File #: 2024-0406    Version: 1
Type: Motion Status: Reintroduction
File created: 12/10/2024 In control: Transportation, Economy, and Environment Committee
On agenda: Final action:
Enactment date: Enactment #:
Title: A MOTION requesting the executive to develop and transmit an implementation plan related to biosolids, transitioning from distributing King County biosolids on farmland and forest floors to a thermal drying model.
Sponsors: Dave Upthegrove
Indexes: Biosolids, Farmlands, Forest

Title

A MOTION requesting the executive to develop and transmit an implementation plan related to biosolids, transitioning from distributing King County biosolids on farmland and forest floors to a thermal drying model.

Body

                     WHEREAS, King County is responsible for the management of biosolids generated through its wastewater treatment process, with a significant portion currently being distributed to farmland and forest floors, and

                     WHEREAS, studies conducted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, academic institutions, and environmental organizations have detected varying levels of forever chemicals, known as "PFAS," in Class B biosolids and raised concerns about the long-term environmental, public health, and sustainability implications of continuing to use land application as the primary method for managing biosolids, and

                     WHEREAS, thermal drying offers a more sustainable and efficient approach to biosolid management, and

                     WHEREAS, thermal drying of biosolids is a wastewater treatment process that uses heat to reduce the water content in biosolids, transforming them into a dry, granular product, and

                     WHEREAS, the King County council recognizes the need for a comprehensive evaluation to transition from land application to a thermal drying model to enhance the safety, sustainability, and environmental stewardship of the county’s biosolid program;

                     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT MOVED by the Council of King County:

                     A.  The executive is requested to develop and transmit an implementation plan that addresses the plan to transition King County's biosolids management program away from distributing biosolids on farmland and forest floors and toward a thermal drying model.  When developing the implementation plan, the executive is encouraged to consult relevant stakeholders, including, but not limited to, the public, environmental experts, wastewater treatment professionals, and agricultural representatives.  The implementation plan should contain the following components:

                       1.  An identification of all necessary amendments to relevant county and regional planning documents, including, but not limited to, the King County wastewater long-range plan;

                       2.  An assessment of staffing needs and any new expertise required for the transition;

                       3.  A review of potential changes to the 2026 -2027 wastewater budget to accommodate the new approach;

                       4.  A proposed timeline for the transition and full implementation of the thermal drying model;

                       5.  Identification of potential barriers to implementing this change, including regulatory, financial, technical, and operational challenges, and strategies for overcoming those barriers.

                     B.  The executive is requested to transmit the implementation plan described section A. of this motion no later than August 30, 2025 in the form of a paper original and an electronic copy with the clerk of the council, who shall retain the original and provide an electronic copy to all councilmembers, the council chief of staff and the lead staff for transportation, economy, and environment committee, or its successor.