Report on Camden County Municipal Utilities Authority and Sustainable Development Challenges

Introduction

Scott Schreiber, Executive Director of the Camden County Municipal Utilities Authority (CCMUA), oversees one of New Jersey’s largest wastewater treatment facilities. Serving approximately 500,000 residents across 36 towns, the facility plays a critical role in treating sewage and protecting local waterways. This report highlights the challenges faced by CCMUA in the context of rising sea levels and climate change, emphasizing the alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 14 (Life Below Water).

Operational Resilience Amidst Climate Change

During the COVID-19 pandemic, CCMUA maintained uninterrupted service, ensuring continuous sewage treatment despite global disruptions. Schreiber emphasized the essential nature of their work, noting that public concern rarely extends to basic sanitation services such as flushing toilets, underscoring the importance of resilient infrastructure.

Challenges from Rising Sea Levels and Flood Risks

Rising sea levels pose a significant threat to the wastewater treatment system. Increased water levels can cause local flooding, potentially overwhelming the sewage system and leading to raw sewage backups or untreated discharges into vital waterways, threatening SDG 6 and SDG 14.

• Flood Wall Proposal: CCMUA is planning a mile-long flood wall, up to 12 feet high, with an estimated cost of $70 million. This infrastructure is part of a broader resilience strategy to protect the facility from flooding risks.
• Stormwater Management: Combined sewer systems in Camden and Gloucester are vulnerable to overflow during intense rainfall events, exacerbated by sea level rise. This can result in untreated sewage discharges into the environment.
• Historical Context: Previously, over 50 wastewater plants discharged partially treated sewage into local streams, causing oxygen-deprived “dead zones” in the Delaware River. Consolidation into one regional plant has improved water quality, aligning with SDG 6.

Infrastructure and Engineering Solutions

Engineering efforts focus on flood-proofing the treatment plant and associated facilities:

1. Construction of a concrete-filled steel pile floodwall, 10 to 12 feet in height.
2. Installation of vinyl piles around the perimeter to control groundwater intrusion.
3. Plans for an additional floodwall around a critical electrical substation to ensure continuous plant operation.
4. Implementation of interior drainage piping systems and pumping equipment to manage floodwaters effectively.

The total estimated cost for these resiliency improvements ranges from $120 million to $130 million, with a projected completion timeline extending to 2029 or 2030.

Environmental and Regulatory Context

Scientific projections from NOAA and Rutgers University indicate potential sea level rises between 2.5 to 5 feet by 2100 in the Camden region, underscoring the urgency of climate adaptation measures (SDG 13).

Combined sewer overflow (CSO) systems present additional challenges, as they mix stormwater and sewage, risking environmental contamination during heavy rainfall. Studies conducted in partnership with Drexel University highlight the complexity of managing CSOs under climate change scenarios.

Financial and Policy Considerations

Financial sustainability is a critical concern for CCMUA’s adaptation efforts:

• Operational costs include maintaining advanced biological treatment processes using microorganisms and managing large-scale wastewater tanks.
• Federal funding cuts, particularly to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), threaten the availability of low-interest loans and grants essential for infrastructure investment.
• EPA revolving funds for drinking water safety may face reductions of nearly 90%, increasing borrowing costs for CCMUA.
• Projected increases in sewage treatment rates could see residential bills rise from approximately $372 to between $750 and $1,000 annually within five years.

These financial challenges highlight the need for integrated policy approaches supporting SDG 6 and SDG 11, ensuring equitable access to sanitation services while addressing climate resilience.

Conclusion and Sustainable Development Implications

The Camden County Municipal Utilities Authority exemplifies the critical intersection of urban infrastructure, environmental sustainability, and climate adaptation. Its ongoing and planned initiatives contribute directly to the achievement of multiple Sustainable Development Goals:

• SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation): Ensuring safe and reliable wastewater treatment to protect public health and aquatic ecosystems.
• SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): Enhancing urban resilience through infrastructure upgrades to withstand climate-related hazards.
• SDG 13 (Climate Action): Implementing adaptive measures to mitigate the impacts of sea level rise and extreme weather events.
• SDG 14 (Life Below Water): Preventing pollution and maintaining the health of local waterways such as the Delaware River.

However, the success of these efforts depends on adequate funding, supportive policies, and continued innovation in infrastructure design and management. Without these, the risk of environmental degradation and public health crises will increase, underscoring the importance of coordinated action at local, state, and federal levels.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • The article focuses on wastewater management, sewage treatment, and preventing untreated sewage from contaminating waterways.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • It discusses urban infrastructure challenges, flood protection, and resilience against climate change impacts in Camden County.
3. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • The article highlights the impacts of rising sea levels and extreme weather events on sewage infrastructure and the need for climate resilience measures.
4. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
   • It addresses infrastructure upgrades, floodwalls, and technological improvements to wastewater treatment facilities.
5. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Preventing sewage overflow and contamination protects public health and the environment.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • Target 6.3: Improve water quality by reducing pollution, minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, and substantially increasing recycling and safe reuse globally.
   • Target 6.6: Protect and restore water-related ecosystems.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.5: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
   • Target 11.B: Increase the number of cities adopting and implementing integrated policies and plans towards inclusion, resource efficiency, mitigation and adaptation to climate change.
3. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning.
4. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
   • Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being.
5. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.9: Reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Water Quality and Pollution Indicators
   • Measurement of untreated sewage overflow incidents into waterways (implied by concerns about sewage backups and spills).
   • Capacity of sewage treatment plants to handle maximum daily flow, especially during storms (185 million gallons per day mentioned).
   • Frequency and height of flood tides affecting sewage treatment facilities (e.g., highest tide recorded on the Delaware River).
2. Infrastructure Resilience Indicators
   • Construction and effectiveness of floodwalls and flood protection infrastructure (e.g., mile-long floodwall, height 10-12 feet).
   • Installation of pumps at outfalls to manage stormwater during high tides and rainfall.
   • Investment amounts and timelines for infrastructure upgrades ($120-$130 million estimated cost, completion by 2029-2030).
3. Financial and Operational Indicators
   • Changes in operational costs and sewage rates for residents (e.g., increase from $372 to $750-$1,000 per year).
   • Availability and level of funding from agencies such as the EPA (noted cuts in EPA funding and impact on borrowing costs).
4. Climate Impact Indicators
   • Projected sea level rise measurements (2.5 to 5 feet by 2100 depending on emissions scenarios).
   • Frequency and intensity of rainstorms and flooding events affecting sewage systems.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: nj.com