 Near neighbor surveys: Magnolia/Renton
Since 2002, the county's Wastewater Treatment Division has commissioned a Near Neighbor survey to get feedback on the West Point Treatment Plant in Seattle and the South Treatment Plant in Renton from the people who live and work nearby. The 24-question survey is conducted by an independent research firm that randomly polls 35 businesses and 100 residents in each community. Overall results showed that 64 percent of people felt the treatment plants were good neighbors, while 28 percent didn't know. Nearly 83 percent of respondents said they did not experience any negative impacts that could be related to the operation of a nearby treatment plant. Among those who did, the most common complaint was odor. Questions enable respondents to describe their perceptions of our plants, and to share both positive and negative opinions about how they're operated. People also have an opportunity to rank the county's priorities and offer suggestions on how the county can improve. The survey helps us understand how we're meeting our Balanced Scorecard goals in the Customer Service quadrant, and to give our neighbors a chance to tell us how we measure up to community standards. Overall results showed that 64 percent of people felt the treatment plants were good neighbors, while 28 percent didn't know. Nearly 83 percent of respondents said they did not experience any negative impacts that could be related to the operation of a nearby treatment plant. Among those who did, the most common complaint was odor. Controlling odor and providing more public information continue to be the top suggestions for what WTD can do to be a better neighbor. People also want the county to continue to maintain landscaping around the plants, offer public tours, take steps to reduce truck traffic and to respond to issues and inquiries within 24 hours. WTD used to conduct the survey annually, and made a decision in 2007 to do it every two years as a cost-saving measure. We will commission the next survey in 2011. You will need a PDF reader to view and print surveys. 2009Past surveys
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