Anacortes, Washington is rebuilding its vulnerable water treatment plant to enhance resilience against climate change impacts. The facility will expand capacity and incorporate protective design features to manage flooding risks. Collaborations and EPA tools were crucial in assessing vulnerabilities and planning adaptations. The combined effort is projected to cost $56 million.
Anacortes, Washington, has undertaken significant upgrades to its water treatment plant, which services 56,000 residents and is located alongside the Skagit River. The facility faced vulnerabilities to flooding and climate risks, prompting the city to expand its capacity from 21.4 million gallons per day to 31.5 million gallons per day. In 2008, relocating the plant from the floodplain was deemed economically infeasible, leading to the decision to rebuild on the current site while incorporating climate adaptation strategies.
To assess the plant’s vulnerabilities, Anacortes officials collaborated with non-profit organizations to utilize the best available climate science concerning potential impacts. Key climate risks considered included increasing storm frequency, saltwater intrusion, and higher levels of sedimentation. Projections extended through the 2080s identified vulnerabilities such as an expanded 100-year floodplain and a significant increase in suspended sediment load, posing risks to the water treatment operations due to sea level rise effects.
The facility’s design and construction aimed to counteract heightened flood risks through several strategic measures. These included minimizing penetration below the current 100-year flood elevation, elevating critical electrical equipment above flood levels, applying waterproofing techniques at lower elevations, and constructing ring dikes for added flood protection. The on-site rebuild is projected to cost $56 million and is designed to enhance service capabilities in the face of anticipated climate changes.
The EPA has provided several tools to assist utilities in evaluating and addressing climate vulnerability. The Coastal Inundation Toolkit offers insights into potential sea level rise and storm surge scenarios. Further, the Creating Resilient Water Utilities Adaptation Strategies Guide assists in identifying cost-effective adaptation strategies during the planning process.
In addition, the Climate Resilience Evaluation and Awareness Tool (CREAT) supports utilities in conducting vulnerability assessments, helping to bridge information gaps and identify necessary future research. Examples of similar initiatives include Manchester-by-the-Sea, which assessed its water utility climate impacts, and Iowa City, which determined the necessity of relocating a vulnerable facility. Washington, D.C., has also implemented various strategies, including the use of green infrastructure to mitigate stormwater challenges.
In conclusion, Anacortes, Washington, is making proactive strides to enhance its water treatment facility’s resilience to climate change by expanding capacity and integrating significant protective features against potential flooding. Collaboration with non-profit organizations and leveraging EPA tools played a vital role in identifying and addressing vulnerabilities, ensuring both current and future demands are met effectively. This project serves as a critical example for other communities facing similar challenges.
Original Source: www.epa.gov
