Anacortes, Washington, is enhancing its water treatment plant to address vulnerabilities posed by climate change. The facility’s capacity is increased to 31.5 million gallons per day, while avoiding costly relocation from the floodplain. Design improvements include flood protection measures and investment of $56 million, supported by EPA tools for resilience assessment.
The city of Anacortes, Washington, has undertaken a significant project to rebuild its water treatment plant in response to recognized vulnerabilities from climatic changes. The plant, which serves a population of 56,000 along the Skagit River, had its capacity increased from 21.4 million gallons per day to 31.5 million gallons per day. In 2008, officials concluded that relocating the plant out of the floodplain was financially unfeasible, prompting the decision to enhance the existing site while considering future climate risks.
In assessing the vulnerabilities of the water treatment plant, Anacortes officials collaborated with non-profit organizations to evaluate the most current climate science. They identified various climate-related threats that could impact the facility, including rising flood frequency, saltwater intrusion, and increased sediment levels in the river. Projections extend to the year 2080, indicating potential for a significant rise in flooding risk, including a 350% increase in sediment load and the migration of saltwater upstream due to sea level rise.
To address the identified risks, the design and construction of the rebuilt plant incorporated several strategic measures. These include minimizing structural penetration below the 100-year flood elevation, raising critical electrical equipment above flood levels, applying waterproofing techniques, and constructing ring dikes for enhanced flood protection. The total investment in the project is anticipated to be $56 million, aiming to prepare the facility for increased demand and expected climatic changes.
The project utilized various tools developed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to aid in understanding and mitigating the facility’s vulnerabilities. The EPA Coastal Inundation Toolkit offers insights into the range of potential sea level rise and storm surge impacts. Additionally, their Creating Resilient Water Utilities Adaptation Strategies Guide suggests economical adaptation strategies for utilities. The Climate Resilience Evaluation and Awareness Tool (CREAT) also supports risk and vulnerability assessments to identify research gaps and inform future improvements.
The reconstruction of the Anacortes water treatment plant exemplifies a proactive approach to climate adaptability in public utilities. By assessing vulnerabilities and implementing strategic design improvements, the city aims to safeguard water quality and availability against future climate-induced challenges. Utilizing EPA resources further enhances this initiative, illustrating a comprehensive strategy for resilience in water management.
Original Source: www.epa.gov
