Spahr says other states have interpreted the act to allow options such as aeration. That makes it essential that city leaders look at every possible way to cut costs and still comply with the law. Aeration could avert the need for a pipeline and reduce costs of compliance by half or more. Before any consent decree is signed with DOE, as required by next month or the Compliance issue returns to court, the city council should ensure that there is flexibility for at least trying options such as aeration. And at some point, the government authorities should demonstrate just what benefit limiting treated wastewater discharge from the Twin Cities into the Chehalis River provides to improving the fishery and other uses.
Taxpayers deserve a return on their investment.