In the southeast of Gedian Economic and Technological Development Zone, there is a beautiful ecological park that boasts lush green grass, melodious birdsong and fragrant flowers. The park provides a wide range of sports and recreational facilities, including fitness trails, basketball courts and badminton courts. Mr. Chen, a resident who was happily strolling in the park yesterday, remarked, “The air here is so fresh, and there are plenty of recreational facilities, making it the perfect place for exercise.”
Beneath the picturesque ecological park lies Gehua Wastewater Treatment Plant Phase III, a submersible reclaimed water facility that processes a staggering 40,000 tons of wastewater every day.
Spanning across a vast area of 96 mu (approx. 12.48 km2), this advanced plant is primarily dedicated to handling both industrial and domestic wastewater. Serving an approximate area of 80 km2 and a population of around 150,000 people, it stands as the largest urban wastewater treatment project in Ezhou. It boasts a remarkable scale, with a daily wastewater treatment capacity of 70,000 tons. This capacity ensures that the local wastewater treatment requirements will be met for the next five to eight years.
Gehua Wastewater Treatment Plant Phase III received an investment of 294 million yuan and covers an area of 49 mu (approx. 6.37 km2). Construction commenced on 10 August, 2020, and it started trial operation in June 2022, with a daily wastewater treatment capacity of 40,000 tons. What sets this modern “garden-style” wastewater treatment plant apart from traditional urban plants is its seamless integration with the surrounding environment. While people above ground enjoy the park’s picturesque views and engage in fitness activities, the plant quietly treats the wastewater underground.
“We have adapted to the local conditions and made full use of the terrain in the surrounding. We employed a semi-buried design to construct an underground wastewater treatment plant with an artificial slope, effectively utilising land resources and minimising construction space, thus creating a better urban environment,” explained Jiang Anmin, Deputy General Manager of Ezhou Blue Engineering Water Utility Co., Ltd. He added, “Additionally, we employed a fully enclosed system to collect and treat the exhaust gases generated during the treatment process before releasing them, reducing the impact on the surrounding environment.”
According to an official from the Gedian Economic and Technological Development Zone, “the transition from conventional wastewater treatment plants in Phase I and II to the present-day ‘garden-style’ Phase III exemplifies the district’s commitment to tackling ecological and environmental challenges. By confronting these issues directly, promoting sustainable development, and fostering a harmonious relationship between humans and water, we are actively working towards a more balanced and sustainable future.”