Marie Fiore

Workers wearing neon safety vests and hard hats load a wastewater pump onto a truck.

Infrastructure

August 23, 2023

Massive Pumps at West Point Treatment Plant Get a Tune Up

The pumps that push wastewater through West Point Treatment Plant in Seattle are massive and old. In service since 1993, it was time for a tune-up. By tapping into the expertise of local repair shops, the project was fast tracked…

Marie Fiore

Operations

July 6, 2023

Mad scientist in the woods? Or, just another day at Vashon Treatment Plant

Elizabeth (Lizzy) Corliss has run the Vashon Treatment Plant for the last four years. Blink and you’d probably miss the driveway into Vashon Treatment Plant. Everything about this plant is pint-sized, a much scaled-down version of the massive clean water…

Marie Fiore

Infrastructure WTD Updates

April 19, 2023

West Point Treatment Plant: laying the foundation for climate change resilience

We’re making quick progress on a major Power Quality Improvement Project that will provide our operators with the uninterruptable, high-quality power they need to protect Puget Sound when utility power disruptions occur.

Marie Fiore

Infrastructure WTD Updates

March 1, 2023

Ready for the next rainy season? Work to shore up clean water systems begins now.

Rain doesn’t belong in the sewer, but it gets in through cracks in sewer pipes or from drains on building roofs and foundations connected to the sewer system. In some parts of Seattle, sewer and stormwater systems are combined.

Marie Fiore

A group of people in masks, hardhats and safety vest stand on a concrete structure with metal railings

Operations People

February 15, 2023

Operator-in-Training Program recognized with 2023 National Environmental Achievement Award

The National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) recognized the program for “initiatives that have made a remarkable impact on environmental protection, the advancement of the water sector, and the betterment of their communities.”

Marie Fiore

Water Quality

February 15, 2023

Got a great idea to improve water quality? WaterWorks grant program offering $5 million in project money

Every two years, the program funds organizations to test out water quality improvement ideas. Nonprofits, tribes, schools and universities, towns, special purpose districts … good ideas come if from all kinds of organizations and partnerships are encouraged.

Marie Fiore

Community

February 13, 2023

Wastewater Becomes a Resource for Growing Food with Help from a Treatment Plant

At the South Treatment Plant in Renton, they take in waste that goes down the drain, cleans and disinfects it, and then turn some of it into recycled water and that can be safely used to grow food.

Marie Fiore

Sustainability

December 15, 2022

Soil Restoration at Preston Mill Park

Soil is a critical piece of our natural systems and contributes to producing sufficient, safe, and more nourishing food for healthier plants, animals, and people. Soil also helps counteract biodiversity loss and climate change.

Marie Fiore

Community

December 15, 2022

Wheels to Water: Breaking Down Barriers to Education Opportunities

Each year, the WTD education team provides field trip programs that bring thousands of K-12 students to WTD facilities. Students come from school districts all over King County to participate in water-focused education programs.

Marie Fiore

People

December 12, 2022

Employee Spotlight: Drew Thompson, finalist for the Clean Tech Alliance Energy Leadership JEDI Award

This award, given by the Clean Tech Alliance, recognizes those who perform outstanding work to make the energy sector more equitable, support climate justice and diversity in the sector, and foster an inclusive ecosystem.

Marie Fiore

Infrastructure Operations

May 5, 2021

Starting a decade of improvements at West Point Treatment Plant

Like much of the King County wastewater system, the West Point Treatment Plant is more than 55 years old and many of its components reach their “end of life” each year.

Marie Fiore

Water Quality

May 21, 2020

Local businesses recognized for 2019 environmental compliance

King County’s Industrial Waste Program recognized 59 local industrial facilities for their commitment to business practices that support the local economy while protecting regional water quality. Each year, the Industrial Waste Program, which operates as part of King County’s Wastewater…

Marie Fiore