New Shoreline recycling and transfer station demonstrates County’s commitment to environmental stewardship

Facility’s green features support Ferguson Initiative

“The citizens of North King County have waited a long time for the reopening of the transfer station,” said Ferguson, whose district includes the transfer station. “They are getting a state of the art facility that will offer more services than before, and an environmentally friendly facility that will serve their current and future needs.”

The station has new green building features, which include rooftop solar panels, translucent wall and roof panels to increase natural daylight and reduce the need for electrical lighting, and a system to trap rainwater for use within the station.

The station’s green building features are in alignment with a new King County initiative being sponsored by Ferguson. The initiative incorporates sustainable development practices into future King County development projects, including the training of project managers in green building and sustainable development practices, and the continuation of the Green Building Grant Program that encourages Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design projects.

The efforts of government officials and area residents to reduce the environmental impact of the station on the Thornton Creek watershed, which is located adjacent to the station, were also recognized at Wednesday’s opening.

On hand at the ceremony were members of the Thornton Creek Alliance, a community group dedicated to protecting the Thornton Creek watershed. The Alliance acknowledged the King County Solid Waste Division’s work to protect the creek by presenting a certificate of recognition. During construction of the transfer station efforts were made to reduce impacts on the creek, such as designing a storm water filtration system that releases storm water into the creek at a rate that prevents erosion and flooding. Additionally, drought tolerant plants were added to a buffer area around the creek. The plants will filter contaminants and sediment, protecting the bank from erosion and providing habitat for birds and other wildlife.

The station is located at 2300 North 165th Street in Shoreline. An educational kiosk open to the public has been placed overlooking the creek near the transfer station.