decant_web1The Port of Vancouver includes over 800 acres of active industrial and maritime operations, which means a lot of terrain to keep clean and free of debris. A new decant facility will help handle the immense water and solids collected on the terminal that improves water quality while helping to manage stormwater. The structure is a concrete pad where material collected by on-terminal sweeping equipment can be placed that allows water to separate from solids. From there the water is channeled through an oil/water separator and discharged to the city sewer system.

One sweeper load of material will collect anywhere from 50-300 gallons of water needing treatment. The new system is located adjacent to the Fort Vancouver Seafarers Center and will not hinder the West Vancouver Freight Access project’s new and future rail lines. The project was made possible by a $175,000 Washington State Department of Ecology Grant to complete construction.

The project began construction with the concrete slab being poured in April. The entire construction is projected for completion in July. The foundation is nearly complete, and walls and curbs will go in this week.