Bellingham retrofits stormwater vaults for Lake Whatcom

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  City crews began retrofitting four stormwater treatment vaults on July 27“Construction began on July 27 to retrofit four stormwater treatment vaults, switching filter cartridges for an advanced sand material, which doubles phosphorus removal capacity.”
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  The upgrade doubles phosphorus removal capacity“switching filter cartridges for an advanced sand material, which doubles phosphorus removal capacity.”
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  Phosphorus from stormwater feeds algae blooms that deplete oxygen in the lake“Phosphorus in stormwater is a major pollutant in Lake Whatcom, the city’s freshwater reservoir, feeding algae that eventually sinks. At the bottom of the lake, bacteria break down the plant matter. Similar to humans, bacteria require oxygen to survive. As the bacteria population booms with a sufficient food source, the bacteria consume more oxygen, depleting dissolved oxygen levels needed to sustain fish and other aquatic life.”
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  Algae blooms have impaired aquatic life since 1998“Low oxygen levels have left the body of water impaired since 1998.”
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  The city maintains over 150 similar filtration systems for water quality“The city doesn’t have the luxury of forgetfulness, currently maintaining more than 150 Brita-like filters, ensuring the water quality of Bellingham’s drinking water source.”
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  The new technology will extend system life“A new retrofit project will change that, exchanging the old system for new technology that will increase the filtration system’s service life, thus reducing required maintenance and improving its efficiency in removing phosphorus.”
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  The new technology will reduce maintenance needs“A new retrofit project will change that, exchanging the old system for new technology that will increase the filtration system’s service life, thus reducing required maintenance and improving its efficiency in removing phosphorus.”
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  Construction is ongoing at the Academy Street Vault area“Homes and docks on Lake Whatcom near the Academy Street Vault. Construction began on July 27 to retrofit four stormwater treatment vaults, switching filter cartridges for an advanced sand material, which doubles phosphorus removal capacity.”
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  The Academy Street Vault area is near homes and docks“Homes and docks on Lake Whatcom near the Academy Street Vault.”