Tishomingo asking for input about plans for new wastewater treatment plant – KXII

Report on Tishomingo Wastewater Treatment Plant Project and Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction: Addressing Sanitation and Infrastructure Needs

The City of Tishomingo, Oklahoma, is currently evaluating strategic options for the development of a new wastewater treatment plant. This initiative is critical for advancing several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), primarily SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), which aims to ensure the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. The project also directly relates to SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) by seeking to build resilient infrastructure and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by ensuring the city can provide inclusive, safe, and sustainable services for its residents.

Project Challenges: Financial Overruns and Scope Adjustments

A significant challenge has emerged as construction bids for the proposed facility exceeded the allocated budget by over $8 million. This financial discrepancy necessitates a re-evaluation of the project’s scope and funding mechanisms, forcing the city to balance fiscal responsibility with its long-term sustainability commitments.

Proposed Funding and Development Options

The Tishomingo City Council has presented three distinct options for public consideration, each with varying impacts on utility costs, service capacity, and the achievement of key SDGs.

1. Option 1: Full Project Implementation via Loan

   This option involves securing a loan to cover the entire project cost, including sludge processing capabilities. While it would fully realize the goals of providing comprehensive sanitation (SDG 6) and building resilient, future-proof infrastructure (SDG 9 and SDG 11), it would require a substantial utility rate increase of $35.00 per month per customer. This raises concerns about affordability and equitable access to essential services.

2. Option 2: Modified Scope with Future Growth Capacity

   The second option proposes removing the sludge processing functions to reduce costs while ensuring the new plant can accommodate future population growth. This approach represents a compromise, advancing SDG 6 and SDG 11 by improving wastewater treatment and planning for urban expansion. However, deferring sludge processing impacts the full lifecycle management of waste, a key aspect of SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). This option would necessitate a more moderate utility rate increase of $16.05 per month.

3. Option 3: Phased Implementation with No Immediate Rate Increase

   The third option involves rebidding a scaled-down project without sludge processing, site work, or demolition of existing facilities. This plant would not have the capacity for future growth, thereby failing to meet the long-term objectives of SDG 9 and SDG 11. Although it avoids an immediate utility rate increase, it postpones critical infrastructure investments and relies on securing future funding to complete the project, potentially leading to higher long-term costs. It represents a minimal-step approach to improving conditions under SDG 6.

Public Consultation and Governance

In alignment with SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), the city is actively engaging residents in the decision-making process to ensure a transparent and participatory approach to community development.

• A City Council meeting is scheduled for Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. to vote on the proposed options.
• Residents are encouraged to attend the meeting to voice their opinions.
• An online survey has been made available for public input to gather broader community feedback.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

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

The article about the Tishomingo wastewater treatment plant directly connects to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that focus on infrastructure, public services, and sustainable community development.

• SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation: This is the most prominent SDG, as the core subject is a “new wastewater treatment plant,” which is fundamental to ensuring the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure: The project involves building critical infrastructure. The debate over the project’s budget, scope (with or without “sludge processing functions”), and capacity for “future growth” relates directly to developing quality, reliable, and sustainable infrastructure.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: A wastewater treatment plant is an essential basic service for a city. The article’s discussion of funding options, potential “utility rates” increases, and planning for “future growth” are all key components of making cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.

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

Several specific targets can be identified based on the details provided in the article:

1. Target 6.3: By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution… halving the proportion of untreated wastewater…
   • The entire purpose of building a “new wastewater treatment plant” is to treat wastewater, thereby improving water quality by reducing the pollution discharged into the environment. The discussion of including or removing “sludge processing functions” relates to the level and quality of treatment.
2. Target 6.b: Support and strengthen the participation of local communities in improving water and sanitation management.
   • The article explicitly states, “The City of Tishomingo is asking residents to give their input on plans.” It further mentions that “Residents are encouraged to attend” the city council meeting and can “make their voices heard at a survey found here as well.” This is a direct implementation of this target.
3. Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure… with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all.
   • The article discusses building a “better plant to accommodate future growth,” which speaks to creating resilient and sustainable infrastructure. The debate over the three funding options, which balance cost, functionality, and future capacity, is a clear example of the challenges in developing quality infrastructure. The potential utility rate increases of “$35.00” or “$16.05” directly address the “affordable access” component of this target.
4. Target 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services…
   • Wastewater treatment is a basic service essential for a community. The city’s struggle to fund the plant while minimizing the financial burden on residents (as shown by the different options for utility bill increases) is a direct reflection of the challenge of ensuring “affordable” access to these services.

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 contains several implied indicators that can be used to measure progress:

• Indicator for Target 6.3 (Improving water quality):
  • The construction and operational status of the “new wastewater treatment plant” serves as a primary indicator.
  • The inclusion or exclusion of “sludge processing functions” can be an indicator of the proportion of wastewater safely treated and the quality of the treatment process.
• Indicator for Target 6.b (Community participation):
  • The number of public consultation meetings held (the article mentions one “city council will meet Wednesday at 6:00 p.m.”).
  • The establishment of mechanisms for public input, such as the “survey” mentioned in the article.
• Indicator for Target 9.1 & 11.1 (Affordable and quality infrastructure):
  • The final cost of the infrastructure project and the amount of investment mobilized (“more than $8 million over budget”).
  • The monthly cost of sanitation services per household (the proposed increases of “$35.00” or “$16.05”).
  • The plant’s designed capacity and its ability to “accommodate future growth,” which measures its resilience and quality.

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: kxii.com