Faced with a unique challenge of supporting economic development, balancing water resource issues, changing environmental permit regulations, and reversing aquifer degradation, the City of Quincy collaborated with local industries (data centers, food processors), regulatory agencies (Washington State Department of Ecology, United States Bureau of Reclamation), and government funding programs to develop a successful partnership and satisfy requirements of the multiple parties. At the center of the issue, the upcoming expiration of an agreement for surface water discharge has led the City to plan for the installation of reverse osmosis to allow treated industrial wastewater to be discharged to percolation beds and land application areas. Successful implementation of this approach resulted from a feasibility study that allowed for flexibility in response to changing factors. It will continue to require open dialog and formation of partnerships that balance the needs of job growth and the environment.
Industrial Growth with Shifting Outfalls: How the City of Quincy is Solving a Unique Wastewater Challenge by Optimizing the Use of Four Utilities
Authors: Jeremy Hollingsworth, Emil Voges, Josh Johnson, Tim Snead and Jay Favor
2012 WEFTEC