On June 17, North Bend celebrated the completion of its largest-ever capital project — the $38 million Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) High Priority Improvements Project, located off SR 202 on the northwestern side of town.
“This is a momentous day for North Bend – not only for our residents, nonprofit organizations, and business owners, but also for the Snoqualmie River, the wildlife that lives among it, and for city staff, the frontline workers who are here every day maintaining this essential piece of infrastructure,” said North Bend Mayor Mary Miller at the ribbon cutting event.
Changes to the WWTP include safety improvements and underground piping, two clarifiers, a second oxidation ditch and a new headworks, UV/electrical building, aerobic digester and screw press. The project modernizes the facility and will allow it to take on additional capacity to accommodate the neighboring Meadowbrook Sewer Utility Local Improvement District and expand the public sewer, according to the city.
Decreased plant odor, improved employee safety and increased protection of the Snoqualmie River are also expected.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the primary aim of wastewater treatment is to remove as much of the suspended solids as possible before the remaining water, called effluent, is discharged back into the environment in neighboring waterways. They are essential for maintaining a healthy ecosystem, preventing disease and ensuring safe water for the community, according to a North Bend Facebook post.
The city relied on general facility charges, revenue bonds and multi-year sewer rate increases to fund the project, according to the city.
“This investment by our taxpayers is incredibly valuable. Without the trust and involvement in our local government, we could never bring to fruition an upgrade of this magnitude,” Miller said.
Before the ribbon cutting, 30 trout arrived at the new facility and now live in a 125-gallon aquarium in the new UV building filled with effluent from the WWTP. The city wrote that Plant Operator Craig Jess is looking forward to watching the fish grow. Once the fish outgrow their habitat, they will be re-homed in an alpine lake and replaced.
Upcoming tours of the WWTP, once available, will be announced on the city’s Facebook page.
The celebration was attended by current and former elected officials, city staff, the chamber of commerce and multiple project partners. (Photo courtesy of the city of North Bend)
