Post Point Wastewater Resource Recovery Project

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Consultation has concluded

The Post Point Resource Recovery project is a defining opportunity for Bellingham to support its 2018 Climate Action Plan and reduce sewer utility carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 60-80%.



We are designing future improvements at the Post Point Resource Recovery Plant (Post Point). These improvements are needed because equipment is aging, expensive to repair, and incinerates solid waste – rather than recovering reusable resources.

Earlier planning phases of the project collected feedback through community workshops. We are replacing the facility's incineration system with a digestion process that transforms wastewater solids into two reusable resources: biosolids and biogas.



What's happening now?

City Council Meeting: On July 26, 2021 the project team discussed the Post Point Resource Recovery project and emerging contaminants of concern. Check out the full video stream. As a follow-up to this conversation with City Council, the project team will conduct testing to try to better understand levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances or PFAs in the city’s wastewater. Staff will also take a look at the cost and availability of testing for emerging contaminants of concern and will report their findings back to City Council.

On December 6, 2021 at 10 a.m., the project team will report the findings from the testing results for contaminants of concern to the Public Works and Natural Resources committee. More information can be found in the council packet or on the project webpage. 

Engage Bellingham survey results: Thank you to everyone who took the time to provide feedback using the survey below. The results are now available in the Documents section on the bottom of the right side of the page. 

Updated project FAQ: Have questions about the project or want to read more about PFAs? Check out our updated project FAQ!


We want your input!

  1. Take our survey at the bottom of the page.
  2. Sign up for email updates here: https://cob.org/services/utilities/waste-water-treatment/post-point-email-updates.
  3. Visit our project page(External link) for additional materials from project milestones.
  4. Request a community briefing by entering a comment below or email ResourceRecovery@cob.org. 

Por favor, para información en Español, comunicarse con el Departamento de Obras Públicas al telefono (360) 778-7700. Gracias.


The Post Point Resource Recovery project is a defining opportunity for Bellingham to support its 2018 Climate Action Plan and reduce sewer utility carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 60-80%.



We are designing future improvements at the Post Point Resource Recovery Plant (Post Point). These improvements are needed because equipment is aging, expensive to repair, and incinerates solid waste – rather than recovering reusable resources.

Earlier planning phases of the project collected feedback through community workshops. We are replacing the facility's incineration system with a digestion process that transforms wastewater solids into two reusable resources: biosolids and biogas.



What's happening now?

City Council Meeting: On July 26, 2021 the project team discussed the Post Point Resource Recovery project and emerging contaminants of concern. Check out the full video stream. As a follow-up to this conversation with City Council, the project team will conduct testing to try to better understand levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances or PFAs in the city’s wastewater. Staff will also take a look at the cost and availability of testing for emerging contaminants of concern and will report their findings back to City Council.

On December 6, 2021 at 10 a.m., the project team will report the findings from the testing results for contaminants of concern to the Public Works and Natural Resources committee. More information can be found in the council packet or on the project webpage. 

Engage Bellingham survey results: Thank you to everyone who took the time to provide feedback using the survey below. The results are now available in the Documents section on the bottom of the right side of the page. 

Updated project FAQ: Have questions about the project or want to read more about PFAs? Check out our updated project FAQ!


We want your input!

  1. Take our survey at the bottom of the page.
  2. Sign up for email updates here: https://cob.org/services/utilities/waste-water-treatment/post-point-email-updates.
  3. Visit our project page(External link) for additional materials from project milestones.
  4. Request a community briefing by entering a comment below or email ResourceRecovery@cob.org. 

Por favor, para información en Español, comunicarse con el Departamento de Obras Públicas al telefono (360) 778-7700. Gracias.


Consultation has concluded

Have a question? Ask the project team below!

  • Share Post Point Dog Park - We were told by employees at the treatment plant the the dog park will be permanently closed due to expansion. Is this correct or is it only being closed while construction is ongoing? Also people are wondering about the trail to the Heron nesting area - will it be closed off too??? on Facebook Share Post Point Dog Park - We were told by employees at the treatment plant the the dog park will be permanently closed due to expansion. Is this correct or is it only being closed while construction is ongoing? Also people are wondering about the trail to the Heron nesting area - will it be closed off too??? on Twitter Share Post Point Dog Park - We were told by employees at the treatment plant the the dog park will be permanently closed due to expansion. Is this correct or is it only being closed while construction is ongoing? Also people are wondering about the trail to the Heron nesting area - will it be closed off too??? on Linkedin Email Post Point Dog Park - We were told by employees at the treatment plant the the dog park will be permanently closed due to expansion. Is this correct or is it only being closed while construction is ongoing? Also people are wondering about the trail to the Heron nesting area - will it be closed off too??? link

    Post Point Dog Park - We were told by employees at the treatment plant the the dog park will be permanently closed due to expansion. Is this correct or is it only being closed while construction is ongoing? Also people are wondering about the trail to the Heron nesting area - will it be closed off too???

    Dog Park asked over 2 years ago

    Thank you for reaching out with these questions.

    The trail circling the Post Point Resource Recovery Plant that goes near the heron nesting area will remain open for the foreseeable future. However, the open space near the Plant that is currently used as an off-leash area for dogs will be fenced off permanently when construction begins. We anticipate this change beginning in late 2023 or early 2024. While we understand that this area has become a cherished off-leash exercise area, the property has always been designated for plant expansion. As our City continues to grow and with the increased regulations for environmental and human health protections, the City will use this property for staging during early phases of the upcoming projects and eventually for future additions to the treatment plant. Bellingham is fortunate to have 8 other existing designated off-leash dog exercise and training areas and we are currently evaluating opportunities to add additional spaces to make up for the loss of this area. We are in the process of developing plans for extensive communications and public engagement to help people understand and give us feedback about the Post Point expansion plans. Look for opportunities to learn more about this significant project later this year, or sign-up to receive project updates.

  • Share How Many therms and dollars do we spend Incinerating Sewages Annually? Also how many FTE does it take to maintain and operate said burners?? on Facebook Share How Many therms and dollars do we spend Incinerating Sewages Annually? Also how many FTE does it take to maintain and operate said burners?? on Twitter Share How Many therms and dollars do we spend Incinerating Sewages Annually? Also how many FTE does it take to maintain and operate said burners?? on Linkedin Email How Many therms and dollars do we spend Incinerating Sewages Annually? Also how many FTE does it take to maintain and operate said burners?? link

    How Many therms and dollars do we spend Incinerating Sewages Annually? Also how many FTE does it take to maintain and operate said burners??

    Larry. asked almost 3 years ago

    Thank you for your questions. Here's a summary of the information you requested:

    How Many therms and dollars do we spend Incinerating Sewages Annually?

    • Annual Therms 4/19-4/20 - ~456,380
    • IGI Cost  (Industrial Rate) $179,092.74\


    Also how many FTE does it take to maintain and operate said burners??

    Assuming “burners” means Incinerators (or solids handling), we have 16 certified operators but they do more than just operate the incinerators (solids handling process). We operate 24/7, so one operator is on shift for solids handling at all time.

    A recent labor analysis shows current requirements for the existing solids handling system, which includes thickening, dewatering, incineration, ash disposal, odor control, polymer, and associated pumping. Time allocations for staffing positions were split between operations and maintenance based on historical operating records. Approximately 6 shift operators and 3 maintenance technician staff are required for the existing solids handling processes. 

    Below is the breakdown of that analysis: 

     


    Please let us know if you have any further questions.

  • Share Have you contacted SGS AXYS Analytical Services in Sidney, B.C. recommended in Re Sources follow-up letter to Mayor et al? Have you looked to other countries using bio solids for other uses than spreading on land? on Facebook Share Have you contacted SGS AXYS Analytical Services in Sidney, B.C. recommended in Re Sources follow-up letter to Mayor et al? Have you looked to other countries using bio solids for other uses than spreading on land? on Twitter Share Have you contacted SGS AXYS Analytical Services in Sidney, B.C. recommended in Re Sources follow-up letter to Mayor et al? Have you looked to other countries using bio solids for other uses than spreading on land? on Linkedin Email Have you contacted SGS AXYS Analytical Services in Sidney, B.C. recommended in Re Sources follow-up letter to Mayor et al? Have you looked to other countries using bio solids for other uses than spreading on land? link

    Have you contacted SGS AXYS Analytical Services in Sidney, B.C. recommended in Re Sources follow-up letter to Mayor et al? Have you looked to other countries using bio solids for other uses than spreading on land?

    Outdoor7 asked over 3 years ago

    We are very sorry for the delay in responding to your question. As of yesterday (Nov. 30, 2021) we have test results that are now publicly accessible on the project webpage, including a 3-page summary document. Additionally, on Monday, December 6 at 10 a.m., the project team will discuss the testing results with City Council during the Public Works and Natural Resources Committee. Visit cob.org/meetings to view the council packet, listen to the live broadcast or watch a recording of the session at a later date.