West Point Treatment Plant November 2011 Update: King County has completed environmental review of the West Point Influent Screenings Improvement Project in accordance with the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA). King County has also applied to the City of Seattle for a Council Conditional Use Permit. Learn more about opportunities of public reviews and comment periods for this project. As part of WTD’s mission to protect public health and the environment, WTD constantly works to maintain and improve its facilities to insure safe and reliable service. At the county’s treatment plants, inspection, maintenance, and repair projects occur routinely. Several projects are underway at the West Point Treatment Plant to increase operating efficiency, improve process safety, insure compliance with regulations and expand the production and use of renewable energy. To protect public health and increase system reliability, King County is converting the plant's disinfection system from chlorine gas to sodium hypochlorite, which is safer and more stable liquid that is very similar to strong household bleach. The project is scheduled for completion spring 2011. Back to top of page. 
Location of proposed influent screenings handling building.
When wastewater arrives at the West Point Treatment Plant, it is screened to remove large materials such as rocks and sticks, as well as "manufactured items" like plastics, metals, and ceramics.
The new cogeneration system will produce about 23,000 megawatts of electricity each year, equivalent to what can power nearly 2,300 homes.
Digesters break down organic solids and scum from wastewater into nutrient-rich biosolids that are safe to be used as a soil amendment.
West Point office annex. Learn more about the office annex design.
WTD is designing a project to upgrade and replace the screening equipment that filters out trash and other debris during the initial phase of the treatment process. In addition to complying with state regulations, the new equipment and screening facility will protect process equipment and improve the quality of our biosolids. The project is scheduled for completion by 2014. >> City of Seattle CCU permit process: learn more here. People can also do their part to protect the environment and control our operating costs by flushing only bodily waste and toilet paper -- no wipes, fats, oils or grease! Back to top of page. WTD has begun construction on a new cogeneration system at the plant that will convert digester gas into a source of heat and electricity for plant operations. Digester gas is a naturally occurring byproduct of the solids treatment process and an excellent source of renewable energy. When the new cogeneration system begins operating in 2012, it will produce about 23,000 Megawatt-hours of electricity each year, which is equivalent to the electricity needed to power nearly 2,300 homes. This project is being funded in part by an $8.2 million grant from U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which will cover more that half of construction costs. Back to top of page. Construction is under way on a project to upgrade West Point's solids digestion system that processes organic solids and produces valuable resources such as biosolids to nourish soils and digester gas, which is used for power and heat. The project will be completed by the end of 2012. Back to top of page. Construction will begin in 2012 on a permanent office annex that will replace temporary construction trailers that have outlived their useful lifespan. The new office space will become available in early 2013. Back to top of page. Blowers add needed oxygen to the wastewater treatment process to enable helpful bacteria to break down organic matter. WTD will replace two blowers that have been in operation since the plant started up almost fifty years ago with new, energy-efficient turbo blowers that will reduce electrical consumption, saving almost $25,000 each year. This project is being funded in part by an Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant administered through the U.S. Department of Energy and Seattle City Light. All projects will comply with the standards and requirements outlined in the 1991 West Point Settlement Agreement. Back to top of page. |
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