'Sid,' the Energy Dragon, lives by the wastewater plant
“Sid” The Green Energy Dragon is at the Coeur d’Alene Advanced Wastewater Treatment Facility by the Spokane River.
Photo courtesy city of Coeur d'Alene
The city of Coeur d’Alene Arts Commission announced the installation of its newest public artwork, “Sid” The Green Energy Dragon, created by Spokane artist Melissa Cole.
The sculpture is nestled along the Centennial Trail and Spokane River at the Coeur d’Alene Advanced Wastewater Treatment Facility.
“Coeur d’Alene is providing a fun and imaginative way for the community to learn about the AWTF and the role of biogas," said Mayor Woody McEvers in a press release. “This sculpture is not only a beautiful addition to our public art collection but also an opportunity to educate and inspire.”
In an effort to engage and educate the public, the city’s Wastewater Department and the Arts Commission sought a creative and interactive way to raise awareness about the wastewater treatment process, specifically, the role of biogas, the release said.
A byproduct of wastewater treatment, biogas is used as a heat source, with any excess safely burned off.
“Sid The Green Energy Dragon visually represents this process, incorporating an open flame into its whimsical design to symbolize the transformation of waste into energy," the release said.
The sculpture also features an educational component, including a glass mosaic illustrating how anaerobic bacteria convert waste into methane. Students from the Coeur d’Alene Boys and Girls Club contributed to the project by creating mosaic elements integrated into the artwork.
Sid is named after Haldo Sidney “Sid” Frederickson IV, who had an award-winning career at the AWTF and was dedicated to advancing more efficient and effective wastewater treatment technologies.
Frederickson served Coeur d’Alene for 30 years, working in the wastewater department from 1991 to 2016. Born in 1945 in Richmond, Utah, he passed away Nov. 13, 2017, "leaving behind a legacy of innovation and commitment to environmental stewardship," the release said.
As a publicly owned facility, the AWTF operates under discharge regulations set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
"Using advanced tertiary treatment technologies, the facility processes nearly four million gallons of wastewater daily before safely discharging to the Spokane River," the release said.
The dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled April 24 at 7:30 p.m.