Upgrades incoming to Bellingham sewer treatment plant in Fairhaven

The city initially wanted to replace the incinerators with an anaerobic digestion system that would have produced biosolids that could be used as fertilizer.

By Adam Smith March 27, 2025 8:00 am

My Bellingham NowCity of Bellingham staff working on the Wet Electrostatic Precipitator (WESP) unit, a part of the current Air Pollution Control equipment at Post Point Wastewater Treatment Plant. Courtesy of the City of Bellingham

BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – A big upgrade is coming to Bellingham’s sewer treatment plant.

The City of Bellingham says it’s moving forward with plans to upgrade the sewage sludge incinerators at the Post Point Wastewater Treatment Plant in Fairhaven.

The $40 million project will help make the site compliant with air quality regulations and keep the incinerators running long-term.

The city initially wanted to replace the incinerators with an anaerobic digestion system that would have produced biosolids that could be used as fertilizer. But cost concerns and the possibility of introducing contaminants like PFAS into the environment forced the city to change those plans.

Instead, the plant’s two incinerators will be outfitted with emission control equipment to ensure compliance with stringent federal standards.

The treatment plant was built in the 1970’s and abuts Marine Park and the Post Point Heron Colony Site.

The upgrade should be completed at some point in 2028 and will be funded by sewer fees and municipal bonds.

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