1966 to 2006--Celebrating West Point Treatment Plant's 40th anniversary!

From a polluted Lake Washington and raw sewage going into the Puget Sound...it took the vision and commitment of many people to make regional wastewater treatment a reality in our region. We now enjoy clean and safe waters.

As we look to the future, our commitment to environmentally responsible wastewater treatment will also include using state-of-the art technology to harness the energy, reclaimed water and other resources, such as Biosolids, that can be produced from the waste treatment process.

This event was held Saturday, April 22, 2006 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the West Point Treatment Plant, 1400 West Utah Street next to Seattle's Discovery Park.

Schedule

• 10 a.m. - King County Executive Ron Sims, King County Council Chair Larry Phillips, civic leader Jim Ellis (view his speech) joined other plant neighbors and staff to commemorated this historic milestone.
• 10:45ish a.m. - The Suquamish Tribe performed a dance with drums -- blessing the waters and the natural wonders of this area
• 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. - Open house with activities for the entire family, including refreshments, Earth Day art and displays from Dimmitt Middle School students; special appearances by Bert the Salmon and Princess Sparklingclear; great information about natural yard care and safe cleaning products for our homes; and tours, tours, tours!

Tours

• Treatment plant tours were offered about every half hour between 11 and 1 p.m.
• Nearshore ecology walks were lead by marine biologist Kimberle Stark at noon and 1 p.m.
• Two archaeology tours of West Point were lead by Burke Museum's Archaeology Department at noon and 1 p.m.

Tours will be limited to 20 participants and will fill on a first-come basis.

Discovery Park will also had a number of special Earth Day activities, including a beach clean-up and special nature stations throughout the park.