Tacoma has unleashed cutting edge technology on the city’s waste water. Ever heard of “ballasted sedimentation”? This new process allows the plant to process more waste water faster, allowing for zero overflow even in the event of a big storm. The old system would back flow into the Puyallup River when overwhelmed with heavy rain runoff. Not anymore.
Micro sand and polymers (hopefully natural ones) mix through the dirty water, settling all solids quickly to the bottom, leaving clean water above. The new waste water facility, Tagro office and Visitor Center are located at 2201 Portland Ave near the Port of Tacoma. The project totaled $95 million and provides excess capacity to the city, now capable of handling future growth, to the tune of an additional 75,000 residents.
