The City of Bellingham is moving forward with a $40 million investment to upgrade the sewage sludge incinerators at the Post Point Wastewater Treatment Plant with enhanced air emission control equipment. This project is vital to meet increasingly stringent air quality regulations and fulfills the City’s commitment to maintain the incinerators’ long-term operation, following a strategic decision in 2022.
The City’s aging wastewater treatment plant, originally built in the 1970s, presents ongoing operational challenges. In recent years, the City explored replacing incineration with anaerobic digestion which produces a biosolid that can be land applied as fertilizer. However, in September 2022, due to concerns about project costs and the introduction of contaminants of emerging concern (like PFAS) into the environment, the City decided to discontinue pursuing a solution that involved land application. Instead, the focus shifted to repairing, rehabilitating, and upgrading the existing incinerators at the facility.
This decision to continue utilizing and maintaining the incinerators will trigger more stringent federal emissions standards in coming years. To ensure timely compliance, the City will equip the plant’s two incinerators, built in 1973 and 1993, with upgraded emission control equipment, as discussed with Bellingham City Council on March 24. This project reflects the City’s commitment to meeting evolving regulatory demands while responsibly managing public funds.
“Addressing the challenges at Post Point is a complex undertaking, but we are committed to finding solutions that balance environmental protection, public health, and responsible use of taxpayer dollars,” said Bellingham Mayor Kim Lund. “This investment is a crucial step in meeting our regulatory obligations and ensuring the long-term viability of our wastewater treatment process.”
The Post Point Wastewater Treatment Plant utilizes incineration to manage residual solids. While the plant currently operates under less stringent standards for ‘existing’ SSIs, it is imperative to upgrade to meet the newer, more protective limits. This investment will specifically address carbon monoxide, oxides of nitrogen, dioxins/furans, and cadmium to ensure compliance into the future.
The City recognizes the importance of maintaining high air quality standards and is committed to operating the Post Point Wastewater Treatment Plant within regulatory requirements. This project reflects the City’s dedication to environmental stewardship and the health of its residents, while honoring past decisions and addressing current regulatory challenges.
While this upgrade will improve air quality, the City recognizes that incineration, like all solids handling processes, has its own risks and tradeoffs. The City remains committed to exploring future alternatives that may offer more sustainable solutions.
Visit the project website to learn more about the emission control upgrades and track the progress.
