Report on Greenville’s Wastewater Treatment Plant Modernization and Sustainability Initiatives

Executive Summary

The City of Greenville is initiating a comprehensive upgrade of its wastewater treatment plant. This project is strategically aligned with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focusing on improving sanitation infrastructure, integrating renewable energy, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of community services. The initiative underscores the city’s commitment to environmental stewardship and resilient urban development.

Infrastructure Upgrades: Advancing SDG 6 and SDG 9

Following an engineering assessment, critical upgrades have been identified to maintain and enhance the functionality of the wastewater treatment facility. These actions are fundamental to achieving key sustainability targets.

• SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation: The project’s primary objective is to ensure the effective and reliable management of wastewater. Engineering firm Milano & Grunloh reported that proactive maintenance is required to guarantee the facility’s performance, directly supporting the goal of providing safe sanitation for all. A key component identified for near-term work is a clarifier, which needs service to prevent future deterioration.
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: By investing in the modernization of the treatment plant, the city is building resilient infrastructure. The planned improvements are essential for supporting sustainable community growth and industrial activity.

Sustainable Energy Integration: Targeting SDG 7 and SDG 13

A significant component of the modernization plan involves transitioning the plant to solar power, reflecting a forward-thinking approach to energy consumption and environmental responsibility.

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy: The city is exploring the installation of a solar power system to reduce operational costs and decrease reliance on non-renewable energy sources. This move promotes the use of clean and affordable energy for municipal infrastructure.
2. SDG 13: Climate Action: Adopting solar power will substantially lower the plant’s carbon footprint, representing a direct local action to combat climate change.

To facilitate this transition, the City Council has engaged Progressive Energy Group as a consultant for the solar bid process. The agreement is structured to be financially prudent, with the consultant’s fee contingent upon the city’s acceptance of a construction bid.

Financial Strategy and Project Timeline: Supporting SDG 11

The project is supported by a robust financial and implementation plan designed to ensure its viability and success, contributing to the development of a sustainable community.

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: This initiative is a core element of making Greenville more sustainable and resilient. By securing funding and establishing a clear timeline, the city is ensuring access to essential sanitation services for its residents.
• Funding: A funding application for a $3 million project has been submitted to the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. The city may be eligible for 45% principal forgiveness, significantly reducing the financial burden.
• Timeline: As the project plan has been approved, Phase 1 of construction could begin within the current year.

Analysis of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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

1. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

   • The article’s primary focus is on the “improvements needed at the wastewater treatment plant” in the City of Greenville. This directly relates to ensuring the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.

2. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

   • The article explicitly mentions that “The city is looking into going solar at the plant.” This initiative connects to the goal of ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy.

3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

   • The project involves upgrading essential municipal infrastructure (a wastewater treatment plant) to make the City of Greenville more sustainable and resilient. This aligns with the goal of making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.

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

1. Target 6.3: Improve water quality by reducing pollution and treating wastewater

   • The plan to make “improvements needed at the wastewater treatment plant” and address issues like a clarifier that “will need work or deterioration will escalate” directly supports the objective of improving water quality by increasing the proportion of treated wastewater.

2. Target 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix

   • The city’s consideration to “go solar at the plant” and the approval of an “agreement with Progressive Energy Group to serve as a consultant on the solar bids” are concrete steps toward increasing the share of renewable energy in its operations.

3. Target 11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities

   • By improving its wastewater treatment facilities, the City of Greenville is actively working to reduce its environmental impact, specifically in the area of municipal waste management, which is a key component of this target.

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

1. Indicator for Target 6.3 (Implied): Proportion of wastewater safely treated

   • Progress can be measured by the successful implementation of the planned improvements. The article mentions a “$3 million project” and that “Construction for Phase 1 of the project could begin this year,” which serve as milestones for tracking the enhancement of wastewater treatment capabilities.

2. Indicator for Target 7.2 (Implied): Renewable energy share in the total final energy consumption

   • The decision-making process itself is an indicator of progress. The article notes the city approved an agreement with a consultant for “solar bids.” The ultimate indicator would be the installation and operational capacity of the solar power system at the plant, which would increase the city’s renewable energy share.

3. Indicator for Target 11.6 (Implied): Level of treatment of municipal wastewater

   • The article points to specific actions that can be measured, such as repairing or upgrading the clarifier (“a clarifier was recently taken off line and inspected…it will need work”). The completion of these improvements would signify an enhanced level of wastewater treatment, thus reducing the city’s environmental footprint.

Summary Table

Source: wgel.com