We’re making quick progress on a major Power Quality Improvement Project at West Point Treatment Plant that will provide our operators with the uninterruptable, high-quality power they need to protect Puget Sound when utility power disruptions occur. A momentary sag – even one that lasts less than a second – can bring vital equipment to a halt at the region’s largest treatment facility. So we are installing onsite batteries that will smooth out the amount of power to the plant’s operating equipment, even if the utility power that feeds the plant experiences a power sag.
Over 1,600 tons of concrete was recently poured to build the foundation for the building that will house 88,000 pounds of batteries. This project will make the region’s largest wastewater treatment system more resilient to climate impacts as we experience more frequent, severe storms that can cause momentary voltage sags, and prevent emergency bypasses of wastewater to the Puget Sound.
This first-of-its-kind project requires ingenuity and resourcefulness – we’re fortunate to have a talented workforce that has both. Construction is expected to be complete in 2024 and the new supplemental power supply will be online by 2025.