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County-funded mobile pump-out program reports 73,000 gallons removed in year; Gig Harbor among busiest locations
Summary
Public works and partners updated council on the South Sound mobile pump-out program: the regional service reported roughly 73,000 gallons pumped programwide last year and about 20,021 gallons at the Gig Harbor base; partners emphasized outreach and a pending three-year Clean Vessel Act contract renewal.
Public works staff and partners briefed the council on the South Sound mobile pump-out program, a Clean Vessel Act-funded effort that provides boat sewage pump-outs and boater education across Puget Sound.
Program staff said the service began locally in 2020 and has since expanded across roughly 400 miles of shoreline in Pierce County and adjacent waters. The Gig Harbor base is the program's home port and staff reported that, year to date in Gig Harbor, the program has pumped about 20,021 gallons; programwide annual totals were reported at roughly 73,000 gallons and more than 3,000 pump-out calls.
Public education is a major component of the effort. Harbor WildWatch's outreach lead, Lindsey Stover, described an education strategy that includes farmers-market booths, summer concerts, dock walks and social media outreach; she said in-person programming reached more than 33,000 individuals in the prior year and that digital and event outreach increased substantially versus 2024. Staff said the program has added vessels and operators as demand rose and that a new three-year Clean Vessel Act funding round is under consideration.
Partners said the program helps implement a no-discharge policy for the Salish Sea, protects shellfish beds and is well regarded by boaters. Staff asked the council to note the program's success and upcoming contract renewal and thanked local partners and volunteer operators for sustaining the service.
