Queen Creek council to vote on proposed hike in wastewater capacity fees – yourvalley.net

Proposed Wastewater Fee Adjustment in Queen Creek Aligns with Sustainable Development Goals

A public hearing has been scheduled by the Queen Creek Town Council to deliberate on a proposed increase in wastewater capacity fees. This measure is positioned as a critical investment in public infrastructure, directly supporting the town’s commitment to achieving key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Alignment with SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

The proposal is fundamentally linked to SDG 6, which calls for ensuring the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. By securing funding for wastewater infrastructure, the town aims to:

• Improve water quality through enhanced wastewater treatment capabilities.
• Ensure equitable access to adequate and reliable sanitation services for a growing population.
• Strengthen the resilience of local water-related ecosystems against pollution.

Supporting SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

Robust wastewater management is a cornerstone of creating sustainable urban environments, a primary target of SDG 11. The proposed fee adjustment will contribute to making Queen Creek a more inclusive, safe, and resilient community by:

• Ensuring access to essential basic services for all residents.
• Reducing the per capita environmental impact of the town through effective waste management.
• Supporting integrated and sustainable planning for community development.

Public Hearing and Procedural Details

The council will conduct a public hearing followed by a vote during its regularly scheduled meeting. The details are as follows:

1. Event: Public Hearing and Council Vote
2. Topic: Proposed Increase in Wastewater Capacity Fees
3. Date: Wednesday
4. Time: 6:30 p.m.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

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

The primary Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) addressed in the article is:

• SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

Explanation: The article discusses a proposal to raise “wastewater capacity fees.” Wastewater management is a fundamental component of sanitation and water quality control. By focusing on the financial mechanisms for wastewater infrastructure, the article directly connects to the goal of ensuring the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.

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

Based on the article’s focus on wastewater and community involvement, the following specific targets under SDG 6 can be identified:

1. Target 6.3: By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater and substantially increasing recycling and safe reuse globally.

   Explanation: Raising wastewater capacity fees is a measure to fund the expansion and improvement of wastewater treatment facilities. This investment is crucial for increasing the proportion of wastewater that is safely treated before being discharged, thereby reducing water pollution and contributing directly to this target.

2. Target 6.b: Support and strengthen the participation of local communities in improving water and sanitation management.

   Explanation: The article explicitly states that the “Queen Creek Town Council will hold a public hearing” on the proposal. A public hearing is a formal process for community participation, allowing residents to be involved in the decision-making process regarding water and sanitation management in their town. This directly aligns with the objective of Target 6.b.

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

Yes, the article mentions or implies actions that can serve as indicators for the identified targets:

• For Target 6.3: The proposal to “raise wastewater capacity fees” is an implied indicator. While not a formal SDG indicator, it represents a measurable financial commitment and policy action aimed at increasing investment in wastewater treatment infrastructure. This investment is a prerequisite for achieving Indicator 6.3.1 (Proportion of domestic and industrial wastewater flows safely treated).
• For Target 6.b: The holding of a “public hearing” is a direct indicator. It serves as concrete evidence of an established and operational procedure for community participation in water and sanitation management, which is what Indicator 6.b.1 (Proportion of local administrative units with established and operational policies and procedures for the participation of local communities in water and sanitation management) aims to measure.

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: yourvalley.net