Construction - Treatment Plant

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Treatment Plant site and construction activities

King County is building a new wastewater treatment system called Brightwater. The new system will serves portions of north King County and south Snohomish County. Construction on the treatment plant site started in mid-2006. The system is scheduled to begin operating in 2011.

The treatment plant site (also known as the Route 9 site) is approximately 114 acres in size, located in unincorporated Snohomish County, just north of the intersection of State Route-9 and SR-522.

The site will include wastewater treatment systems, biosolids production, and advanced treatment of a portion of the flows for reclaimed water uses such as irrigation and industry. Along with the attractive facilities, there will be publicly accessible open space and trails, and a 40-acre area at the north end of the site which has been restored with forest and stream habitat. See below for more details about this North Habitat Area.

You can also visit the project facilities web pages to learn more about the design of the Brightwater Treatment Plant and about treatment process, odor control, biosolids, and reclaimed water.

What can you expect during construction?

People can expect to see large amounts of dirt being moved with major site excavation, as well as stockpiling of soil, creation of landforms, and installation of temporary stormwater systems. As earth moving occurs and construction materials are hauled to and from the site, you may experience temporary impacts including dust and vehicle emissions, construction noise, increased traffic, and views of construction activities.

The North Habitat Area

In addition to the treatment plant facilities, the site will include 73 acres of habitat restoration and landscaping. At the north end of the plant campus, there will be 40 acres called the North Habitat Area, which will include native wildlife habitat, restored salmon streams, an educational field house, trails and boardwalks for the public to enjoy.

During the summer of 2006, stream beds, hills, boardwalks and trails were constructed. Following permit conditions, the existing large storm water pond just north of the Brightwater office was reshaped into an improved pond for storm water storage and treatment. All of the in-water construction was done during a 'fish window,' a period when permitting agencies allow work in or near fish habitat areas-this is a time when construction causes minimal impacts to fish migration and spawning cycles.

Habitat restoration includes the planting of over 22,000 plants including 5,000 seedling trees, as well as other native plant species.

Contact us if you need more information about Brightwater

For construction-related questions and urgent issues, contact the construction information line at 206-205-5989 (remember to dial 911 for emergencies)

For general questions and information about Brightwater call 206-263-9453, or 711 for TTY access, or email us at: brightwater@kingcounty.gov

King County Brightwater Project
22505 State Route 9
Woodinville, WA 98072
E-mail: Brightwater
Phone: 206-263-9453
TTY Relay: 711

Driving directions to Brightwater project office.

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