Post Point upgrades move ahead with lower price tag
Post Point upgrades move ahead with lower price tag Cascadia Daily News
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Construction and Updates Underway at Bellingham Wastewater Treatment Plant
Introduction
Almost one year after the City of Bellingham suspended a $1 billion anaerobic digestion project at the Post Point Wastewater Treatment Plant, construction and updates are in the works at the aging facility with a lower price tag of $541 million.
The Facility in Need of Upgrades
The facility, constructed in 1974, handles all of Bellingham’s solid wastewater and is in dire need of upgrades and reconstruction, as several pieces of operating technology are “running to failure,” according to the city’s assistant director of public works Michael Olinger.
Ongoing Projects at the Plant
Several projects are underway at the plant to help repair the facility, including replacements of one of the sludge tanks, the incinerator emission control system, the continuous emissions monitoring system, and the incinerator feed pump. Many of these pieces of technology are long past their expected life.
Costs and Upgrades
The estimated cost for the upgrades is $541 million, which is half of the original anaerobic digestion project cost. Already, there is approximately $25 million invested in design and upgrade projects at the facility.
Additional Repairs
Repairs at the facility extend beyond the necessary tech upgrades and include plant-wide roof replacement and cleanup of a contaminated site.
Mitigation of the McKenzie Site
The McKenzie Site, which is the current location of Unity Village, a tiny home community providing temporary housing for homeless individuals, will require significant mitigation. Approximately 12,000 tons of impacted soil and contaminated groundwater on the property will need to be removed. Unity Village will be required to relocate early next year to allow for the cleanup to begin in mid-2024.
Solar Panels and Clean Energy Technology
About 12 buildings on the site require a new roof, and plans are being explored to install solar panels and other clean energy technology.
Research on Emerging Wastewater Management Technology
In addition to completing major repairs, city employees will conduct research and surveys regarding emerging wastewater management technology to determine future growth and maintenance on-site.
Importance of Starting Now
These projects are vital because planning a new wastewater treatment project can take years. Starting now allows for sufficient time to find the technology, go through the public process, and secure funding.
Soliciting Applications for Emerging Technology Pilot Projects
The city is currently soliciting applications from vendors and consultants exploring emerging technology pilot projects. The request for proposal was filed in August and will be open for project proposals until November.
Reviewing Proposals and Presenting Construction Info
Staff will begin reviewing the proposals in November and will present additional construction information to the Bellingham City Council around the same time.
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 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 13: Climate Action
The article discusses the need for upgrades and repairs at the wastewater treatment plant, which connects to SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation). The mention of exploring clean energy technology, such as solar panels, relates to SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy). The projects at the facility involve replacing outdated technology, which aligns with SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure). The relocation of the Unity Village and the cleanup of a contaminated site relate to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). Finally, the consideration of emerging wastewater management technology and the mention of gasification and pyrolysis connect to SDG 13 (Climate Action).
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 7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
- SDG 9.4: By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes.
- SDG 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.
- SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
Based on the article’s content, the targets mentioned above can be identified. The repairs and upgrades at the wastewater treatment plant aim to improve water quality (SDG 6.3) and increase the adoption of clean technologies (SDG 9.4). The consideration of solar panels and clean energy technology aligns with the target of increasing the share of renewable energy (SDG 7.2). The relocation of Unity Village and the cleanup of the contaminated site contribute to reducing the adverse environmental impact of cities (SDG 11.6). The exploration of emerging wastewater management technology, such as gasification and pyrolysis, relates to integrating climate change measures into planning (SDG 13.2).
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Indicator for SDG 6.3: Concentration of wastewater treatment
- Indicator for SDG 7.2: Share of renewable energy in the energy mix
- Indicator for SDG 9.4: Investment in research and development (R&D) for sustainable technologies
- Indicator for SDG 11.6: Municipal waste generation per capita
- Indicator for SDG 13.2: Integration of climate change measures in national policies
The article does not explicitly mention specific indicators, but the following indicators can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. The concentration of wastewater treatment can be used as an indicator for SDG 6.3. The share of renewable energy in the energy mix can be measured to track progress towards SDG 7.2. Investment in research and development (R&D) for sustainable technologies can serve as an indicator for SDG 9.4. Municipal waste generation per capita can be used to measure progress towards SDG 11.6. The integration of climate change measures in national policies can be tracked as an indicator for SDG 13.2.
4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation | 6.3: By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping, and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials. | Concentration of wastewater treatment |
| SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy | 7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix. | Share of renewable energy in the energy mix |
| SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | 9.4: By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes. | Investment in research and development (R&D) for sustainable technologies |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | 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. | Municipal waste generation per capita |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning. | Integration of climate change measures in national policies |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: cascadiadaily.com
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