Drafter
Clerk 10/18/2010
title
AN ORDINANCE approving the Ronald Wastewater District Comprehensive Sewer Plan, January 2010.
body
STATEMENT OF FACTS:
1. K.C.C. chapter 13.24 requires approval of comprehensive plans for sewer utilities as a prerequisite to granting right-of-way franchises and approval for right-of-way construction permits. Such plans or their updates must be submitted to the county at least once every six years, and more frequently if circumstances call for an earlier submittal. Approval of the plan is also required under K.C.C. chapter 28.84 if the utility is a component agency of the regional system.
2. K.C.C. 13.24.060 requires that such plans be consistent with the requirements of any comprehensive plans or development regulations adopted under chapter 36.70A RCW or any other applicable comprehensive plan, land use plan, or development regulation adopted by a city, town, or county for the service area. The King County Comprehensive Plan, which includes wastewater policies in its provisions for facilities and services (policies F-245 through F-254), also calls for consistency with other adopted plans, pursuit of reclaimed water and water conservation, and protection of water resources.
3. Washington state law, RCW 57.16.010(7), requires that any general comprehensive plan of any sewer district be approved, conditionally approved, or rejected by the legislative authority of every county within whose boundaries all or a portion of the district lies. The county legislative authority must make its determination based on: a. whether the actions outlined in the plan comply with the development program outlined in the county's comprehensive plan; b. whether the actions outlined in the plan comply with any approved basin-wide water or sewerage plan; and c. whether the actions outlined in the plan comply with the policies expressed in any county plan for water or sewage facilities, or both. The actions proposed in the plan are consistent with RCW 57.16.010(7).
4. Both Washington state Department of Ecology ("DOE") and King County regulations require sewer plans to be approved prior to the construction of new facilities.
5. The Ronald Wastewater District ("the district") provides sewer service to a population of over fifty-six thousand in a service area of ten square miles in the northwest corner of King County. Its service area includes the city of Shoreline and a portion of Snohomish county and is a mixture of residential and commercial properties. The majority of the district's wastewater is treated at King County's West Point facility with a small amount being sent to the city of Edmond's treatment system.
6. The district's service area is largely developed. Its anticipated growth through 2030 will largely involve redevelopment to higher density land use. By 2030, it expects to be serving a residential population of approximately seventy-five thousand.
7. The principal operational issues facing the district include extending service to the few remaining pockets of existing development without sewer service, and inflow and infiltration into the district's facilities during rain events. The district has a reasonable plan to address inflow and infiltration when cost effective. Capacity issues related to growth will be addressed when development proposals are approved through rates and developer extension agreements.
8. The county's most recent approval of the district's sewer plan occurred in November 1991, although a district name change was approved in 2000, and the plan was updated in 2003.
9. The King County utilities technical review committee ("UTRC") reviewed the district's plan in June 2010 and recommends approval. K.C.C. chapter 13.24 requires review of wastewater plans by the UTRC, and a recommendation to the King County executive and council on the plan, its meeting the requirements under K.C.C. chapter 13.24, and its consistency with the King County Comprehensive Plan. The planning data and proposed operations were reviewed by the UTRC, and the UTRC found:
a. The infrastructure system for the existing service area and for the area anticipated to be served in the future is based on the appropriate adopted land use maps. The population and employment forecasts developed for the service area are appropriately used;
b. The plan has information sufficient to demonstrate the ability to provide service consistent with the requirements of all applicable statutes, codes, rules and regulations;
c. The DOE has determined the plan is consistent with WAC 173-240-050 and approved the plan;
d. There are no areas of concern with respect to corrosion and odor control;
f. The district evaluated opportunities for reclaimed water;
g. The district works with the cities and other special purpose districts to ensure the elimination or prevention of duplicate facilities;
h. The district provides service at a reasonable cost and maximizes the use of the existing public facilities;
i. The plan is consistent with the King County Comprehensive Plan and other pertinent county adopted plans and policies; and
j. The district meets applicable state water quality and waste management standards.
10. The UTRC recommends that the King County council approve the plan.
11. The district completed a state Environmental Policy Act checklist and issued a determination of nonsignificance for the issuance of the plan on October 7, 2009, and there were no appeals.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF KING COUNTY:
SECTION 1. The Ronald Wastewater District Comprehensive Sewer Plan,
January 2010, Attachment A to this ordinance, is hereby approved as a general sewer and facilities plan.