Erie Wetlands

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Treatment Plant to Educational Hub

As Erie residents, many of you have likely noticed the significant changes occurring at our local recycling center, situated just north of Old Town. This facility, previously serving as a decommissioned water treatment plant, has been undergoing a thorough renovation over the past several months. Leveraging community engagement and valuable suggestions from you, the center is taking on a new identity— The Erie Wetlands. This transformation embodies our community's strong commitment towards sustainability and education about water treatment processes. As we finalize the construction process, we want to offer you a deeper look into the progress made so far, explain the reasons behind the extended duration of this project, and share a glimpse into the inspiring opportunities that lie ahead. As we initially announced in 2021, the Town of Erie has devoted significant effort to this comprehensive transformation project.

The Transition: From 2021 to Present

Since 2021, our hardworking team has been immersed in the challenging task of cleaning up lagoons that were once integral parts of the former water treatment plant. But what exactly are these lagoons? Lagoons, in the context of a water treatment plant, are large, man-made outdoor ponds where wastewater is stored and treated. They use natural processes involving sunlight, bacteria, and algae to purify the water. One crucial element used in these lagoons is bio-solids. These are nutrient-rich organic materials from the treatment of sewage. They play a pivotal role in breaking down waste and treating sewage and water, contributing significantly to water purification. When the water treatment plant was decommissioned and repurposed into a recycling center, the need for these bio-solids and the lagoons that held them became redundant. Cleaning up these lagoons is a meticulous and time-consuming process. It involves draining the lagoons, removing the bio-solids, and treating or disposing of them according to environmental regulations. The lagoons are then filled with dirt or concrete, and the land is reclaimed. Throughout this process, every precaution is taken to ensure that the procedure is safe, thorough, and environmentally conscious. The Town's commitment to this clean-up operation signifies the importance we place on the health and well-being of our community and the environment. This transformation, though time-intensive, is a testament to our dedication to a sustainable future.

The Vision: A Center for Water Education

The removal of the lagoons will not just physically transform the wetlands space but will redefine its purpose. The new vision for the area involves transforming it into a robust educational hub, centered around water quality treatment and stormwater education.

These educational display areas aim to offer visitors an immersive experience into the importance of water quality, treatment processes, and the role of stormwater in our ecosystem. It's an ambitious effort, hoping to inspire our residents to contribute to a more sustainable future, while simultaneously satisfying the Town's State Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit requirements. This permitting process helps keep state waters clean enough to support recreational use and aquatic life. Learn more about our State's requirements here.

Public Input and Board Approval

This exciting transformation didn't happen in a vacuum. It's been a collaborative effort that has involved our entire community. The conceptual plan for the redesign was developed based on public input and Town staff comments, ensuring that our community's needs and interests were at the heart of the project. The Board of Trustees thoroughly reviewed this plan, ensuring it aligns with the Town's long-term sustainability goals while also meeting all necessary safety standards. Once all thoughts and recommendations were put together and presented the Board approved the plan in its entirety, solidifying a collective vision for Erie's sustainable future. Check out what’s to come with the new Wetland’s Project, to include:

Stay Connected

As we move forward with the transformation, we want to keep our community informed and engaged. We understand the changes may spark curiosity, and we are as eager as you to see the evolution of our local recycling center into a dynamic educational hub.

We will continue to share progress updates and are excited for the opportunities this new chapter brings for Erie. Your participation in the journey to a greener future is invaluable. Stay tuned and get ready to explore, learn, and contribute to a more sustainable Erie. Together, we are building a legacy for future generations.

Treatment Plant to Educational Hub

As Erie residents, many of you have likely noticed the significant changes occurring at our local recycling center, situated just north of Old Town. This facility, previously serving as a decommissioned water treatment plant, has been undergoing a thorough renovation over the past several months. Leveraging community engagement and valuable suggestions from you, the center is taking on a new identity— The Erie Wetlands. This transformation embodies our community's strong commitment towards sustainability and education about water treatment processes. As we finalize the construction process, we want to offer you a deeper look into the progress made so far, explain the reasons behind the extended duration of this project, and share a glimpse into the inspiring opportunities that lie ahead. As we initially announced in 2021, the Town of Erie has devoted significant effort to this comprehensive transformation project.

The Transition: From 2021 to Present

Since 2021, our hardworking team has been immersed in the challenging task of cleaning up lagoons that were once integral parts of the former water treatment plant. But what exactly are these lagoons? Lagoons, in the context of a water treatment plant, are large, man-made outdoor ponds where wastewater is stored and treated. They use natural processes involving sunlight, bacteria, and algae to purify the water. One crucial element used in these lagoons is bio-solids. These are nutrient-rich organic materials from the treatment of sewage. They play a pivotal role in breaking down waste and treating sewage and water, contributing significantly to water purification. When the water treatment plant was decommissioned and repurposed into a recycling center, the need for these bio-solids and the lagoons that held them became redundant. Cleaning up these lagoons is a meticulous and time-consuming process. It involves draining the lagoons, removing the bio-solids, and treating or disposing of them according to environmental regulations. The lagoons are then filled with dirt or concrete, and the land is reclaimed. Throughout this process, every precaution is taken to ensure that the procedure is safe, thorough, and environmentally conscious. The Town's commitment to this clean-up operation signifies the importance we place on the health and well-being of our community and the environment. This transformation, though time-intensive, is a testament to our dedication to a sustainable future.

The Vision: A Center for Water Education

The removal of the lagoons will not just physically transform the wetlands space but will redefine its purpose. The new vision for the area involves transforming it into a robust educational hub, centered around water quality treatment and stormwater education.

These educational display areas aim to offer visitors an immersive experience into the importance of water quality, treatment processes, and the role of stormwater in our ecosystem. It's an ambitious effort, hoping to inspire our residents to contribute to a more sustainable future, while simultaneously satisfying the Town's State Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit requirements. This permitting process helps keep state waters clean enough to support recreational use and aquatic life. Learn more about our State's requirements here.

Public Input and Board Approval

This exciting transformation didn't happen in a vacuum. It's been a collaborative effort that has involved our entire community. The conceptual plan for the redesign was developed based on public input and Town staff comments, ensuring that our community's needs and interests were at the heart of the project. The Board of Trustees thoroughly reviewed this plan, ensuring it aligns with the Town's long-term sustainability goals while also meeting all necessary safety standards. Once all thoughts and recommendations were put together and presented the Board approved the plan in its entirety, solidifying a collective vision for Erie's sustainable future. Check out what’s to come with the new Wetland’s Project, to include:

Stay Connected

As we move forward with the transformation, we want to keep our community informed and engaged. We understand the changes may spark curiosity, and we are as eager as you to see the evolution of our local recycling center into a dynamic educational hub.

We will continue to share progress updates and are excited for the opportunities this new chapter brings for Erie. Your participation in the journey to a greener future is invaluable. Stay tuned and get ready to explore, learn, and contribute to a more sustainable Erie. Together, we are building a legacy for future generations.

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    Erie Wetlands

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Page last updated: 21 Sep 2023, 08:18 AM