Water Sector News
A snapshot of clean water stories from publications around the country, updated daily!
After Decade Of Debate, New California Wastewater Facility Gets Approved
Improvements to the country’s aging wastewater infrastructure may seem like no brainers, with some estimates putting the need for investment at over $250 billion in the next few years. But recent approval for an overhaul in California came only after a years-long battle to convince lawmakers it was necessary.
“Factions of Morro Bay residents have lobbied on both sides of an effort to build a new sewer for years, and now — finally — the last approval has been granted,” The Tribune reported. “The Coastal Commission approved a proposed new wastewater treatment and water reclamation facility … after a decade of planning.”
Now that it is moving forward, however, it may serve as a lesson for other coastal communities across the country. Critically, the site chosen for the new facility is located more than three miles inland, giving it more protection from sea-level rise and natural disasters that can cause flooding.
“This project will serve as [a] model for future coastal communities in light of rising sea-level issues,” Morro Bay Mayor John Headding said, per The Tribune. “We think the result will be beneficial for generations to come.”