The Spokesman-Review reports that county officials are pushing hard to go ahead with the bid by CH2M Hill Constructors Inc. to build and operate a $142 million wastewater treatment plant that would help remove pollutants, like phosphorous, from the Spokane River. While others, like the Sierra Club, continue to object stating that the county shouldn’t sign a 20-year contract for a plant that, as currently designed, is ineligible for requisite permits and state funding, isn’t proven to be totally effective, both technology speaking and cost wise, and whose company (CH2M Hill) has a less than polished record (Example: On July 7th, 2005, a CH2M Hill subsidiary spilled 85 gallons of radioactive waste at Hanford).
“It is fiscally irresponsible for the County to sign a 20 year contract with a private corporation for the design, construction and operation of a plant the design and cost of which are unclear.” This from a letter drafted by Rachael Paschal Osborn, The Sierra Club’s Spokane River Project Coordinator with assistance from Center For Justice attorneys.
Veolia Water North America, the company whose similar proposal many think is more cost effective in the long run, is overwhelmingly believed to be capable to remove more phosphorous from the river.
“All along we tried to say, that with the lower phosphorus guarantee, we should be given some credit. But we were told that they did not consider it and the environmental impact was not significant,” said Veolia project manager Sean Haghighi. “They probably have a higher level of comfort with (CH2M Hill), I guess.” It’s worth mentioning that County Utilities Director Bruce Rawls worked 17 years for CH2M Hill before coming to the county 14 years ago.
DTE will continue to monitor this sensitive issue. If you would like to contact the Spokane County Commissioners for answers or to voice your opinion - click HERE
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