Local wastewater treatment plants get 2023 report card

Report: Violations of Clean Water Act Regulations in Idaho Sewage Facilities

Introduction

According to a report published by the nonprofit Idaho Conservation League, 58% of Idaho sewage facilities failed to comply with federal Clean Water Act regulations in 2023. This report highlights the violations and their potential impact on the environment and public health. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) emphasize the importance of clean water and sanitation, making it crucial to address these issues promptly.

Violations and Facilities

Out of the six local wastewater treatment facilities, three violated their permits last year. The Priest River, Kootenai-Ponderay, and Sandpoint facilities were among the violators. The Environmental Protection Agency’s Enforcement and Compliance History Online database revealed that these plants exceeded pollutant limits on multiple occasions. In contrast, the Dover, Bonners Ferry, and Moyie Springs sewage plants had no permit violations in 2023.

Environmental Impact

The violations at the local plants included excess E. coli, suspended solids, and a failure to reduce biological oxygen demand. These pollutants can be detrimental to ecosystems as they can create low-oxygen dead zones and disturb aquatic ecosystems, leading to algae blooms. The abundance and diversity of fish and other aquatic organisms can be negatively affected. Moreover, improperly treated wastewater can also harm human health, as E. coli can cause serious diseases.

Sandpoint Facility and Upgrades

Sandpoint’s wastewater treatment facility had five infractions, ranking it 20th-worst among Idaho’s municipal plants. The facility, which is 64 years old, requires significant upgrades. The city council has recognized the importance of upgrading the plant and has made it a top priority. A civil engineering firm has been hired to complete a preliminary engineering report for the plant, which will inform the city about the necessary construction scope and size. However, the upgrades are estimated to cost between $50 million and $100 million, making it a long-term project.

Importance of Investing in Sewage Treatment Infrastructure

Investing in sewage treatment infrastructure is not only crucial for avoiding fines and penalties but also for natural resources stewardship. Improperly treated wastewater can have long-term environmental ripple effects, negatively impacting health, recreation, and industry within the community and beyond. A survey conducted in Sandpoint revealed that water quality is highly valued by the residents, emphasizing the need for clean water conservation efforts.

Conclusion

The violations of Clean Water Act regulations in Idaho sewage facilities highlight the urgent need for improvements in wastewater treatment. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) emphasize the importance of clean water and sanitation, making it essential to address these violations promptly. Sandpoint’s wastewater problem is unlikely to be resolved before major upgrades are implemented. It is crucial to prioritize investments in sewage treatment infrastructure to protect the environment and public health.

References

1. Idaho Conservation League’s report: bit.ly/3XdjAfZ
2. Environmental Protection Agency’s Enforcement and Compliance History Online database: echo.epa.gov

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• Local municipal wastewater plants showed varying trends in compliance from 2021 through 2023.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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

• SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
• SDG 14: Life Below Water
• SDG 15: Life on Land

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

• SDG 6.3: By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials.
• SDG 14.1: By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, in particular from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution.
• SDG 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains, and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements.

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

• Excess E. coli and suspended solids in treated water
• Failure to reduce biological oxygen demand
• Environmental ripple effects negatively impacting health, recreation, and industry

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

The article highlights the violations of wastewater treatment facilities, which are connected to SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation. The specific targets under this SDG that can be identified are to improve water quality by reducing pollution and to eliminate dumping and minimize the release of hazardous chemicals and materials (SDG 6.3). The indicators mentioned in the article include excess E. coli and suspended solids in treated water, as well as a failure to reduce biological oxygen demand.

The article also mentions the potential harm to ecosystems and human health caused by improperly treated wastewater, which relates to SDG 14: Life Below Water and SDG 15: Life on Land. The specific target under SDG 14 is to prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution, including from land-based activities (SDG 14.1). The indicator mentioned in the article is the presence of excess E. coli and suspended solids in treated water, which can harm aquatic organisms and contribute to algae blooms.

Overall, the article highlights the importance of addressing wastewater treatment violations to protect water quality, ecosystems, and human health, aligning with multiple SDGs and their respective targets.

Source: bonnercountydailybee.com