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County applies for up to $350,000 in state clean-water funds to cover nutrient-monitoring costs
Summary
Staff said the county will apply to the state clean-water revolving fund for up to $350,000 to continue nutrient-monitoring work at two treatment plants after a Puget Sound nutrient-reduction general permit was invalidated by a court; staff said monitoring costs are roughly $65,000 per year and would otherwise come from the general fund.
County staff told commissioners Tuesday that they will apply for state clean-water revolving funds to pay monitoring and testing costs related to nutrient‑reduction work at two wastewater treatment plants.
The presenter said Ecology rolled monitoring funding into the State Clean Water Revolving Fund (CWRF) process and that the application deadline was short. “So this is a it's state money. It's grant only, no match. It is a competitive grant, and we will be applying for funds to help with the monitoring requirements for the nutrient reduction work that we do out there,” the staff member said. They said the county would request up to $350,000.
Staff explained the context: a court invalidated the Puget Sound nutrient‑reduction general permit, but county plants are still expected to comply with future permit requirements once those are reissued. Monitoring obligations continue and staff estimated monitoring costs at about $65,000 per year. The presenter noted the county operates two separate treatment plants and that duplicate testing and supplies increase costs.
Commissioners were told the county has budgeted some funds but that this grant would be supplemental. Staff emphasized the county will still be required to do the monitoring even if the grant is not awarded.
No formal vote occurred at the work session; staff said they would submit the application ahead of the imminent deadline and bring results to the board later.
