Crossposted from the King County Wastewater Treatment Division newsletter

We’re in the second construction season of our Effluent Pump Station Gate Rehabilitation project at West Point Treatment Plant in Seattle!

Last year, crews replaced one of four large gates, each about 8 feet by 8 feet and nearly 40 feet underground. This year, they’re replacing the remaining three. These gates allow us to take individual pumps offline for maintenance without shutting down the entire system that sends fully treated wastewater safely to Puget Sound. That means safer, easier maintenance and a more reliable system.

Construction doesn’t mean we stop cleaning wastewater. Crews work at night when wastewater flows are lowest. They install cofferdams (pictured) to keep the work area dry while a temporary bypass pipe keeps everything flowing safely.

This is one of the many upgrades underway during the dry months that ensure a reliable system and help protect public health and the environment every day! Learn more.

Pictured: Work is underway on the Effluent Pump Station Gate Rehabilitation project at West Point Treatment Plant.