Odor Control at the Brightwater Treatment Facilities

King County is committed to operating Brightwater with no detectable odors at the property boundary and beyond. Stringent design and performance criteria have been established for odor prevention. All treatment facilities are covered and process air is collected and treated in multi-stage odor treatment systems consisting of biological and chemical scrubbers, followed by a final polishing stage of carbon adsorption. Each stage treats the air to a greater degree.

Brightwater Operations staff monitor the performance of odor control systems and are trained to respond to odor complaints. To support the our commitment to no detectable odors at the property boundary, the County will:

• Continuously monitor the treated air from the odor control systems
• Monitor air at the property boundary and at locations in the local community
• Investigate and respond to odor complaints
• Maintain a 24-hour call-in number

Air monitoring is routinely conducted at several locations at the treatment plant property boundary. Plant personnel collect process information daily and check readings to ensure the systems are operating properly and odors are not being released. Odor observations, field data and weather conditions are recorded. Instruments are used to analyze air samples for hydrogen sulfide and ammonia which are good indicators of the presence of odors in wastewater.

When an odor complaint is received, staff will immediately investigate the cause, document the findings and initiate any necessary corrective action. In addition to property boundary monitoring, staff routinely conducts monitoring at locations around the plant to ensure that no odors are being released into the community.

If you have concerns about odors from the Brightwater facilities you can contact us at any time. Someone will immediately investigate the complaint and follow up with the caller to inform them of the results.

Phone (206) 263-9500 at any time if you have concerns with odors at Brightwater.

Brightwater Air Quality Advisory Board

To provide oversight for the County's odor control commitment at Brightwater, an Air Quality Advisory Board has been established. The board will provide input and recommendations to King County on any actions necessary to achieve the odor control requirements for the project.

Read more about the Brightwater Air Quality Advisory Board