BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – The Bellingham City Council has authorized upgrades for a wastewater treatment plant in Fairhaven.

The council decided to move forward with the Post Point Emissions Control Upgrades Project at their meeting on Monday, Aug. 10.

They voted unanimously, with one absence, to authorize the mayor to contract with Walsh Construction Company to build new incinerator units at the Post Point Wastewater Treatment Plant. Council member Michael Lilliquist said that the company submitted the lowest contractor’s fee proposal and received the highest combined score from the review committee.

It comes after the city requested proposals from contractors and construction managers to install upgraded air pollution control equipment at the plant.

The Northwest Clean Air Agency had cited Post Point for violating emissions regulations along with missing permits in 2024. They settled late last year with Bellingham promising to install more air pollution controls. The city did not admit any wrongdoing by agreeing to the terms.

Design and preconstruction of the equipment is expected to continue into 2027, with construction beginning later that year and taking place over the following 3 1/2 years.

Total service fees are estimated at a combined $40 million.