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Commissioners press for regional coordination on Amazon‑site sewer, question $700,000 temporary septic cost
Summary
Clallam County commissioners and staff discussed coordinating utilities and potential funding to avoid a $700,000–$800,000 temporary septic system for a private Amazon‑related development; the county said it will convene utility providers, the tribe and the city to seek a longer‑term sewer solution.
County officials told the Board of Commissioners on Dec. 9 that they are working to coordinate a sewer connection to serve a private development associated with Amazon in the West River growth area, and they urged all parties to meet to consider alternatives to a costly temporary septic installation.
The chair said the county previously worked with the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe to place a dry sewer pipe under Dry Creek Road that could serve future connections and that the tribe has plans to extend sewer to properties along the highway. "Because we have the foresight... we put that pipe there," the chair said, noting it could help connect tribal and city infrastructure to support development.
Public works staff and a commissioner said the private developer is currently weighing a temporary septic system that could cost roughly $700,000 to $800,000 and last only a short time. "If we can get all parties together in the same room... I'm not sure spending $700,000 to $800,000 on a temporary septic system is good sense," a staff member said, urging negotiation on timing and potential shared funding for a permanent sewer line.
Speakers stressed the county is not the project owner; the development is private and will be subject to the city's SEPA mitigations and hook-up rules if it connects to city sewer. County involvement is driven by traffic impacts on county roads and the potential for the county to fund targeted safety improvements on roadways serving the site.
Public comment on the day reflected mixed sentiment: some residents urged quick action so jobs are not delayed, while others suggested the county should use existing grant opportunities more effectively. Commissioner and staff remarks emphasized a desire to avoid constructing a road and then later digging it up for utilities; they said the county would work to convene utilities, the tribe and the city to identify possible funding and timing solutions.
The board made no formal financial appropriation for the sewer project at the meeting; instead, it instructed staff to continue coordinating stakeholders, examine potential funding gaps and report back on options.
