Canton secures future of waste water treatment – The Mountaineer

Report on the Development of a New Wastewater Treatment Plant in Canton

Introduction

The town of Canton is undertaking a significant infrastructure project to construct a new wastewater treatment plant. This development aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, and SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Project Overview

1. Location and Ownership: The new wastewater treatment plant will be built on property acquired from Two Banks Development, the new owner of the Canton mill property.
2. Funding: The North Carolina General Assembly has allocated funds specifically for this project, enabling Canton to establish a wastewater treatment facility independent of the existing plant previously operated by the paper mill company.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

• SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation: The construction of a dedicated wastewater treatment plant ensures improved water quality management and sanitation services for the community, reducing pollution and promoting sustainable water use.
• SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: Investing in modern wastewater infrastructure supports resilient and sustainable industrial development within Canton.
• SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities: Enhancing wastewater treatment facilities contributes to healthier urban environments and supports the town’s sustainable growth.
• SDG 13 – Climate Action: Upgrading wastewater treatment processes can reduce environmental impact and support climate resilience efforts.

Conclusion

The establishment of a new wastewater treatment plant in Canton represents a proactive step toward sustainable urban infrastructure development. By securing dedicated funding and property, the town is positioned to improve sanitation services and contribute to multiple SDGs, fostering a healthier and more sustainable community.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed

1. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • The article discusses the construction of a new wastewater treatment plant, which directly relates to ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.
2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
   • The development of new infrastructure (wastewater treatment plant) on the mill property involves building resilient infrastructure and fostering innovation.
3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Improving wastewater treatment contributes to making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.

2. Specific Targets Under the Identified SDGs

1. SDG 6 Targets
   • 6.3: Improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping, minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, and substantially increasing recycling and safe reuse globally.
   • 6.4: Substantially increase water-use efficiency across all sectors and ensure sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater to address water scarcity.
2. SDG 9 Targets
   • 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure to support economic development and human well-being.
3. SDG 11 Targets
   • 11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. For SDG 6
   • Proportion of wastewater safely treated (Indicator 6.3.1) is implied by the construction of a new wastewater treatment plant.
   • Water quality parameters such as reduction in pollutants discharged into water bodies.
2. For SDG 9
   • Proportion of the rural population living within 2 km of an all-season road (Indicator 9.1.1) is indirectly related but not explicitly mentioned.
   • Investments in infrastructure for wastewater treatment as a measure of progress.
3. For SDG 11
   • Annual mean levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in cities (Indicator 11.6.2) is related but not directly mentioned.
   • Waste management effectiveness, implied by the new wastewater treatment facility.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: themountaineer.com