University green stormwater infrastructure
Project update
July 2018
While construction of the full project is planned for 2021 to 2023, King County is also planning one or more early action projects. King County’s work studying soils in July will further the assessment of locations for potential installations of green stormwater infrastructure on the right-of-way (also known as planting strips). The County plans construction of early action projects for 2019.
The project team knows that residents may have many questions about green stormwater infrastructure and what it means for their street. Should construction be planned, King County will work with the community to provide project information and identify potential impacts. Stay up to date by visiting this web page, by signing up for the project email list, and by using the contact information here to check in with us with any comments or questions.
For more information, view the updates:
- 1st Ave. NE: potential early action project and drainage study (on 60th St NE)
- potential early action project and drainage study
View past updates on the project library page.
Project description
King County is beginning a green stormwater infrastructure project in north Seattle. This project will install facilities to help control a combined sewer overflow in Portage Bay. In 2017-18, the project team will study soil, groundwater, surface water flow, and street conditions in the project area to identify the best locations for facilities to be installed.
In this first phase of the project the County will consider what types of green stormwater infrastructure it should build, and where within the study area they should be installed. Some options include different types of bioretention and permeable pavement in alleys or streets. Learn more!
Project study area
The project will select sites for installing green stormwater infrastructure from within the area below.
Approximate boundaries are intended for planning purposes only. Further study and evaluation will be completed prior to selection of any site.
Project need
In the University CSO Basin in Seattle, heavy rains can cause sewers to overflow into Portage Bay approximately six times per year. This project will install facilities to help control these overflows. Learn more about King County’s CSOs.
What is green stormwater infrastructure?
Green stormwater infrastructure—also called natural drainage—mimics nature by slowing or reducing polluted runoff close to its source. It also treats polluted runoff from roads, roofs, and parking lots by capturing and cleaning it before it harms our waterways. Learn more!
Your feedback
The County will share its evaluation of two to four alternative ways of doing green stormwater infrastructure with the public, and ask for your feedback online and through community events. Visit the public involvement page.
Project schedule
| 4Q 2017 | Alternative analysis begins |
Early action project schedule While construction for this GSI project will take place in 2021-23 (see left), the County plans to install early action projects in 2019. |
| 1Q 2019 | Alternative analysis complete | |
| 3Q 2019 | Predesign complete | |
| 1Q 2021 | Final design complete | |
| 2Q 2021 – 2Q 2023 | Implementation (bidding, award, construction) |
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Resources
Green stormwater infrastructure installed at a Roosevelt neighborhood church:
The County’s green stormwater infrastructure project in West Seattle:
- Visit the Website for the County’s green stormwater infrastructure project in West Seattle, and read the project’s newsletter update .
- Video about the West Seattle project (Barton Roadside Rain Gardens , 3:00)
- Video: Neighbors discuss the County’s Barton roadside rain gardens , 2:30
The big picture:
- Green Solutions to Stormwater Runoff , a video by Sightline Institute made in Seattle
- www.700milliongallons.org , all about green stormwater infrastructure
RainWise rebates:
- Many residents of this area can install their own green stormwater infrastructure (rain gardens and cisterns) on their own property funded by an average $4,400 rebate. Check your eligibility and learn more .
