'Sid' burns bright in Coeur d'Alene

Sid Frederickson would have loved “Sid,” the Green Energy Dragon that spews flames outside the Coeur d’Alene Advanced Wastewater Treatment Facility. 

“He put so much into this plant. It was his heart,” said his wife, Bertha Frederickson. 

While her husband passed away Nov. 13, 2017, he’ll live on in spirit and in the form of artwork named in his honor. 

"You couldn’t have picked a better theme,” Bertha Frederickson said Thursday. “He would just love every bit of it.” 

Those who knew Haldo Sidney “Sid” Frederickson IV said he was committed to the community. He had an award-winning career at the AWTF and was dedicated to advancing more efficient and effective wastewater treatment technologies.  

As far as Bertha Frederickson was concerned, the dragon was a perfect tribute to the man who served Coeur d’Alene for 30 years, working in the wastewater department from 1991 to 2016. 

She was delighted that her husband's work was appreciated and his legacy will live on, burning into the night.

“I’m glad people recognized that,” Bertha said.  

On a warm spring evening, about 100 people attended a ribbon-cutting and celebration of the installation of the public artwork, “Sid,” created by Spokane artist Melissa Cole. It stands by the plant next to the North Idaho Centennial Trail and the Spokane River. 

According to a city press release, 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. 

A byproduct of wastewater treatment, biogas is used as a heat source, with any excess safely burned off. 

The Green Energy Dragon represents that process, incorporating an open flame into its 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. 

Mayor Woody McEvers said it was a perfect way to honor Frederickson, who would have been quite pleased.

“I can hear him laughing up there in heaven,” he said. 

Cole said when considering ideas for the project, she came back to the idea of a dragon because of the flame that’s always burning outside the plant. In the summer, the flame can reach 15 feet tall and 1,200 degrees. 

“It's a powerful symbol, but it’s also a lot of fun. I thought it would be a great character to have along the trail,” she said. 

The wastewater treatment plant has been operational since 1939, making it one of the first municipal plants of its kind. In the past four decades, it has undergone more than 10 major construction phases. 

"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. 

Mike Anderson, plant superintendent, said they are proud of the work they have done and continue to do, and credited Fredericks with leading the way.

“Sid was integral to getting us to where we are today,” Anderson said. 

    Bertha Fredickson shares a laugh with Mayor Woody McEvers during the ribbon-cutting and dedication of "Sid" The Green Energy Dragon outside the wastewater treatment plant Thursday evening.
  

    Some of the crowd, including Spokane artist Melissa Cole in orange dress, watch the ribbon-cutting and dedication of "Sid" The Green Energy Dragon outside the wastewater treatment plant Thursday evening.
  

    "Sid" The Green Energy Dragon breathes flames outside the wastewater treatment plant Thursday evening.