City of Bellingham agrees to tighten emissions control at sewage treatment plant – My Bellingham Now

Report on Bellingham’s Emission Control Agreement and Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

Executive Summary

The City of Bellingham has finalized a settlement agreement with the Northwest Clean Air Agency to enhance emission controls at the Post Point Wastewater Treatment Plant. This action demonstrates a significant commitment to environmental stewardship and aligns directly with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those concerning clean water, sustainable communities, and climate action.

Background of the Agreement

In March 2024, the Northwest Clean Air Agency issued a notice of violation to the City of Bellingham regarding its Post Point facility. The settlement, approved unanimously by the City Council and signed by Mayor Kim Lund, resolves the dispute and sets a course for future compliance and environmental protection, reflecting a partnership approach consistent with SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

• Alleged Violation 1: Operation without required permits.
• Alleged Violation 2: Noncompliance with established emission regulations.

The agreement was reached without an admission of liability by the city, showcasing a collaborative resolution process that supports SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) by ensuring regulatory accountability through effective institutional frameworks.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The city’s commitment to upgrading the wastewater treatment plant directly contributes to the achievement of key SDGs:

• SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation: By improving the operational standards of the wastewater facility, the city reinforces its commitment to the safe management of water and sanitation, a cornerstone of public and environmental health.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: The installation of new pollution controls directly addresses SDG Target 11.6, which aims to reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by improving air quality and municipal waste management.
• SDG 13: Climate Action: Tightening emission controls and monitoring pollutants like carbon monoxide are integral actions for mitigating local environmental impacts and contributing to broader climate action initiatives.

Key Provisions and Future Actions

The settlement outlines a clear, five-year plan to bring the Post Point facility into full compliance and enhance its environmental performance. These actions will advance the city’s progress on its sustainability objectives.

1. Installation of Advanced Air Pollution Controls: The city is required to install new equipment to reduce emissions from the plant’s two incinerators.
2. Deployment of Carbon Monoxide Monitors: Continuous monitoring will be implemented to ensure emissions remain within legal limits, providing data for ongoing environmental management.
3. Compliance with Emission Limits: The upgrades will ensure the facility meets all regulatory standards set by the Northwest Clean Air Agency.

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

  The article’s focus on tightening emission controls at a sewage treatment plant directly relates to reducing air pollution, which is a significant factor in public health and well-being.

• SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

  The facility at the center of the article is a “Post Point Wastewater Treatment Plant,” a critical component of sanitation infrastructure. Ensuring its proper and compliant operation, including managing its byproducts like air emissions, is fundamental to this goal.

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

  The actions taken by the City of Bellingham represent a municipal effort to reduce the adverse environmental impact of the city, specifically by improving air quality related to its waste management infrastructure.

• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

  The agreement addresses the environmentally sound management of waste (sewage) and aims to reduce the release of pollutants into the air from the plant’s incinerators, minimizing adverse environmental impacts.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Target 3.9

   “By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination.” The settlement to install “more air pollution controls” and ensure incinerators “meet emission limits” directly contributes to reducing air pollution from the wastewater plant.

2. Target 6.3

   “By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution…and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials…” While the article focuses on air emissions, the proper functioning and regulation of a wastewater treatment plant are essential to this target. The violations and subsequent agreement highlight the importance of managing all byproducts of wastewater treatment to prevent pollution.

3. Target 11.6

   “By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.” The article is a direct example of a city taking action to address air quality issues (“emission controls”) stemming from its municipal waste (“sewage treatment plant”) management infrastructure.

4. Target 12.4

   “…achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes…and significantly reduce their release to air, water and soil…” The agreement to tighten emission controls at the Post Point Wastewater Treatment Plant is a clear action towards the environmentally sound management of waste and reducing its release into the air.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. Indicator 3.9.1

   “Mortality rate attributed to household and ambient air pollution.” The article implies this indicator by discussing measures to reduce air pollution. The installation of “air pollution controls” and “carbon monoxide monitors” is a direct effort to lower ambient air pollution, the level of which is a component of this indicator.

2. Indicator 6.3.1

   “Proportion of domestic and industrial wastewater flows safely treated.” The entire context of the article—a settlement regarding violations at a “sewage treatment plant”—relates to ensuring the facility operates safely and in compliance with regulations, which is a key aspect of this indicator.

3. Indicator 11.6.2

   “Annual mean levels of fine particulate matter (e.g. PM2.5 and PM10) in cities (population weighted).” The requirement to “install more air pollution controls and carbon monoxide monitors to ensure both of Post Point’s incinerators meet emission limits” directly implies the measurement and control of air pollutants, which is what this indicator tracks for urban areas.

4. Indicator 12.4.1

   “Number of parties to international multilateral environmental agreements on hazardous waste, and other chemicals that meet their commitments.” While the agreement is local, not international, it functions similarly. The settlement between the City of Bellingham and the Northwest Clean Air Agency represents a formal commitment to meet specific environmental standards for waste management, mirroring the principle of this indicator at a local level.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: mybellinghamnow.com