King County to support more ways to reduce, reuse, and recycle waste through $1.8 million in innovation grants
King County’s Solid Waste Division will distribute up to $1.8 million for local recycling, reuse, and waste reduction projects through its new Re+ Circular Economy Grant Program. Applicants are eligible for $20,000 to $300,000 per project. A virtual information session is set for April 6, and the application deadline is May 6.

Residents encouraged to delay trips to King County garbage and recycling transfer stations until roadways are safer
Due to the impact of snow and icy roads on regional waste hauling operations, King County’s Solid Waste Division is encouraging self-haul customers to delay trips to garbage and recycling facilities.

First-of-its-kind study in King County tracks migration patterns of threatened chinook salmon in the Green-Duwamish River
Scientists with the King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks placed small transponders inside young, wild and hatchery chinook salmon to collect valuable data on how the threatened salmon use habitat in the Green-Duwamish River as they migrate. Movements of the fish were recorded as they passed a specialized floating antenna in the river near Tukwila.

With an active flood season underway, ‘Be Flood Ready’ information can help people in King County reduce risks and protect property
The 2021-22 “Be Flood Ready” brochure is available to help everyone who works, lives, or commutes through flood-prone areas stay safe during what is already an active flood season. Available online in 23 languages, the brochure produced by the King County Flood Control District has been mailed to everyone in the King County floodplain.

Seasons Green-ings: Holiday recycling tips from King County’s Solid Waste Division
From trees to light strands, to gift wrap and post-feast food scraps, take the mystery out of how to properly recycle holiday waste with tips from King County’s Solid Waste Division.

King County is making it easier to recycle mattresses, box springs and futons with expanded service at five transfer stations
Mattress recycling service will expand to five King County transfer stations, including Bow Lake, Enumclaw, Factoria, Shoreline, and Vashon, on Jan. 1. A $30 handling fee for recycling and disposal of mattresses, box springs, and futons will also go into effect at all King County stations and the Cedar Hills Regional Landfill.

VIDEO: Meet a member of the new King County Parks crew connecting people to jobs and housing
The new King County Parks Beautification Crews are now restoring and enhancing regional parks and trails while connecting crew members who are experiencing homelessness to jobs and housing support. One crew member, Fredrick Reed, shares his personal story in a video profile.

King County Flood Warning Center closes as river flows recede, but workers will monitor forecasts, conditions
The King County Flood Warning Center closed at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 28, as the threat of minor flooding from heavy rainfall eased along the Snoqualmie River. With weather forecasts calling for additional rainfall in the coming days, Flood Warning Center employees will continue to monitor river conditions to ensure continued public safety.

King County Flood Warning Center opens to monitor rising flows on Snoqualmie River
The King County Flood Warning Center opened at 10:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 27, to monitor minor flooding along the Snoqualmie River.

Entering holiday shopping season, King County promotes ‘guilt-free garbage’ to ensure collected recyclables can be reused
The King County Solid Waste Division wants to remind everyone as we head into the busy holiday shopping, shipping, packaging, and entertaining season that plastic bags, wrap, and other non-recyclable items should not be put in the recycling bin.

King County WaterWorks grants $5 million to community water quality improvement projects for 2022-23
The King County Council has approved a $5 million project list of 68 water quality grants through the WaterWorks Grant Program. Cities, non-profit groups, educational institutions, and community groups will lead the projects that help King County reach its goals of clean water and community partnerships.

King County Flood Warning Center closes as rainfall diminishes, river flood levels recede
The King County Flood Warning Center closed at 9:30 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 15 as rivers that had been brought to minor and moderate flood levels for several days due to heavy rainfall slowly receded.

King County Flood Warning Center issues Phase 2 flood alert for Tolt River, with minor flooding possible
The King County Flood Warning Center has issued a Phase 2 flood alert for the Tolt River, with minor flooding possible in areas along the river upstream of Carnation.

King County Flood Warning Center issues Phase 3 flood alert for Snoqualmie River – moderate flooding possible
The King County Flood Warning Center has issued a Phase 3 flood alert for the Snoqualmie River, as another storm with heavy rainfall strikes the region and sends river flows higher.

King County Flood Warning Center opens to monitor rising flows on Snoqualmie River
The King County Flood Warning Center opened at 2:30 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 14, to monitor minor flooding along the Snoqualmie River.

King County Flood Warning Center closes as rainfall eases and rivers continue to recede
With rain diminishing and stream flows stabilizing, the King County Flood Warning Center closed at 1:30 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 13, following slightly more than 24 hours of continuous operation to closely monitor river flooding. County employees will continue to monitor weather forecasts and stream conditions.

King County Flood Warning Center issues Phase 3 flood alert for Snoqualmie River, as rain continues to push flows higher
The King County Flood Warning Center has issued a Phase 3 flood alert for Snoqualmie River, with moderate flooding possible and an increased potential for road closures in low-lying areas of the Snoqualmie Valley.

Minor flooding possible on Tolt, White rivers as King County Flood Warning Center monitoring rising flows from heavy rain
The King County Flood Warning Center has issued a Phase 2 flood alert for the Tolt and White rivers, with minor flooding possible in low-lying areas along those rivers.

King County Flood Warning Center opens to monitor rising rivers as powerful rainstorm sweeps through region
The King County Flood Warning Center opened at 12:30 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 12, to monitor minor flooding along the Snoqualmie River, following several hours of heavy rainfall.

King County Parks, WSDOT open new segment of Eastrail, connecting to three waterfront parks along Lake Washington
A new segment of Eastrail opened today offering another connection option between Renton and Bellevue. With connections to three waterfront parks along Lake Washington the new 20-foot-wide mixed surface trail provides more space between people walking and biking and provides an additional opportunity for people with limited mobility to enjoy the outdoors.

New solid waste disposal rate supports essential services for King County customers, invests in climate neutrality
To support vital disposal and recycling programs, expand services and modernize facilities, and advance climate neutrality goals, King County’s Solid Waste Division will enact an increase of 71 cents per month to residential curbside collection bills in January 2022 – the first increase to solid waste fees since 2018. The rate reflects cost-saving measures to reduce operating expenditures and increases the discount rate for low-income customers.

Opportunity for public comment on study of the Greenwater River channel migration zone and public rule
A public meeting has been scheduled for Nov. 16 to view draft maps and ask questions about a 1.2-mile channel migration zone and hazard-area regulations along the Greenwater River. King County staff will be available to answer questions about the study and permitting regulations.

King County Flood Warning Center closes as rivers impacted by powerful rainstorm stabilize
With rain diminishing and stream flows stabilizing, the King County Flood Warning Center closed at 2:15 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 29, following slightly more than 24 hours of continuous operation to closely monitor moderate flooding along the Snoqualmie and Tolt rivers. County employees will continue to monitor weather forecasts and stream conditions.

Community celebrates replica lookout tower completion, offering stunning views atop King County’s Pinnacle Peak Park
Work has wrapped up on building and installing a replica lookout tower crowning Pinnacle Peak Park in Enumclaw, a project that was constructed through King County Parks’ Community Partnerships and Grants Program with the Mt. Peak Historical Fire Lookout Association. The tower is expected to be open to the public by late October.

King County Flood Warning Center issues Phase 3 flood alerts for Snoqualmie, Tolt rivers as heavy rain pushes rivers higher
Heavy rainfall across eastern King County has pushed the Snoqualmie and Tolt rivers up to a Phase 3 flood alert with moderate flooding possible and potential impacts to roadways, according to the King County Flood Warning Center, which opened at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 28, to monitor rising river levels during a strong fall storm.

King County Flood Warning Center issues Phase 2 flood alert for Tolt River with minor flooding possible from heavy rain
The King County Flood Warning Center issued a Phase 2 flood alert for the Tolt River at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct 28, with minor flooding possible in low-lying areas. The Snoqualmie River remains at a Phase 2 flood alert level, as heavy rainfall continues pushing river levels higher.

King County opens Flood Warning Center to monitor rising flows as rain brings minor flood threat to Snoqualmie River
The King County Flood Warning Center opened at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 28, to monitor potential minor flooding from heavy rainfall along the Snoqualmie River.

State Route 169 to begin reopening tonight, Oct. 20, as work wraps up on critical flood risk reduction project
A single lane of State Route 169 in Maple Valley will reopen at approximately 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 20, with a full reopening of the highway by 5 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 21 as crews complete a flood risk reduction project designed to reduce the likelihood of another flood forcing an emergency highway closure.

Side sewer break in Bothell neighborhood quickly contained
A break in a King County side sewer line affected several residences in the vicinity of 208th Street Southeast and 14th Drive Southeast in Bothell on Wednesday, Oct. 20. Wastewater Treatment Division crews quickly contained and cleaned surface areas. No public areas were affected.

State Route 169 in Maple Valley closure extended through Oct. 20 following discovery of remnant bridge at project site
The closure of State Route 169 north of Cedar Grove Road in Maple Valley has been extended until the evening of Wednesday, Oct. 20, following discovery of a remnant structure at the project site. Work resumed on Sunday, Oct. 17 to install culverts underneath the highway that will reduce flooding and improve fish passage following a required site inspection by the Washington Department of Transportation. Commuters should review the detour route and prepare for delays.

Closure of State Route 169 in Maple Valley, Friday, Oct. 15 at 9 p.m. to Monday, Oct. 18 at 5 a.m., for construction to reduce flood risk
State Route 169 north of Cedar Grove Road in Maple Valley will be closed Friday, Oct. 15 at 9 p.m. until Monday, Oct. 18 at 5 a.m. so crews can replace two culverts to reduce localized flooding and improve fish passage.

King County leaders urge flood preparedness now as forecast for ‘La Nina’ winter hints at wetter, cooler weather
The King County Executive and King County Flood Control District Chair announce October is Flood Awareness Month and remind residents to prepare now for what could be an active season because of the predicted “La Nina” weather pattern this winter.

As statewide plastic bag ban begins Oct. 1, customers reminded to keep plastic bags and wrap out of recycling bins
Washington’s statewide plastic bag ban takes effect Oct. 1, and customers are reminded to reduce recycling contamination by keeping plastic bags and wrap out of recycling bins and taking those materials to drop-off locations or placing them in the garbage.

Wastemobile continues convenient household hazardous waste disposal in King County, visiting Redmond, Oct. 1-3
Safely dispose of old car batteries, oil, paint thinner, and many other household hazardous items at no cost when the Wastemobile makes stops in Redmond, Oct. 1-3.

Local Governments Call for Increased Engagement on Lower Duwamish and East Waterway Superfund Cleanup
King County, the City of Seattle, and the Port of Seattle called for increased community engagement regarding work on the Lower Duwamish and East Waterway Superfund Cleanup in a letter to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

‘Salmon SEEson’ returns: Where to spot fish as they come home to spawn in King County rivers and streams
Salmon are coming home to spawn in King County’s rivers and streams – find details on self-guided and virtual viewing opportunities on the Salmon SEEson website.

Wastemobile offers safe and convenient hazardous waste disposal with visit to Burien, Sept. 17-19
King County residents can safely dispose of old car batteries, oil, paint thinner, and many other household hazardous items at no cost when the Wastemobile comes to Burien, Sept. 17-19.

Learn about the environmental and community benefits of King County’s new South County Recycling and Transfer Station during Aug. 25 virtual open house
Learn more about King County’s new South County Recycling and Transfer Station at a virtual open house on Wednesday, Aug. 25, from 5-7 p.m. Ask questions and provide input on design of the facility, which will replace the 1960s-era Algona Transfer Station and offer an array of recycling services, hazardous waste disposal, sustainable building features, public art, and other community benefits when it opens in 2025.

King County Parks cancels Aug. 21 food celebration CHOMP! to protect health as delta variant COVID-19 cases surge
With COVID-19 cases surging across the region due to the highly contagious delta variant, King County Parks is prioritizing the safety of the community and has made the decision to cancel CHOMP!, the family- and kid-friendly hometown celebration of locally grown food and entertainment was scheduled for this Saturday, Aug. 21, at King County’s Marymoor Park.

Bond refinancing, strong credit, lead to $90 million in ratepayer savings for King County’s sewer utility
Strong credit ratings and favorable financial market conditions continue to benefit ratepayers served by King County’s Wastewater Treatment Division. The County recently issued $565 million in sewer revenue bonds that will save $90 million over the next 26 years.

New outdoor recreation guidelines emphasize importance of preparation, inclusivity, and shared stewardship
Part of a national movement, the Washington Recreate Responsibly Coalition encourages best practices that keep people and places safe and welcoming.

Wastemobile offers safe and convenient hazardous waste disposal in Bothell, Aug. 20-22
Northeast King County residents can safely dispose of old car batteries, oil, paint thinner, and many other household hazardous items at no cost when the Wastemobile comes to Bothell, Aug. 20-22.

King County youth sports grants improve access to programs and facilities, building stronger, healthier communities
King County Executive Dow Constantine today announced more than $2.38 million in funding for youth and amateur sports programs that will increase access for much-needed recreational opportunities across the county – with particular emphasis on enhancing programs for underserved groups and communities.

Limited deer hunt set for Oct. 16 – 31 at King County’s Island Center Forest
While Island Center Forest will be open for deer hunting during an abbreviated season in October, the King County Parks-managed forestland will not be part of the special August deer-hunting season on private land on Vashon-Maury Island that was recently established by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Wastemobile offers safe and convenient hazardous waste disposal in Carnation, Aug. 13-15
Northeast King County residents can safely dispose of old car batteries, oil, paint thinner, and many other household hazardous items at no cost when the Wastemobile continues its 2021 season with a stop in Carnation, Aug. 13-15.

King County offers 50% discount on surface water management fee for qualifying low-income property owners
Qualifying low-income property owners in unincorporated King County could be eligible for a 50% discount on the annual surface water management fee on their property, which helps protect public health and safety, and improves water quality for fish and wildlife.

Learn about a potential location for the new transfer station that will offer convenient service in northeast King County
King County’s Solid Waste Division is considering a new site in Woodinville as a potential location for its Northeast Recycling and Transfer Station project, which will provide the community with convenient recycling and waste services for decades to come. Learn more about the site and offer input to the project Siting Advisory Group at a virtual meeting on Monday, Aug. 9.

Wastemobile offers safe and convenient hazardous waste disposal in Des Moines, July 23-25
King County residents can safely dispose of old car batteries, oil, paint thinner, and many other household hazardous items at no cost when the Wastemobile continues its 2021 season with a stop in Des Moines, July 23-25.

Repair of vandalism on Burke-Gilman Trail in Bothell requires emergency closure of Wayne Tunnel from July 19-22
King County Parks will close the “Wayne Tunnel” on the Burke-Gilman Trail in Bothell daily on July 19 – 22 from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. to repair recent vandalism that destroyed the tunnel’s lighting and created unsafe conditions for trail visitors.

Tickets on sale now for August BECU Drive-in Movies at King County’s Marymoor Park
Tickets for the BECU drive-in movies at King County’s Marymoor Park are on sale now for movie nights in August. Tickets are available at MoviesatMarymoor.com.

Share your ideas to make access to King County parks, trails, and natural areas more equitable
King County Parks, The Wilderness Society and ECOSS have partnered to create an online survey, available through July 22, for the public to share thoughts on improving access to parks, trails, and natural areas in King County, particularly in underserved communities.

King County, Duvall to share plans for controlling spread of fast-growing aquatic weed in Lake Rasmussen at July 21 open house
King County noxious weed experts and the City of Duvall are hosting an open house on July 21 to share with the community plans for controlling Egeria – a quick spreading aquatic noxious weed discovered growing in Lake Rasmussen last year.

Wastemobile offers safe and convenient hazardous waste disposal in Redmond, July 16-18
King County residents can safely dispose of old car batteries, oil, paint thinner, and many other household hazardous items at no cost when the Wastemobile continues its 2021 season with a stop in Redmond, July 16-18.

CHOMP!, King County’s local food celebration, returns Aug. 21 to Marymoor Park
Learn about what’s fresh in King County and join us for a full-day of food-centric fun with local farmers, activities, live music, food vendors and more at CHOMP! Aug. 21, at Marymoor Park.

King County hosts online presentation of projects using large wood in rivers and creeks to reduce flood risks, restore habitat
Learn about upcoming King County projects on the Cedar, Green and Snoqualmie rivers, and Issaquah Creek that use large wood to reduce flood risks, restore floodplains and improve habitat in an online presentation July 13.

King County seasonal water quality monitoring program at popular lake swimming beaches helps protect public health
Sign up today to receive free alerts about the water quality at your favorite lake beaches in King County. King County’s Lake Swimming Beach Program tests water quality at 27 beaches to help protect the health of people going in the water. Sign up at kingcounty.gov/SwimBeach.

Wastemobile offers safe and convenient hazardous waste disposal in Snoqualmie, July 9-11
King County residents can safely dispose of old car batteries, oil, paint thinner, and many other household hazardous items at no cost when the Wastemobile continues its 2021 season with a stop in Snoqualmie, July 9-11.

Transfer station customers required to prove they live or work in King County’s service area starting June 16
Beginning June 16, King County Solid Waste Division will require self-haul customers visiting its transfer stations to verify they live or do business within King County’s 37-city and unincorporated service area, which excludes the cities of Seattle and Milton.

Tickets on sale June 10 for June 30 – July 29 BECU Drive-in Movies at Marymoor Park
Tickets for the BECU drive-in movies at King County’s Marymoor Park go on sale June 10 for movie nights from June 30 through July 29. Tickets will be available at MoviesatMarymoor.com.

On ‘Secure Your Load Day’ King County reminds motorists to improve road safety by tying down materials
Sunday, June 6, is “Secure Your Load Day,” and the King County Solid Waste Division encourages everyone to properly secure materials in their vehicles to keep roadways safe, avoid fees and prevent litter.

Safety upgrades coming soon as work gets underway on final segment of old interim East Lake Sammamish Trail
Safety and accessibility upgrades are coming to a 1.7-mile-long stretch of the East Lake Sammamish Trail in Sammamish, as construction crews convert the last remaining segment of the old interim trail into a final master planned trail with a wide paved surface and other improvements.

Use caution around cold rivers, lakes, and Puget Sound as warmer weather arrives this Memorial Day weekend
Sunny and warmer weather is expected to bring residents to area rivers, lakes, and Puget Sound this long Memorial Day weekend, and King County officials urge everyone to be safe and aware of cold-water temperatures.

Safer wet cleaning program piloted in King County to reduce exposure to dangerous chemical going statewide this month
Since 2018, King County’s Hazardous Waste Management Program has helped local businesses switch to an environmentally safer dry-cleaning method that reduces exposure to the dangerous chemical perchloroethylene (PERC). The County program has ended, now that a statewide program is in place to help dry cleaners around the state eliminate the use of PERC.

Temporary road closure on Southeast Reinig Road for construction
Southeast Reinig Road will be temporarily closed June 15-Oct. 12 when construction takes place to repair a damaged revetment on the right bank of the Snoqualmie River.

Wastemobile offers safe and convenient hazardous waste disposal in Kent-Covington, May 28-30
King County residents can safely dispose of old car batteries, oil, paint thinner, and many other household hazardous items at no cost when the Wastemobile continues its 2021 season with a stop in the Kent-Covington area, May 28-30.

Wastemobile offers safe and convenient hazardous waste disposal in Bothell, May 14-16
King County residents can safely dispose of old car batteries, oil, paint thinner, and many other household hazardous items at no cost when the Wastemobile continues its 2021 season with a stop in Bothell, May 14-16.

Beaches at Golden Gardens and Discovery Park reopen after water testing confirms safe conditions
Beaches at Golden Gardens and Discovery Park were reopened to the public on Saturday, May 1 after water quality testing showed safe results. The beaches were closed out of an abundance of caution on April 29 following a sewer overflow caused by a power loss after equipment malfunctioned. Consecutive days of testing confirmed that the water is safe.

New parking area, weed control, native vegetation planting part of historic pollution cleanup plan at Maury Island Natural Area
By continuing historic pollution cleanup at the Maury Island Natural Area, King County Parks is protecting public health while improving public access and habitat quality at the largest natural shoreline and public beach access site in central Puget Sound.

Brief wastewater bypass occurs during routine equipment testing at West Point Treatment
Normal wastewater treatment operations were swiftly restored at West Point Treatment Plant on Thursday afternoon, April 29, after routine testing caused an isolated power outage and the emergency bypass gate to open for approximately 20 minutes. The plant is back online and operating normally.

Wastemobile offers safe and convenient hazardous waste disposal in Kirkland, May 7-9
King County residents can safely dispose of old car batteries, oil, paint thinner, and many other household hazardous items at no cost when the Wastemobile continues its 2021 season with a stop in Kirkland, May 7-9.

King County Earth Day 2021 celebration goes digital, including Green Globe Awards program led by Executive Constantine
Executive Dow Constantine highlights King County’s Earth Week 2021 celebration by announcing the winners of the King County Green Globe Awards – the County’s highest environmental awards – in a special video presentation debuting on Earth Day, April 22. Look for Earth-friendly tips, quizzes, and more throughout the week from the King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks.

Wastemobile hazardous waste collection coming to on Vashon, April 23-25
King County residents can safely dispose of old car batteries, oil, paint thinner, and many other household hazardous items at no cost when the Wastemobile continues its 2021 season with a stop on Vashon-Maury Island, April 23-25.

Our generation’s commitment to healthy, resilient forests: Executive Constantine announces 30-Year Forest Plan
Executive Dow Constantine announced a comprehensive plan to help ensure that King County forests continue to provide multiple benefits – storing carbon, improving salmon habitat, lowering temperatures in urban areas, and more – for generations to come.

New toolkit will help King County cities develop customized climate strategies, mobilizing effort to cut greenhouse gas emissions regionwide
Recently approved by the County Council, the new Climate Action Toolkit is available at no cost to all 39 cities. It is designed to be a flexible guide for cities in all stages of climate planning to help them developed customized climate strategies.

New stewardship program makes recycling paint convenient and sustainable
Washington’s new paint stewardship program goes into effect today, making it easy for residents and businesses to conveniently and sustainably recycle leftover paint. Visit paintcare.org/wa to search for local drop-off locations, which include King County’s hazardous waste drop off location at the Factoria Recycling and Transfer Station in Bellevue, and the Wastemobile.

Wastemobile hazardous waste collection in Bothell, April 9-11
King County residents can safely dispose of old car batteries, oil, paint thinner, and many other household hazardous items at no cost when the Wastemobile continues its 2021 season with a stop in Bothell, April 9-11.

BECU Drive-in Movies returns to Marymoor Park on April 20
Drive-in movies are returning to King County’s Marymoor Park on April 20, when the BECU Drive-in Movies at Marymoor series opens for its second season of drive-ins and 17th season of outdoor film events. The movies will run every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday through June 24.

Wastemobile continues hazardous waste collection season in King County with visit to Kirkland area, April 2-4
Residents of Bothell, Redmond, Woodinville, and surrounding areas can safely dispose of old car batteries, oil, paint thinner, and many other household hazardous items at no cost when the Wastemobile continues its 2021 season with a stop in Kirkland, April 2-4.

King County Parks offering spacious seasonal plots for rent in community garden at North Green River Park in Kent
Spring is nearly here, and now is the time to plan for a spring and summer full of flowers and vegetables by renting a plot in a King County Parks community garden.

King County Parks seeks public input ahead of Dockton Park play area work; Dockton Forest trails virtual meeting March 9
Share your opinions about desired features for a new play area at Dockton Park by participating in an online survey from King County Parks, and learn more about significant improvements coming to the mountain bike trails system at Dockton Forest by attending a March 9 virtual meeting.

Kirkland’s Marina Beach Park reopened after water testing confirms safe conditions
Kirkland’s Marina Beach Park was reopened to the public on Saturday, Feb. 27 after water quality testing showed safe results. The beach was closed out of an abundance of caution on Feb. 25 following a sewer overflow caused by a power outage. Consecutive days of testing confirmed that the water is safe.

Power outage causes overflow into Lake Washington from King County’s Kirkland pump station
King County Wastewater Treatment Division’s Kirkland pump station experienced a power outage that caused a brief overflow into Lake Washington. The pump station’s power has been restored and is currently operating properly.

King County Flood Warning Center closed as river flows stabilize; workers will continue to monitor conditions
The King County Flood Warning Center closed at 3:15 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 23, after opening at midday on Feb. 22 to monitor minor river flooding following a widespread rainstorm. County employees will continue to monitor weather forecasts and stream conditions.

King County Flood Warning Center: Minor flooding possible on White River as heavy rainfall continues to push stream flows higher
Minor flooding is possible in low-lying areas along the White River, according to the King County Flood Warning Center, which issued a Phase 2 flood alert for the river early in the evening of Monday, Feb. 22. Similar flood alerts are in place for the Snoqualmie and Tolt rivers following prolonged heavy rainfall throughout the day.

Snoqualmie River joins Tolt at minor flood phase as King County Flood Warning Center monitoring conditions
Heavy rainfall pushed the Snoqualmie River up to a minor flood phase in the early afternoon of Monday, Feb. 22, according to the King County Flood Warning Center, which opened late Monday morning to monitor potentially flooding in low-lying areas along the Tolt River.

King County Flood Warning Center opens to monitor minor flooding along Tolt River as heavy rainfall continues
The King County Flood Warning Center opened at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 22, to monitor potential minor flooding from heavy rainfall along the Tolt River.

Wastewater Treatment repairs leak at Interbay pump station
King County Wastewater Treatment Division workers repaired a leak at the Interbay pump station which did not reach any body of water.

King County working with Seattle City Light to ensure power reliability at West Point Treatment Plant
King County and Seattle City Light are investigating options for increasing power reliability at the West Point Treatment Plant to ensure continued environmental protection, following multiple power interruptions in the last few years that have interfered with normal wastewater treatment operations.

King County Parks adds 56 acres to popular south King County park, preserving forested wetlands, improving recreation opportunities
With the addition of the 56-acre forested property on the edge of the City of Maple Valley, King County Parks’ popular Black Diamond Open Space gets more protected green space and more room for recreation – and an online survey is available for public comment about potential uses and features on this property.

King County considers four potential sites for its Northeast Recycling and Transfer Station set to open in late 2027
King County’s Solid Waste Division has identified four properties in Kirkland, Woodinville and Redmond for further study in its search for a site for the new Northeast Recycling and Transfer Station, which is set to open to the public in 2027.

King County receives $96 million low-cost loan to improve Puget Sound water quality
The King County Wastewater Treatment Division has received a $96.8 loan by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to construct a project that will help improve water quality in the Lake Washington Ship Canal and surrounding waters. The low interest rate loan will save King County an estimated $32.8 million in finance costs.

Update: Discovery Park beaches reopen after water testing confirms safe conditions
Discovery Park beaches were reopened to the public on Jan. 18 after water quality testing showed safe results. The beaches, near West Point Treatment Plant, were closed out of an abundance of caution on Jan. 13 following a stormwater and sewer overflow caused by a power outage during heavy rains. Consecutive days of testing confirmed that the water is safe.

Update: Medina, Richmond Beach, Golden Gardens, and Carkeek park beaches re-open after water testing confirms safe conditions
UPDATE: The beaches and waters near Medina, Richmond Beach, Golden Gardens, and Carkeek parks were re-opened to the public on Jan. 15 after water quality testing showed safe results. The beach was closed out of an abundance of caution on Jan. 13 following a stormwater and sewer overflow caused by a power outage during heavy rains. Consecutive days of testing confirmed that the water is safe.

Update: Madrona beach re-opens after water testing confirms safe conditions
Update: Madrona Beach has been re-opened to the public after water quality testing showed safe results. The beach was closed out of an abundance of caution on Jan. 13 following an overflow, and testing confirmed that the water is safe.

King County Flood Warning Center closes as rainfall ends and river flows stabilize
The King County Flood Warning Center closed at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 13, after opening early in the afternoon on Jan. 12 to monitor widespread flooding from a major rainstorm. County employees will continue to monitor weather forecasts and stream conditions.

King County Flood Warning Center: Minor flooding possible on portions of White and Green rivers as storm’s impacts continue
The King County Flood Warning Center says minor flooding is possible along stretches of the Green and White rivers following a long stretch of heavy and widespread rainfall. The Flood Warning Center opened a midday on Tuesday, Jan. 13 to monitor potential flooding along the Tolt and Snoqualmie rivers.

King County Flood Warning Center issues Phase 3 flood alert for Snoqualmie River as powerful rainstorm continues
The King County Flood Warning Center issued a Phase 3 flood alert for the rain-swollen Snoqualmie River at 2:15 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 13, as a powerful winter rainstorm continued to push river flows higher.

Power outage causes overflow into Lake Washington from East Pine pump station
A power outage caused King County Wastewater Treatment Division’s East Pine pump station to experience an overflow in the early morning of Wednesday, Jan. 13.

Extensive power outages push regional wastewater system to its capacity and onto back up power: overflows into Puget Sound and Lake Washington from West Point, Richmond Beach and Medina pump stations
Power outages throughout the service area caused overflows at King County Wastewater Treatment Division’s West Point Treatment Plant, and Richmond Beach and Medina pump stations.

King County Flood Warning Center opens to monitor minor flooding along rain swollen Tolt, Snoqualmie rivers
The King County Flood Warning Center opened at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 12 to monitor potential minor flooding from heavy rainfall along the Tolt and Snoqualmie rivers.

WaterWorks Grants will provide over $2 million for community water quality projects for 2021-2022
King County Wastewater Treatment Division’s WaterWorks Grant Program is offering $2.2 million in grants to support local water quality projects. Three free online information sessions for prospective applicants will take place Jan. 21, Jan. 26, and Feb. 1.

King County Noxious Weed Board seeks input on the annual noxious weed list
To protect people and the environment from harmful plants, the King County Noxious Weed Board will be adopting the 2021 noxious weed list at a public meeting on Jan. 27 in order to set the priority level of noxious weeds in King County, as directed by the state noxious weed law.

King County Flood Warning Center closes as rain eases and flows stabilize on Snoqualmie River
The King County Flood Warning Center closed at 3:45 a.m. on Sunday, Jan. 3, after opening earlier that morning to monitor minor flooding along the Snoqualmie River. County employees will continue to monitor weather forecasts and stream conditions.

King County Flood Warning Center opens to monitor minor flooding along rain-swollen Snoqualmie River
The King County Flood Warning Center opened at 12:30 a.m. on Sunday, Jan. 3, to monitor potential minor flooding from heavy rainfall along the Snoqualmie River.