Publication Summary

A receiving water study was conducted by Ecology to evaluate dilution zone characteristics of the Bellingham Post Point Pollution Control Plant. The discharge did not appear to be violating water quality criteria in the receiving water during the Ecology survey. However, a hydrodynamic analysis of the outfall suggests that deeper portions of the diffuser may be susceptible to deposition of solids and possible clogging due to inadequate discharge velocities.

A receiving water study was conducted by Ecology to evaluate dilution zone characteristics of the Bellingham Post Point Pollution Control Plant. The discharge did not appear to be violating water quality criteria in the receiving water during the Ecology survey. However, a hydrodynamic analysis of the outfall suggests that deeper portions of the diffuser may be susceptible to deposition of solids and possible clogging due to inadequate discharge velocities. Buoyant plume modeling suggests that the effluent plume is likely to surface during the wet season (November-April), although effluent dilution meets Ecology guidelines. During typical dry weather conditions (May-October), the plume is predicted to trap well beneath the surface, although effluent dilution is predicted to be less than Ecology guidelines.