SEATTLE (AP) - An environmental group is asking Washington state regulators to require municipalities to use the latest technology to treat sewage before it’s released into Puget Sound.
The petition filed Wednesday by Northwest Environmental Advocates urges the Department of Ecology to require an advanced level of wastewater treatment to better remove nutrient pollution and toxics, such as from personal care products.
The group says such technology is being used in Spokane County and other cities nationwide and yet the state requires decades-old technology.
The state requires plants to treat wastewater from toilets, sinks and other areas so it is clean enough to be released into waters.
The group says updating standards to what’s known as “tertiary treatment” would reduce toxic pollution and nutrient overloading.
An Ecology spokeswoman says the agency is reviewing the request and will response in the time allowed.
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