Neijiang’s Innovative Solution to River Pollution: The Xiejiahe Wetland Park Revolution
Neijiang City, Sichuan Province – On first glance, Xiejiahe Wetland Park seems like a regular waterfront haven. However, visitors to this serene location would be surprised to learn that this picturesque spot is at the forefront of a revolution in water treatment.
The stepped waterfall, a favorite backdrop for photography enthusiasts, is no mere decorative feature. It’s actually a conduit for treated sewage from the Xiejiahe Water Reclamation Plant. This treated water flows through the park, serving a dual purpose – enhancing the beauty of the wetland and making its final journey through natural filtration before emptying into the Tuojiang River, a significant tributary of the Yangtze, China’s longest river.
This innovation is a testament to Neijiang City’s commitment to restoring the Tuojiang River’s once pristine conditions. Historically, the river had the notorious reputation of being the most polluted in Sichuan Province, and its condition was a grave concern in the upper reaches of the Yangtze. Given the river’s route through some of Sichuan’s most populous and economically vital areas, the pollution was hardly surprising.
Recognizing the need for change, Neijiang invested a staggering 6.28 billion yuan (approximately $874.8 million) in a sweeping revitalization project. The aim? To breathe life back into the Tuojiang River basin. The initiatives included the establishment of advanced sewage treatment facilities, eradication of “black and odorous water bodies,” and the rejuvenation of the river’s ecological systems.
Initiated on June 30, 2022, the Xiejiahe Water Reclamation Plant has played a pivotal role in this transformation. Conveniently located downtown, the underground plant optimizes the collection of residential sewage while ensuring minimal disruption to the community. A testament to the city’s commitment to green energy, the entrance sports a solar panel roof.
The intricate process inside the plant begins with the interception of garbage and larger floating debris. The wastewater then undergoes a series of treatments: sedimentation, organic matter degradation, phosphide and nitrogen removal, decolorization, and disinfection. The result? Approximately 10,000 cubic meters of treated water daily, with expectations to triple this capacity in the near future.
Jiang Min, a native of Neijiang and an integral part of the Sichuan Aqua Gathering Eco-environment Management – the agency overseeing the transformation, reminisced, “In my younger days, the thought of people swimming in the Tuojiang River was horrifying. The pollution made the water unfit for any recreational activities. But today, the river welcomes swimmers, a testament to how far we’ve come.”
The significance of this project extends beyond just the Tuojiang River. The treated water is repurposed in multiple ways. Wang Guiqiang, the General Manager of Sichuan Aqua Gathering Eco-environment Management, highlighted its various uses: replenishing the neighboring Xiejiahe River, flushing public building toilets, cleaning city streets, and irrigating parks.
In the heart of the plant lies the control room, where a massive screen showcases a smart operation platform. This cutting-edge system provides real-time data, monitoring sewage treatment processes across various sites and analyzing water quality. This seamless integration of technology ensures that the treatment processes maintain the highest standards.
As of now, the diligent efforts of Neijiang’s environmental teams have led to the complete cleanup of 11 notorious “black and odorous water” sites in the city. Furthermore, the broader vision of creating a green, sustainable urban landscape has resulted in the construction of 39 green corridors and wetland parks.
Sichuan Province too is mirroring Neijiang’s commitment to the environment. Over 1,400 km of ecological buffer zones have been established along the region’s rivers and lakes. This widespread endeavor to rejuvenate aquatic ecological systems shows a promising future for the province’s water bodies.
Xiejiahe Wetland Park stands as a symbol of Neijiang’s dedication to balancing urban development with ecological preservation. It’s a beacon of hope, proving that with innovation and commitment, cities can turn their environmental challenges into opportunities for sustainable growth.
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