1) What is it? Waste water recycling is the process of treating and disinfecting sewage water so it can be discharged back into the environment or reused for utilities or irrigation. Tertiary treatment involves three stages in the treatment process which 1) separate the solids from the liquids, 2) break down sewage using biological processes (bacteria, larvae, worms, fungi, etc) and 3) treat the final solids and liquids before re-use or release into the environment.

2) Why do it? Over two thirds of the planet is covered by oceans, but of all that water, only 2% is considered usable. Clean water is essential for the health and development of our communities. By recycling wastewater and reusing it in municipal projects such as wetlands restoration, golf courses, high school athletic fields or highway vegetation, cities can save potable drinking water for household use.

3) What is the Calera Creek Water Recycling Plant (CCWRP)? The CCWRP is located in Pacifica and treats about 3.5 millions gallons of sewage per day. The facility has successfully restored 30 acres of wetlands habitat – home to two endangered species. Recycled water and sludge are salvaged by the plant and are used not only for wetlands restoration but also for other local and municipal projects.

4) How does it promote sustainability? CCWRP is considered a progressive, green-friendly wastewater treatment plant, using a field of 1800 solar panels to help defray some of their electric costs. In addition, the facility has plans for an onsite biodiesel plant which would power the two backup generators and possibly create a local biodiesel source for residential use. The exhaust from the biodiesel would be captured and run though the wastewater plant where microorganisms can break down the harmful nitrogen oxide emissions. The proposed facility would provide a receptacle for surrounding communities’ used cooking oil, another example of turning waste into product.

5) More about Calera Creek Water Recycling Plant:

• Ultraviolet light is used to disinfect water instead of chlorine, which can be carcinogenic and harmful to the environment where the water is released.
• CCWRP uses a computer operated system which is better at handling the influx of water during a storm, unlike regular plants where storms can create overflow problems.
• The CCWRP can handle up to 4.3 million gallons of sewage per day.
• CCWRP is one of the first plants to use ATAD technology (autothermal thermophilic aerobic digesters) which disinfects the sludge so it can be recycled as topsoil.
• The biodiesel plant is scheduled to open in 2008.
• Learn more at www.pacifica.org/depts/wwt