Lynnwood plans massive sewage plant rebuild; Edmonds neighbors say they were caught off guard – My Edmonds News

Report on the Lynnwood Wastewater Treatment Plant Overhaul

Introduction

The City of Lynnwood’s Wastewater Treatment Plant, located in an annexed area of Edmonds along Puget Sound, has been operational for over six decades. Due to aging infrastructure, population growth, and stricter environmental regulations, the city is initiating a comprehensive overhaul of the facility. This project aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Project Overview

The planned overhaul is a decade-long project with an estimated cost of approximately $330 million. The upgrade aims to replace outdated equipment, expand capacity to accommodate population growth, and ensure compliance with enhanced environmental standards to protect Puget Sound.

1. Facility Background
   • Constructed in 1962, last expanded in the 1980s when Lynnwood’s population was about 22,000.
   • Current population exceeds 41,600, stretching the plant’s capacity.
   • Facility serves Lynnwood, parts of Edmonds, and unincorporated Snohomish County, totaling approximately 49,000 people by 2026 and projected to exceed 74,000 by 2050.
   • Current capacity: 7.4 million gallons per day; projected average daily flow: nearly 10 million gallons by 2050, with peak flows up to 30 million gallons.
2. Financial Aspects
   • Cost estimate increased from $208 million in 2021 to $330 million in 2024 due to inflation, labor shortages, and material costs.
   • Annual operating costs expected to rise from $3.4 million to over $5.4 million.
   • Funding strategy includes bonds, grants, sewer rate increases, and cash reserves covering 27% of the plan.
   • Sewer rates have increased by over 24% annually (2023-2026) and will continue rising through 2030.
   • Edmonds, accounting for 11% of capacity, will share costs under a new agreement currently under negotiation.
3. Project Management and Environmental Review
   • City Council approved a $6.2 million design contract and a $400,000 owner-adviser contract.
   • State-mandated SEPA environmental impact review to begin when design is 30-60% complete.
   • Plans to hire a general contractor early to identify risks and cost savings.
   • Active outreach to residents and tribal leaders to address environmental and community concerns.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

• SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
  • Upgrading treatment processes to reduce nitrogen discharges harmful to marine life.
  • Replacing outdated sludge incinerator with environmentally friendly solids handling.
  • Ensuring compliance with Washington Department of Ecology’s Puget Sound Nutrient General Permit.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
  • Enhancing infrastructure to support a growing population sustainably.
  • Maintaining local control over wastewater treatment to optimize community benefits.
  • Engaging with local residents and tribal groups for inclusive planning and environmental stewardship.
• SDG 13: Climate Action
  • Implementing energy-efficient and low-emission technologies in treatment processes.
  • Reducing environmental violations and improving air and water quality.

Necessity of the Overhaul

The project is driven by three primary factors:

1. Aging Infrastructure
   • Plant equipment dating back to 1962 and last expanded in the 1980s is now outdated and insufficient.
   • Recent air and water quality violations have resulted in fines exceeding $550,000.
   • Temporary sludge handling systems have been implemented to mitigate issues.
2. Population Growth
   • Projected increase in service population to over 74,000 by 2050 necessitates expanded capacity.
   • Current plant capacity is insufficient to handle future wastewater flows.
3. Environmental Regulations
   • Compliance with stricter state and federal environmental standards, including nutrient discharge limits.
   • Requirement to reduce nitrogen discharges to protect Puget Sound’s marine ecosystem.

Project Scope and Phases

Phase 1: Site Preparation

• Estimated cost: $26 million.
• Activities include tree clearing, hillside excavation, rerouting a fish-bearing creek, and realigning Bertola Road and a major sewer pipe.
• Coordination with tribal, state, and federal agencies for environmental protections.
• Acquisition of two nearby properties for temporary construction use to maintain plant operations.

Phase 2: Liquid Stream Improvements

• Estimated cost: $191 million.
• Major upgrades include elimination of primary treatment, installation of new headworks and aeration basins, retrofitting clarifiers, and replacing chlorine gas disinfection with an enclosed ultraviolet system.
• Designed to meet nutrient limits and future capacity demands.

Phase 3: Solids Handling

• Estimated cost: $111.8 million.
• Replacement of the aging incinerator with a permanent solids-handling system.
• Preferred technology: vapor recompression paddle wheel dryer producing Class A biosolids suitable for safe handling and use as fertilizer, potentially generating revenue.
• Supports SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) through resource recovery and waste reduction.

Community Engagement and Environmental Stewardship

• Ongoing communication with residents, tribal leaders, and environmental agencies.
• Information sessions and distribution of flyers to ensure transparency.
• Environmental impact assessments to identify and mitigate potential adverse effects.

Conclusion

The Lynnwood Wastewater Treatment Plant overhaul represents a critical investment in sustainable infrastructure, addressing aging facilities, population growth, and environmental compliance. The project exemplifies commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by promoting clean water, sustainable urban development, and climate action. Continued community engagement and strategic planning will be essential to the successful implementation of this transformative initiative.

Additional Information

For further details, please visit the City of Lynnwood Wastewater Treatment Plant website.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed in the Article

1. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • The article discusses the overhaul of the Lynnwood Wastewater Treatment Plant to improve wastewater treatment and comply with stricter environmental regulations, directly relating to ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.
2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
   • The upgrade of aging infrastructure and incorporation of new technology in wastewater treatment reflects efforts to build resilient infrastructure and promote sustainable industrialization.
3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • The project addresses urban population growth and infrastructure needs, aiming to make cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
4. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Reducing nitrogen discharges and improving wastewater treatment contributes to mitigating environmental pollution and protecting ecosystems, aligning with climate action goals.
5. SDG 14: Life Below Water
   • The article highlights efforts to reduce nutrient pollution (nitrogen discharges) into Puget Sound, which harms marine life, supporting the conservation and sustainable use of oceans and marine resources.

2. Specific Targets Under the Identified SDGs

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 6.4: Increase water-use efficiency across all sectors to ensure sustainable water withdrawals and supply.
2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
   • Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure to support economic development and human well-being.
3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including air quality and waste management.
4. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning.
5. SDG 14: Life Below Water
   • Target 14.1: Prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, particularly from land-based activities.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article to Measure Progress

1. Water Quality Indicators
   • Reduction in nitrogen discharges into Puget Sound as required by the Washington Department of Ecology’s Puget Sound Nutrient General Permit.
   • Compliance with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations on air and water quality, including reduction of violations and fines.
2. Infrastructure Capacity and Efficiency
   • Wastewater treatment plant capacity measured in million gallons per day (MGD), with current capacity at 7.4 MGD and projected flows up to 10 MGD average and 30 MGD peak by 2050.
   • Upgrades in treatment technology such as replacing chlorine gas disinfection with ultraviolet systems.
3. Environmental Impact and Community Engagement
   • Results of the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) review assessing environmental and social impacts and mitigation strategies.
   • Reduction of odor complaints by approximately 90% after system changes.
4. Financial Indicators
   • Project cost estimates and funding mechanisms, including bonds, grants, sewer rate increases, and utility taxes.
   • Annual operating costs increase from $3.4 million to $5.4 million.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: myedmondsnews.com