Why does the City need to build a Water Reclamation Facility?

As the City continues to grow, additional treatment capacity is needed to support the additional residents and businesses. Wastewater generated in Battle Ground will soon exceed the capacity of our pipelines to the Salmon Creek Treatment Plant, and our share of the capacity at the treatment plant.

Through preliminary studies, the City determined that it would be cost-effective to build a new treatment plant to provide additional sewer capacity. The goal is to continue to use the existing pipelines and capacity at the Salmon Creek plant in which the City has invested money in, while developing a long-term plan for future growth that also provides environmental benefits in the Battle Ground area.

 

What is the Water Reclamation Facility?

The Water Reclamation Facility will provide a high level of treatment to wastewater from households and businesses and so that this treated water (called reclaimed water or recycled water) can be used to meet other needs. Potential beneficial uses include streamflow augmentation in Salmon Creek, irrigation, wetlands enhancement, or certain types of commercial and industrial uses. Reusing reclaimed water for irrigation or other demands could reduce the amount of water withdrawn from Salmon Creek.

 

What environmental benefits will the Water Reclamation Facility provide?

During the summer, Salmon Creek does not have enough water to provide a healthy habitat for fish. Highly treated effluent from the Water Reclamation Facility will enter Salmon Creek after percolating through the ground or flowing through wetlands where it has been cooled. The clean, cool water will improve habitat for fish in Salmon Creek.

 

How much will the new Water Reclamation Facility cost?

The cost of the project is estimated to be approximately $35 million. This cost includes engineering, permitting, land acquisition, and construction of facilities to serve the City though the Year 2020. The facilities will be made to be easily expandable to serve long-term sewer capacity needs.

 

Q: How long will the expansion take?

The new Water Reclamation Facility is currently scheduled to begin operation as soon as 2012. The actual completion date may be shifted to 2013 or 2014 depending on how many new sewer connections there are in the next few years.

 

Where will the new Water Reclamation Facility be located?

A site for the new facility has not been selected; however, one potential site under consideration is the existing City-owned property adjacent to the Public Works Operations Center.

 

Q: Where will treated water be discharged?

The City has conducted soils investigations in various locations near Salmon Creek to identify sites for infiltration of reclaimed water. One potential site is at The Cedars Golf Course. Preliminary discussions have occurred between the City golf course owner, and further testing will be conducted to evaluate this option.

 

What will happen to the old surge basin once this project is completed?

A final decision has not been made regarding whether to use the existing surge basin as part of the new system. If the surge basin is retained, it will be significantly improved to make it neighbor-friendly and to treat the air to reduce odors.

 

How will the project be funded? Will my rates go up?

The City is working to determine how to best fund the project. The City has already obtained grant monies for current planning efforts and is pursuing additional grants and loans for design and construction of the new Water Reclamation Facility. Ultimately, in order to pay all of the costs associated with the project, the City may need to adjust sewer rates or system development charges (hook-up fees), but it is too soon to determine what impacts there may be. The City, however, will continue to work to minimize any increases, and also to ensure that costs are distributed equitably to all customers.

 

What is the current status of the project?

A Facility Plan, which describes the required facilities, is nearly completed. Field investigations are also being conducted to examine the soils and subsurface characteristics of the Battle Ground area, and specifically areas near Salmon Creek. Preliminary Engineering phase of the project is scheduled to begin summer of 2007.

 

How can I stay informed about the project?

Information will be provided in periodic newsletters to City residents, on our website (www.cityofbg.org/departments/public_op_water_rec.php), and at community events. Community forums such as public meetings and open houses will be held throughout the course of the project, and City staff are available to provide presentations to interested groups. For more information about the Water Reclamation Facility, please contact Rob Charles, Public Works Director, at (360) 342-5070 or email .