice Chairperson. “IERCA’s composting process results in more than 200,000 tons of waste turned into valuable compost each year, creating healthy soils that benefit the local community and save water. Congratulations to the IERCA team on yet another wonderful accomplishment.”