Regional mobile pump-out program reports higher usage; partners ask Poulsbo to continue match funding

Representatives of the West Sound mobile pump-out partnership updated Poulsbo City Council on May 6 and asked the city to continue participating in a three-year operations and maintenance match for the mobile pump-out vessel.

Andrea (Recreational Boating Association of Washington) told the council the pilot and subsequent operations showed strong usage: across Liberty Bay since 2023 the partnership has recorded roughly 1,800 pump-outs and about 18,000 gallons removed. She said expansion of the program hinges on securing the required 25% local match for the Clean Vessel Act grants; historically that match has been shared among partners including the city and the Port of Poulsbo.

Andrea warned operating costs have risen and the partnership expects the city's annual match share to increase from about $5,000 to approximately $8,118 per year under the next three-year grant projection. She asked the council to consider continued budget support or help in expanding partner contributions. Port Manager James Weaver told the council the port actively supports the program and that partners are exploring county stormwater funds and other local donors to reduce per-jurisdiction pressure.

Council members pressed on outreach: Councilmember Doug Newell said at-anchor users appear under-engaged and asked staff to increase communication and on-water outreach from the marine unit to encourage usage. Public Works and parks staff noted the program has positive environmental returns and that increased partner coordination could reduce any single jurisdiction's share of the match.