WTD newsroom
Below are news releases about programs, projects, activities and operations of the King County Wastewater Treatment Division for the current and past years.
Note: news release links on this page will direct you to the news releases in the DNRP newsroom. View prior years' news releases.News
View prior years' news releases.
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King County WTD news media contacts
The contact information below is for use by reporters and editors – to schedule interviews and get information about the King County Wastewater Treatment Division for print and broadcast. We can get you in touch with WTD Director and other division managers. Our goal is to respond promptly to requests for information and interviews – to help meet news media deadlines.
Annie Kolb-Nelson, WTD media relations
206-477-5373 (office)
If Annie Kolb-Nelson is unavailable or if you have questions about other activities of the King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks (DNRP), please use the contacts below:
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- Media contacts
- Reporters toolkit
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Below are prior years' news releases about programs, projects, activities and operations of the King County Wastewater Treatment Division.
Note: news release links on this page will direct you to the news releases in the DNRP newsroom.
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Note: news release links on this page will direct you to the news releases in the DNRP newsroom.
- Dec. 6, 2016 -- Natural Resources and Parks is the first King County department to be carbon neutral, achieving Executive's goal a year early
- Nov. 30, 2016 -- King County investigating damaged sewer pipe in Magnolia
- Sept. 14, 2016 -- King County’s bond sale saves ratepayers millions
- August 3, 2016 -- King County to conduct in-water geotechnical work in Lake Washington’s East Channel
- July 11, 2016 -- Watch tunnel boring machine removal July 12 as part of King County wastewater project
- June 23, 2016 – Summer utility field work to support sewer system planning in Redmond
- June 13, 2016 – Public art master plan to be unveiled at June 16 event in Georgetown
- May 13, 2016 – Industrial facilities honored for environmental compliance in 2015
- May 13, 2016 – Register now for youth summer day camps at Brightwater Center
- May 3, 2016 – King County's stellar credit rating will result in lowest sewer rate increase in 15 years and reduce debt by $582 million
- May 2, 2016 – Sewer utility survey work to occur along the Sammamish River Trail, May 2-9
- April 20, 2016 – WaterWorks Grant informational workshops set for April 26 & May 4
- April 6, 2016 – Welcome spring with Brightwater Center education events
- March 24, 2016 – Learn about rain garden and cistern rebates at a RainWise Contractor Fair, April 3
- March 24, 2016 – Applications sought for King County Waterworks Program Grants
- March 21, 2016 – Brightwater to host Watershed Festival for local students, March 21-22
- March 17, 2016 – Crews respond to overflow at the South Mercer Pump Station
- March 10, 2016 – Strong storm leads to manhole overflow in Bothell
- March 10, 2016 – Power outage, brief overflow at King County’s Richmond Beach Pump Station
- Feb. 29, 2016 – Bellevue and Mercer Island public meetings to shed light on sewer line project proposal
- Feb. 26, 2016 – Wastewater survey coming to 20,000 businesses in March
- Feb. 12, 2016 – Get free compost samples and expert plant-care tips at the NW Flower & Garden Show
- Feb. 4, 2016 – King County to invest $196.8 million in clean-water projects in 2016
- Feb. 2, 2016 – King County bond refinancing saves $65 million for sewer utility ratepayers
- Jan. 31, 2016 – Power outage causes brief pump station overflow in South Seattle
- Jan. 26, 2016 – King County's soon-to-come research vessel has a new name: SoundGuardian
- Jan. 22, 2016 – Crews work to repair sewer line leak in West Seattle
- Jan. 21, 2016 – Heavy rains cause manhole overflow in Bothell
- Jan. 12, 2016 – Runoff vote to name King County's research vessel open through Jan. 19
- Jan. 12, 2016 – Peace Lutheran Church celebrating new RainWise garden and cistern installations on Jan. 23
- Jan. 12, 2016 – Shake off short-day blues and banish winter boredom at Brightwater Center events
Note: news release links on this page will direct you to the news releases in the DNRP newsroom.
- Dec. 9, 2015 – Vote to name King County's new environmental research vessel through Dec. 24
- Dec. 9, 2015 – Storm, power failure causes brief pump station overflow
- Dec. 9, 2015 – Heavy rains lead to Bothell manhole overflow
- Nov. 20, 2015 – Deadline extended in contest to name King County’s new environmental research vessel
- Nov. 15, 2015 – Strong rains lead to manhole overflow in Bothell
- Nov. 13, 2015 – State court upholds King County damages award
- Nov. 6, 2015 – Contest to name King County’s new environmental research vessel
- Oct. 28, 2015 – Solid credit ratings, favorable market conditions lower borrowing costs for sewer utility ratepayers
- Oct. 8, 2015 – Brightwater Center's "Ecotober" celebration begins Oct. 17
- Sept. 30, 2015 – Recycled water use at 60 Acres Park in Redmond brings relief to salmon, Sammamish River
- Sept. 9, 2015 – Get RainWise program information at the Tilth Harvest Fair, Sept. 12
- Sept. 8, 2015 – City of Kirkland, King County double-up against drought with recycled water
- Aug. 27, 2015 – Vasa Park beach reopens; water quality safe for swimming and boating
- Aug. 24, 2015 – Unexpected power failure leads to overflow at King County’s Sunset Pump Station
- Aug. 6, 2015 – King County's South Treatment Plant earns coveted "Outstanding Performance Award"
- Aug. 6, 2015 – King County's Vashon Treatment Plant recognized for perfect permit compliance
- Aug. 6, 2015 – King County’s Carnation Treatment Plant earns prestigious environmental award
- July 9, 2015 – Celebrate the completion of King County's Barton Pump Station Project, July 18
- July 7, 2015 – King County wastewater treatment plants earn national environmental awards
- June 23, 2015 – Shape the future! Come to an open house on the Green/Duwamish Watershed
- June 15, 2015 – County Council approves 2016 sewer rate that maintains 2015 levels
- May 28, 2015 – Brightwater Center kicks off summer events beginning in June
- May 27, 2015 – King County denies waste disposal permit for Shell facility at Terminal 5
- May 18, 2015 – Local industrial facilities earn awards for environmental compliance
- May 15, 2015 – Students connect to local water systems at Brightwater's Watershed Festival, May 18-19
- May 4, 2015 – Learn about rain garden and cistern installation at a free "meet the contractor" fair on May 9
- April 8, 2015 – Learn about rebates for rain gardens and cisterns at a free "meet the contractor" event in West Seattle, April 11
- April 3, 2015 – Executive to provide grants that support local environmental projects in the Lower Duwamish
- March 30, 2015 – To reduce vandalism and increase emergency access at Discovery Park, parking will be strictly enforced
- March 25, 2015 – Registration now open for 2015 Brightwater summer camps
- March 17, 2015 – Celebrate the installation of new RainWise rain gardens in West Seattle, March 21
- March 16, 2015 – Strong rainstorm leads to manhole overflow in Bothell
- March 16, 2016 – Heavy rainstorm leads to overflow at Sweyolocken Pump Station in Bellevue
- March 5, 2015 – Celebrate spring with Brightwater Center's upcoming events
- Feb. 9, 2015 – Get the buzz on gardening with Loop®-based compost at the NW Flower & Garden Show
- Feb. 9, 2015 – Heavy rains lead to manhole overflow in Bothell
- Jan. 23, 2015 – King County clean-water infrastructure creates habitat for endangered fish
- Jan. 23, 2015 – Installing energy-efficient lighting at treatment plant to save King County $33,000 each year
- Jan. 22, 2015 – Fast action stops overflow at King County’s Murray Pump Station
- Jan. 20, 2015 – Cleanup of nonhazardous biosolids spill in Kittitas County completed within 24 hours
- Jan. 20, 2015 – Early risers invited to join "King Tides" festivities in South Park, Jan. 23 & 24
- Jan. 15, 2015 – Record-breaking bond refinance yields biggest savings in King County history
Note: news release links on this page will direct you to the news releases in the DNRP newsroom.
- Dec. 26, 2014 – Utility crews respond to manhole overflow in Bothell
- Dec. 2, 2014 – Executive thanks EPA for landmark decision that enables Superfund cleanup of the Lower Duwamish to move forward
- Nov. 29, 2014 – High winds, power outage affect King County's Richmond Beach Pump Station
- Nov. 5, 2014 – Study evaluates promising technology to aid Lower Duwamish Superfund cleanup
- Oct. 29, 2014 – Recreation areas reopen following storm-related wastewater overflows
- Oct. 29, 2014 – Lowman Beach reopened following storm-related wastewater overflows
- Oct. 28, 2014 – Brightwater Treatment Plant hosts first-responder training drills, Nov. 4-7
- Oct. 26, 2014 – Storm leads to power outages, overflows at two Eastside pump stations
- Oct. 26, 2014 – Windstorm power outages affect two King County pump stations
- Oct. 16, 2014 – Brightwater Center's "Ecotober" celebration begins Oct. 25
- Oct. 9, 2014 – Overnight sewer utility work scheduled at Lowman Beach Park on Oct. 10
- Oct. 6, 2014 – Learning farm to host community potluck celebration
- Oct. 3, 2014 – Come see how to install a rain garden at free event Oct. 11
- Sept. 29, 2014 – Executive awards $102,000 to community efforts to restore Green/Duwamish watershed
- Sept. 26, 2014 – Brightwater Center kicks off fall festivities
- Sept. 8, 2014 – Executive Constantine, Mayor Murray announce Green/Duwamish watershed strategy
- Sept. 12, 2014 – Executive’s budget to call for accelerating energy efficiency projects throughout King County (King County Executive news)
- Aug. 29, 2014 – Fair weather’s foul smells could come from many sources
- Aug. 20, 2014 – Community farm at King County’s South Treatment Plant receives public art grant
- July 30, 2014 – Local companies recognized for environmental stewardship
- July 22, 2014 – King County bond refinancings save $37.3 million for sewer utility ratepayers
- July 2, 2014 – New sewer construction prompts overnight work in the Magnolia Bridge/Smith Cove area
- July 2, 2014 – King County wastewater treatment plants earn national environmental awards
- June 26, 2014 – Learn about additional security and protection at Discovery Park Beach Tour, June 28
- May 31, 2014 – King County crews respond to sinkhole in Seattle’s Madison Valley
- May 13, 2014 – Community celebrates new upgrades on King County’s Kirkland Pump Station
- May 9, 2014 – Community invited to learn about construction activities in Magnolia
- May 5, 2014 – Watershed festival brings a day of hands-on learning to Brightwater Center, May 14
- April 30, 2014 – Celebrate clean water with the completion of King County’s Kirkland Pump Station
- April 25, 2014 – Sewer upgrades prompt traffic detours in the North Beach/Blue Ridge neighborhood
- April 23, 2014 – Get info on RainWise rebates at the Northwest Green Home Tour, April 26
- April 21, 2014 – Applications for Lower Duwamish Green Grants accepted through June 2
- April 17, 2014 – Waste-to-energy system to supply renewable electricity, heat at West Point Treatment Plant
- April 1, 2014 – 2013 DNRP annual report now available: "Environmental stewardship in King County"
- March 17, 2014 – Project to help protect public health, water quality in the Lower Duwamish River
- March 17, 2014 – Crews respond as manhole in Bothell overflows during record rainfall
- March 13, 2014 – Park Lane in downtown Kirkland reopens to two-way traffic today
- March 12, 2014 – Shake off winter blues with Brightwater Center educational events
- March 5, 2014 – Heavy overnight rainfall leads to manhole overflow in Bothell
- Jan. 23, 2014 – Open house on Magnolia pollution control project starts Jan. 30
- Jan. 21, 2014 – King County hosts public meetings on Jan. 23 & 25 to answer questions about upcoming work in the
Westwood and Sunrise Heights neighborhoods - Jan. 16, 2014 – Sewer upgrades in Ballard bring temporary traffic detours starting Jan. 20
- Jan. 11, 2014 – Crews respond to power outages at the Barton and Murray pump stations
- Jan. 10, 2014 – Nourishing soil, nurturing life: meet the people behind Loop biosolids
Note: news release links on this page will direct you to the news releases in the DNRP newsroom.
- Dec. 11, 2013 – Energy-efficiency reaps rewards for sewer utility ratepayers
- Dec. 10, 2013 – Community meeting on Discovery Park security gate proposal set for Dec. 11
- Nov. 27, 2013 – King County awards contract for pollution control project in West Seattle
- Nov. 26, 2013 – Help protect your pipes – and save money – by recycling used cooking oils and fats
- Nov. 21, 2013 – Water quality, park to benefit as Seattle, King County complete land acquisitions
- Nov. 6, 2013 – Repaving project to temporarily close section of W Commodore Way
- Oct. 31, 2013 – Brief gas line incident reported this morning at King County's Kirkland Pump Station
- Oct. 25, 2013 – State Supreme Court affirms King County's use of wastewater ratepayer funds
- Oct. 23, 2013 – Learning farm brings bounty of benefits for students, community
- Oct. 3, 2013 – Popular RainWise program expands into more Ballard, Phinney Ridge neighborhoods
- Oct. 3, 2013 – Bond sale brings $2.7 million in savings to sewer utility ratepayers
- Sept. 25, 2013 – Brightwater Center's "Ecotober" celebration begins Oct. 5
- Sept. 12, 2013 – Fiestas Patrias to feature information on the RainWise program, Sept. 14
- Sept. 9, 2013 – Release of natural gas odorant part of South Plant valve work, Sept. 10
- Sept. 6, 2013 – Five projects earn King County Green Grants
- Aug. 16, 2013 – Discovery Park security gate proposal to be discussed at public meeting, Aug. 21
- Aug. 9, 2013 – Learn about rain gardens at the Delridge Day Festival Green Zone, Aug. 17
- Aug. 9, 2013 – King County's Kirkland Pump Station upgrade project progressing ahead of schedule
- Aug. 6, 2013 – Sewer improvement work to temporarily impact traffic around 17th St SE in Auburn
- Aug. 1, 2013 – Commitment to excellence earns honors for King County wastewater treatment facilities
- July 2, 2013 – Host a meeting or event at King County's Brightwater Center
- July 2, 2013 – Local industrial facilities earn recognition for environmental compliance
- June 7, 2013 – South Park roadside natural drainage project part of RainWise community celebration, June 15
- May 31, 2013 – Brightwater Center offers a summer of fun and learning for all ages
- May 30, 2013 – "Yards in the Hood" event sheds light on rain garden beauty and benefits, June 1
- May 30, 2013 – King County begins sewer improvement project in Bothell
- May 29, 2013 – Fast Facts: King County supports Superfund cleanup
- May 15, 2013 – Maintenance work planned at the Brightwater Pump Station in Bothell, May 18-19
- May 14, 2013 – Watershed festival aims to connect local students to water systems, May 20-22
- May 7, 2013 – Beach access reopens at Kirkland’s Marina Park
- May 2, 2013 – Crews respond to overflow at Kirkland Pump Station
- May 2, 2013 – South Park, Highland Park, & West Seattle areas now eligible for RainWise rebates
- May 1, 2013 – Applications for Lower Duwamish Green Grants accepted through June 7
- April 25, 2013 – Executive Constantine proposes stable sewer utility rates in 2014
- April 23, 2013 – Earth Week events offer chances to learn more, do more about environment
- April 19, 2013 – King County awarded $14.7 million in legal fees in Brightwater suit
- April 18, 2013 – Mayor, County Executive, Port announce deal for water quality improvements and new park at Smith Cove
- April 17, 2013 – Treatment plant tours, educational activities round out series of free Earth Day events
- April 16, 2013 – Agreement ushers in final phase of King County's pollution control program
- April 11, 2013 – Contractor open house to provide information on green stormwater project, May 6
- March 29, 2013 – Green Grants support community rain garden project in South Park
- March 27, 2013 – King County assisting with firefighter training drills in West Seattle, March 28-29
- March 25, 2013 – Capital improvements build foundation for economic growth, environmental protection
- March 20, 2013 – Open house on the Fremont siphon replacement project takes place March 26
- March 19, 2013 – Bond refinancing to save $35 million for King County utility ratepayers
- March 15, 2013 – Celebrate clean water with tours of the Brightwater and West Point treatment plants
- March 5, 2013 – King County to start new sewer line construction project in Auburn this spring
- March 4, 2013 – Barton pump station operating normally following pipe leak
- March 2, 2013 -- Fast response stops overflow at Barton pump station
- Feb. 25, 2013 – Climate change talk highlights benefits of King County Loop biosolids
- Feb. 21, 2013 – Public meeting in Bothell to explain sewer line improvement project, Feb. 28
- Feb. 20, 2013 – Power failure leads to wastewater overflow in West Seattle
- Jan. 30, 2013 – Agreement to formalize King County's long-term pollution control plan
- Jan. 7, 2013 – Fremont neighbors invited to wastewater facility design workshop, Jan. 12
- Jan. 7, 2013 – Birding workshop, plant tours round out Brightwater center winter events