Polk County com­mis­sioners OK purchase of land to house new waste­water treatment facility – Spectrum Bay News 9

Report on Polk County’s New Wastewater Treatment Facility and its Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals

1.0 Introduction

Polk County Commissioners have approved the acquisition of a 200-acre property in the eastern region of the county for the development of a new wastewater treatment facility. This strategic infrastructure project is a direct response to the area’s rapid population growth and is designed to align with several key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those concerning water, infrastructure, and sustainable communities.

2.0 Project Scope and Land Use

The development plan for the 200-acre site located off Masterpiece Road is multifaceted, aiming to balance industrial, civic, and environmental needs. The allocation of land demonstrates a commitment to integrated and sustainable planning.

• Wastewater Treatment Facility: Approximately 50 acres will be dedicated to the new utility plant.
• Public Services: A portion of the land will house a road and training facility, as well as a sheriff’s district command office.
• Environmental Conservation: A significant part of the property will be designated for conservation, directly supporting SDG 15 (Life on Land) by preserving local ecosystems.

3.0 Alignment with SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

The primary objective of the new facility is to ensure the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all, a core target of SDG 6. The project addresses this goal in several ways:

1. Expanding Sanitation Access: The facility will provide essential wastewater treatment services to accommodate a growing population, preventing environmental contamination and protecting public health.
2. Promoting Water Reuse: Following the model of the county’s three existing facilities, the new plant will treat wastewater to a standard where it can be reused for irrigation. This practice supports responsible water consumption and production cycles, contributing to SDG 12.
3. Protecting Water Quality: As stated by Utilities Director Tamara Richardson, the project is designed to “provide services that meet the needs but also do not damage the environment,” ensuring the protection of local water resources.

4.0 Innovation in Infrastructure (SDG 9)

This project represents a significant investment in resilient and innovative infrastructure, a key component of SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure). The facility will move beyond traditional treatment methods by implementing advanced technology.

• Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) Technology: Operations Manager Jason Jennings confirmed the use of MBR technology, a modern and efficient treatment process.
• Technological Advantages:
  • More effective removal of solids, protozoans, and viruses.
  • A significantly smaller physical footprint compared to conventional treatment plants.
• Workforce Development: The new technology will provide expanded opportunities for employees to develop skills in handling advanced wastewater treatment systems.

5.0 Building Sustainable Communities (SDG 11)

By proactively developing essential utility infrastructure, Polk County is laying the groundwork for sustainable urban growth, directly addressing SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). The facility is a critical component for ensuring that new development is supported by adequate and environmentally sound services. The project is expected to be completed within a three to five-year timeframe, positioning the county to manage future growth responsibly.

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

SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

• The core subject of the article is the construction of a new wastewater treatment facility to manage the county’s water resources effectively. This directly aligns with ensuring the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation. The article states the county’s existing facilities “collect and treat wastewater, which in turn is sent back out for irrigation,” a key component of water management.

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

• The article discusses the development of new, resilient infrastructure to support a growing community. The project involves building a new facility that uses “new technology known as membrane bioreactor technology.” This focus on upgrading infrastructure with innovative and environmentally sound technology is central to SDG 9.

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

• The new facility is a direct response to population growth (“needed as the county continues to grow”) and development in Polk County. The project aims to “provide services that meet the needs but also do not damage the environment,” which is a fundamental aspect of making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.

SDG 15: Life on Land

• The article explicitly mentions that part of the 200-acre land purchase “will be for conservation.” This action directly contributes to the protection and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems.

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

SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

• Target 6.3: By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution… halving the proportion of untreated wastewater and substantially increasing recycling and safe reuse globally. The article highlights that the new facility will lead to “more effective removal of solids, protozolins, viruses” and that treated wastewater is “sent back out for irrigation,” which directly addresses improving water quality and promoting reuse.

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

• Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure… to support economic development and human well-being. The construction of the wastewater treatment facility is an investment in sustainable infrastructure to support the well-being of the county’s growing population.
• Target 9.4: By 2030, upgrade infrastructure… with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies. The article’s focus on using “membrane bioreactor technology,” which is more effective and takes up less space, is a clear example of adopting cleaner and more efficient technology.

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

• Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to… municipal and other waste management. The project is a crucial part of municipal waste (wastewater) management, designed to mitigate the environmental impact of a growing population, as stated by the utilities director: “Part of growth is being able to provide services that meet the needs but also do not damage the environment.”

SDG 15: Life on Land

• Target 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services. The decision to allocate a portion of the purchased land for conservation directly supports this target by protecting a specific terrestrial area.

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

SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

• Implied Indicator (for Target 6.3): The proportion of wastewater safely treated. The construction of a new, more advanced facility directly increases the county’s capacity to safely treat wastewater. The mention of “more effective removal of solids, protozolins, viruses” implies a higher quality of treatment, which is a measure of progress.

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

• Explicit Indicator (for Target 9.1 & 9.4): Investment in new infrastructure. The approval to purchase 200 acres and the plan to build a new facility is a direct indicator of investment.
• Explicit Indicator (for Target 9.4): Adoption of new technology. The specific mention of implementing “membrane bioreactor technology” serves as an indicator of the adoption of advanced and environmentally sound technologies.

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

• Implied Indicator (for Target 11.6): The level of treatment of municipal wastewater. The entire project is an effort to improve the management of municipal wastewater to prevent environmental damage as the population grows, thus serving as a measure of reducing the city’s environmental impact.

SDG 15: Life on Land

• Explicit Indicator (for Target 15.1): Proportion of land area set aside for conservation. The article states that “part of it [the 200 acres] will be for conservation,” providing a direct, measurable indicator of progress.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: baynews9.com