The Post Point Resource Recovery Plant plays a vital role in Bellingham’s clean water infrastructure. One key step in the City’s wastewater treatment process involves incinerators that burn treated sludge into ash, reducing its volume and eliminating harmful pathogens. However, incinerator operation also requires careful management of air emissions to ensure public health and environmental protection.
In March 2024, the Northwest Clean Air Agency (NWCAA) notified the City of Bellingham that, due to possible changes in regulatory applicability, the Post Point plant may not be fully compliant with all federal air quality regulations for these emissions.
Addressing Air Quality Concerns
The City of Bellingham takes these concerns seriously and is committed to working with the NWCAA to ensure compliance. Here’s what’s happening:
Regulation Review and Permit Clarification: A comprehensive review of air quality regulations is underway to ensure complete compliance. This includes evaluating the permitting requirements for recent maintenance work on the incinerators, which the City believes was essential for proper equipment function.
Reducing Carbon Monoxide Emissions: The city is in the process of adding continuous monitors (CEMS) for carbon monoxide. The CEMS will be used to assure compliance with a new limit on annual CO emissions that the City is pursuing.
Planning for the Future
The incinerators at the Post Point plant are nearing the end of their lifespan. The City is currently evaluating long-term, sustainable options for handling wastewater solids. This process takes time to ensure the most cost-effective and environmentally responsible solution for Bellingham’s future needs. In the meantime, essential maintenance extends the life of the existing incinerators while a long-term plan is developed.
Commitment to Clean Air and Sustainable Treatment
Bellingham’s ongoing commitment is to operate the Post Point Resource Recovery Plant in compliance with all air quality regulations while ensuring the effectiveness of the wastewater treatment process. This collaborative effort contributes to cleaner air, a healthy environment, and a sustainable future for everyone in Bellingham.
Resources
City of Bellingham letter to NWCAA – September 2023 (PDF)
