WATER: Caution on treatment upgrades

Legally, it might be hard to question Judge Luster’s decision to allow the city to go ahead with the water treatment plant expansion. Still, the decision leaves me with several questions. Why is not more being done in Idaho to eliminate phosphorous before it enters the wastewater system? This question is important because a 2012 EPA agreement with the state of Wisconsin eliminated the need for costly wastewater treatment plants. Instead, they banned certain detergents and designed a pollution credit trading system to achieve EPA’s approval. Can we get this deal?

Are we sure we have the right technology?

Lockheed Martin recently invented a graphene filter that can turn saltwater to freshwater quite cheaply and can remove other impurities in the water. Could this or other technology of the future be better and cheaper? Why aren’t more federal and state grants available? Lastly, what is the Spokane area doing about this issue?

The case for fines is overstated. The EPA seeks compliance but is not always overly vindictive. They have entire documents outlining the adjustments to enforcement fines and cheaper settlements are common. Additionally, there are pending lawsuits from other cities that may impact EPA enforcement.

We all want a good environment with the best negotiated settlement. As is, the upgrades will be a jobs killer. Given the current vague standards with no definitive solution as to whether the technology proposed will meet these standards, a wait and see attitude could be prudent.

RICHARD TANKSLEY

Coeur d’Alene