Sims’ Wastewater Plan adopted

King County Executive Ron Sims today expressed his satisfaction that the Regional Wastewater Services Plan (RWSP) adopted by the County Council today is a critical step towards ensuring the highest environmental quality and growth management for the next half century.

The plan was introduced by Sims in April 1998, and adopted by the council today after considerable study and review. It calls for a third treatment plant in north King County or south Snohomish County by 2010, and system improvements to protect water quality and handle increased sewage flows. RWSP is the result of six years of work by the engineering community, technical experts and an extraordinary collaborative process with the County's partners, the cities, sewer districts and citizens of the region. Sims thanked the Regional Water Quality Committee and its chair Council Member Larry Phillips and the Metropolitan Water Pollution Abatement Advisory Committee for their work and approval of the plan.

“Through the work of Larry on the RWQC, and the leadership of Council Chair Louise Miller, we were able to adopt this plan. It will be the most equitable for all residents as the Puget Sound region continues its rapid growth, and is a major step forward for the region as we plan for tomorrow’s growth today," said Sims. "I am grateful for the time and effort spent by so many people to make this plan the best possible for the region."

The Regional Wastewater Services Plan includes:

• A northend plant to treat up to 36 million gallons of sewage per day;
• No expansion of the West Point (Magnolia) Treatment Plant;
• Expanding the Renton Treatment Plant, but not until 2029;
• Adding storage by 2002 for overflow protection in the north Lake Washington area (at North Creek); and
• A north Lake Washington area pipe to convey sewage to the north plant and provide additional 10 million gallons of storage capacity if needed, such as during storms. This will be done in 2006.
• 22 projects that will reduce combined sewer overflows;
• $30 million of investment to reduce the amount of groundwater and storm water that leaks into our sewer system, using up valuable capacity;
• Other enhancements that enable us to recycle biosolids and water.

Total cost of this plan is slightly less than $1.2 billion. Monthly sewer rates will remain stable, average monthly rates adjusted for inflation over the next 30 years are projected to be $19.62 per month. The current monthly sewer rate is $19.10.