Don’t want sewage seeping into your basement? We need a mile-long wall, plant says. – NJ.com

Report on Camden County Municipal Utilities Authority and Sustainable Development Challenges

Introduction

Scott Schreiber, Executive Director of the Camden County Municipal Utilities Authority (CCMUA), oversees one of New Jersey’s largest wastewater management facilities. The plant services approximately 500,000 residents across 36 towns, treating sewage and safely returning treated water to local streams and rivers. This report highlights the critical role of CCMUA in supporting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), while addressing emerging challenges posed by climate change.

Operational Resilience Amidst Climate Change

CCMUA’s facility faces increasing operational difficulties due to rising sea levels and intensified storm events, which threaten to overwhelm sewage treatment capacity and cause environmental contamination. The authority is proactively planning infrastructure upgrades to enhance resilience and protect public health and ecosystems.

Key Challenges

• Rising sea levels projected to increase by 2.5 to 5 feet by 2100, according to NOAA and Rutgers University analyses.
• Increased frequency and intensity of rainstorms causing stormwater surges that exceed the plant’s maximum daily flow capacity of 185 million gallons.
• Risk of flooding leading to sewage backups in residential basements and untreated sewage discharges into vital waterways, threatening SDG 6 and SDG 14 (Life Below Water).
• Combined sewer systems in Camden and Gloucester that mix stormwater and sewage, increasing overflow risks during heavy precipitation.

Infrastructure Adaptation and Flood Protection Measures

To address these challenges, CCMUA is developing a comprehensive flood protection and resiliency plan aligned with SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Proposed Solutions

1. Floodwall Construction: A mile-long floodwall, 10 to 12 feet high, constructed on concrete-filled steel piles approximately 30 feet deep, with additional vinyl piles for water control. Estimated cost: $70 million.
2. Electrical Substation Protection: A smaller floodwall planned around a critical electrical substation to ensure continuous operation of the treatment plant.
3. Interior Drainage and Pumping Systems: Installation of interior drainage piping and pumping equipment to manage stormwater and prevent flooding within the facility. Estimated additional cost: $40 to $50 million.
4. Future Pump Installation: Camden and Gloucester may require pumps at outfalls to maintain stormwater flow during high tides and intense rainfall.

Financial and Regulatory Challenges

Funding these vital upgrades is a significant concern, especially amid anticipated federal budget cuts affecting environmental programs, which impacts SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

• EPA funding for drinking water safety programs could be reduced by nearly 90%, from $2 billion to $300 million.
• Reduced federal support would increase borrowing costs for CCMUA, potentially adding $500,000 in interest per $1 million borrowed.
• Projected increases in sewage treatment rates could double costs for residents, with average annual bills rising from $372 to between $750 and $1,000 within five years.

Environmental and Community Impact

CCMUA’s efforts contribute directly to several SDGs by ensuring:

• SDG 6: Access to clean water and sanitation through effective sewage treatment.
• SDG 11: Sustainable urban infrastructure that protects communities from flooding and pollution.
• SDG 13: Climate resilience by adapting infrastructure to mitigate impacts of sea level rise and extreme weather.
• SDG 14: Protection of aquatic ecosystems by preventing untreated sewage discharges.

Conclusion and Outlook

CCMUA is at the forefront of addressing climate change impacts on urban wastewater infrastructure. The planned investments and adaptive measures are essential to safeguard public health, environmental quality, and sustainable urban development. However, achieving these goals requires adequate funding and supportive policies at the federal and state levels.

Without sufficient resources and strategic planning, the risk of ecological damage and increased costs to residents will grow, undermining progress toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected to the Issues Highlighted in the Article

1. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • The article focuses on wastewater treatment, sewage management, and preventing contamination of waterways.
   • Ensuring safe and sustainable management of water and sanitation services is central to the issues discussed.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Urban infrastructure resilience against flooding and climate change impacts is a key theme.
   • Maintaining functional sewage systems in urban areas like Camden and Gloucester is essential for sustainable cities.
3. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • The article discusses rising sea levels, increased storm intensity, and the need for climate adaptation measures.
   • Infrastructure upgrades to mitigate climate change impacts are emphasized.
4. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
   • Investment in resilient infrastructure such as floodwalls and pumping systems is highlighted.
   • Modernizing wastewater treatment plants to withstand environmental challenges is part of the discussion.
5. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • The article touches on operational costs, funding challenges, and efficient resource management in wastewater treatment.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified Based on the Article’s Content

1. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • Target 6.3: Improve water quality by reducing pollution, minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, and substantially increasing recycling and safe reuse globally.
   • Target 6.1: Achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all (implied through wastewater treatment and sanitation services).
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.5: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
   • Target 11.B: Increase the number of cities and human settlements adopting and implementing integrated policies and plans towards inclusion, resource efficiency, mitigation and adaptation to climate change.
3. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
4. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
   • Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being.
5. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Target 12.2: Achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article to Measure Progress Towards Identified Targets

1. Water Quality and Pollution Reduction Indicators (SDG 6.3)
   • Measurement of sewage treatment capacity and effectiveness (e.g., max daily flow of 185 million gallons during storms).
   • Incidents of untreated sewage overflow or backups into waterways or basements.
   • Presence or absence of oxygen-starved “dead zones” in local rivers like the Delaware River.
2. Infrastructure Resilience Indicators (SDG 11.5, 11.B, 9.1, 13.1)
   • Completion and height of floodwalls (e.g., mile-long floodwall 10-12 feet tall).
   • Installation of pumps at outfalls to manage stormwater during high tide and intense rainfall.
   • Number of days the sewage treatment plant remains operational during extreme weather events.
   • Investment amounts and timelines for infrastructure upgrades (e.g., $120-$130 million project by 2029-2030).
3. Climate Adaptation and Mitigation Indicators (SDG 13.1, 13.2)
   • Projected sea level rise measurements (e.g., 2.5 to 5 feet by 2100).
   • Frequency and severity of flooding events impacting sewage infrastructure.
   • Implementation of climate adaptation measures in sewage management policies.
4. Financial and Operational Indicators (SDG 12.2)
   • Changes in sewage treatment operational costs and user rates (e.g., increase from $372 to $750-$1,000 per year for households).
   • Funding levels from government agencies such as EPA and impacts of budget cuts.
   • Interest rates and borrowing costs for infrastructure projects.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: nj.com