Hayden Sewer Board to show off wastewater treatment equipment

The Hayden Area Regional Sewer Board will show off $15 million in new upgrades to its wastewater treatment plant during a Thursday open house.

The plant upgrades use a biological system to reduce the amount of phosphorus discharged into the Spokane River, said Ken Windram, the sewer board’s manager. It’s the first phase of a treatment plan to meet stricter pollution standards.

The new standards will help protect water quality in the Spokane River and the interconnected Spokane Valley-Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer, Windram said.

Treating wastewater and putting it back into the river also recharges the aquifer. “This process of recycling water is critical to our region for the long-term,” he said.

The open house runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with snacks served from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The plant is located at 10789 N. Atlas Road, Hayden. People who can’t make the open house can call (208) 772-0672 to learn about later tours.