New West Coast Wastewater Plant Opens

Camp Pendleton began using their new tertiary treatment facility a few days ago. The new plant processes the water in three stages. In the first stage, solids are removed. The second stage removes bacteria and pathogens. The final stage filters the water so that it is clean enough to be used on vegetation and crops. This new $45 million facility has the ability to process 5 million gallons of sewage per day and replaces an old facility that was based on World War II technology.

In addition to helping to prevent sewage spills that cause beach closings, the new facility will also help to preserve drinking water on the base by allowing the base to recycle filtered water from the treatment plant to water the grass and other plants on base.

Phase two of the development will allow Camp Pendleton to stop pumping any sewage in the ocean by piping the recycled water to irrigation systems for athletic fields, horse pastures, and a golf course. This $46 million update is scheduled to be completed in the first quarter of 2008.