Poop is a $6M moneymaker for Des Moines

We always knew our stank did't stink, but now it also earns us an annual $6M!

Catch up fast: Des Moines Metropolitan Wastewater Reclamation Authority (WRA) in 2020 completed a project to capture and clean biogasses produced from sewer treatment.

• They were previously burned off with a large flare.

Driving the news: The gross annual revenue from gas sales is above the early projected estimates of $5M.

• The earnings help offset the regional utility's expenses.

Yes, but: The $20 million system isn't currently working at full capacity because of equipment issues so the flare has still been used recently, WRA director Scott Hutchens tells Axios.

• That'll change in the next month or so after some repairs, he said.

🚽 The bottom line: Our browns make gold.

Editor's note: This article first appeared in Axios Des Moines .

These flares at the Des Moines Metropolitan Wastewater Reclamation Authority will again go on hiatus in coming weeks. Photo: Jason Clayworth/Axios