WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY
WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY
Wastewater Reclamation Project
For a printer-friendly version of this document,
click
here.
Washington State University
is requesting $12.7 million next biennium for construction of a wastewater
treatment plant. This plant, combined with aggressive conservation measures, is
expected to reduce the stress on a declining water table in the Pullman area
that is caused by university water consumption. The initial construction phase
of this project was approved by the 2004 Legislature and subsequently vetoed by
the Governor. The governor’s veto referring to Section 245 stated,
“The section would have appropriated $3,400,000
for the start of a wastewater reclamation project at Washington State University
and the City of Pullman. The proviso required a study that summarizes a
strategy for completion of future phases of this project, identifies all funding
sources, and identifies water conservation measures to be enacted. I originally
recommended a proviso limiting the amount of state funding for this project
until these serious questions have been answered; that proviso has been
removed. It is inappropriate to commit funding without knowing the sources of
future funding, phasing, costs, and conservation efforts. The university should
explore and attempt to secure alternative funding that is consistent with a
completed comprehensive project plan.”
Following the veto, Washington State University and the
City explored many possibilities and could not come up with any practical
solutions except for state funding of this project. Examples of funding sources
pursued and resulting information: The Centennial Clean Water Fund grants for
effluent reuse projects were found to be only for demonstration projects. DOE
funded four pilot projects in 1986 but reported no funding currently available
for this purpose. Federal grants identified were reportedly awarded only to
very large cities to clean up their effluent into major waterways. WSU
has been unsuccessful in finding any solution to this problem through local
governments or federal jurisdictions. Meanwhile the problem persists, the area
aquifer that feeds the state university is declining at the rate of one foot per
year.
Washington State University
respectfully requests the governor and legislature revisit this issue and
provide state funding for the upcoming biennium as the only practical solution
to the problem.
The Proposal.
The Wastewater Reclamation Project will
provide up to 1.3 million gallons per day of treated effluent for seasonal
irrigation of recreational areas, parks, and agricultural lands in and around
Washington State University. It will also provide cooling water for the WSU
Energy Plant. This reclaimed water, treated to the Washington State Class A
standard which is suitable for irrigation and cooling, will reduce the reliance
on water pumped directly from the aquifer for WSU consumption. This proposal is
similar to action already taken at the nearby University of Idaho.
Conservation Measures.
Washington State University has
implemented multiple campus water conservation strategies since the mid-1980’s.
Examples include use of water-conserving building plumbing fixtures, more
efficient irrigation techniques and improvements in the campus chilled water and
steam distribution systems. The university has invested in more efficient
industrial chillers and cooling towers for its chilled water system and the new
steam plant should allow for further water conservation.
Components of the
Wastewater Reclamation Project include a new filter building, storage tanks,
chemical feed system, and metering pumps at the wastewater treatment plant; a
pipeline distribution system extending to a storage reservoir on the Washington
State University campus; and main distribution piping.
A pre-design report has
been completed and preliminary engineering is underway. The Washington State
Department of Ecology was appropriated funding for this during the 2001-03
legislative session.
Project provides the
facility/infrastructure needed to address the following state priorities of
government (POG) recommendations:
POG Results #9 Improve the
Quality of Washington’s Natural Resources
Ø
Preserve, maintain and restore
natural systems and landscapes
Ø
Achieve sustainable use of public
resources
2005-07 Request:
$12,700,000
MACC = $8,559,000 = $5,346.
Gross Sq Ft.
1,550 NASF Sq Ft. 1,550
|
Project
2005-07 2007-09 2007-09 |
|
|
Wastewater
Reclamation
|
12,700,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
