Public Works and Natural Resources Committee

The Public Works and Natural Resources Committee met Monday morning to address two major infrastructure initiatives that will significantly impact Bellingham's water and wastewater systems. The committee unanimously approved a 10-year water conservation plan setting efficiency goals through 2035, while receiving an in-depth briefing on a $40 million air quality upgrade project at the Post Point Wastewater Treatment Plant. The water efficiency program represents a shift from previous 6-year planning cycles to a 10-year framework aligned with the city's water system plan updates. The new goal targets keeping single-family residential water consumption below 154 gallons per day per account, maintaining alignment with demand projections used in water system planning. The program includes continuing successful rebate programs, expanding direct installation services for low-income households, and exploring conservation-based rate structures during an upcoming rate study. The Post Point emissions control project addresses imminent federal regulatory compliance requirements, with the city facing potential violations if upgrades aren't completed. The $40 million investment will install new air pollution control equipment to meet the more stringent "Quad-L" regulatory standard, extending the operational life of the facility's incinerators for potentially 30+ years. Staff emphasized this represents a long-term solution rather than a short-term patch, providing breathing room for emerging technologies to mature. Council members expressed mixed feelings about continued investment in incineration technology, with concerns about sunk costs and environmental impacts. However, the regulatory timeline leaves limited alternatives, with the Northwest Clean Air Agency enforcing compliance requirements. The project will be funded through the sewer fund with rate increases expected as part of a comprehensive one-water rate study addressing multiple capital needs. #