I went to an open house at the Bellingham sewage treatment plant. This was part of a yearly Water Week festival with behind the scenes tours of things that keep our lives going, without making the environment unlivable.
Tour for the water treatment plant was filled, but I signed up just in time for a spot at the sewage plant, a cherished experince.
The week had several educational events, including a self guided tour of local water topics, like storm drains, pump stations and creeks along Bellingham trails, mostly. I am aware of many things anyway, when I ride the trails.
Normally not a tourism destination, this was an open house.
Where solid things that get thrown in, like trash, get screened out. Lots of things, people inadvertently put in the wrong place, can hurt the equipment and the environment.
The tour proceeds. Hardhats and vests required.
You never know. Some people might.
At a settling pond.
It is a complex process beyond just the settling ponds. Bacteria is used in much of the process. Bleach also.
Ironically, near the plant is a blue heron rockery. People don't like living near a sewage plant as there is some smell. This makes it better for blue herons and other wildlife than most neighborhoods.
How biodegradable are various things put down sinks and toilets?
Paper towels and various wipes can remain too intact so the screens have to sift them out to protect machinery and the environment. Toilet paper tends to be the best.
After the process, cleaned water is released back to a lagoon and on out to Bellingham Bay.
There happened to be a truck headed down the railroad track when I took this picture.
Trails around the outside of the plant.
Looking out from another trail above the plant.
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