Drafter
Clerk 09/07/2023
Title
A MOTION concerning contaminants of emerging concern in wastewater effluent and directing next steps to limit their impact.
Body
WHEREAS, the county's regional wastewater system protects human health and the environment by collecting and treating wastewater while recycling valuable resources for the Puget Sound region, and
WHEREAS, contaminants of emerging concern are chemicals and toxins that have the potential to impact human health and the environment, and
WHEREAS, wastewater treatment facilities are the recipients of contaminants of emerging concern in wastewater discharged from homes and businesses, and
WHEREAS, there are many chemicals used in commerce and contaminants of emerging concern are found in common consumer products, such as pharmaceuticals and personal care products, which are direct exposure points impacting human health, and
WHEREAS, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances chemicals are a group of chemicals used to make fluoropolymer coatings and products that resist heat, oil, stains, grease, and water, and
WHEREAS, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances are a group of chemicals commonly referred to as PFAS, and
WHEREAS, PFAS are a group of chemicals that are extremely resistant to complete breakdown in people and the environment are one concerning type of contaminants of emerging concern, and
WHEREAS, some PFAS may impair immune function, cause kidney and testicular cancers in people, and harm aquatic life, birds, and mammals , and
WHEREAS, wastewater treatment facilities are also recipients of PFAS and contaminants of emerging concern, and traditional wastewater treatment or water treatment processes are not designed to remove them, and
WHEREAS, source control is a cost-effective method for limiting or eliminating PFAS and contaminants of emerging concern in wastewater, and
WHEREAS, the King County council in response to concerns about ongoing health outcomes of southern resident orcas in Puget Sound wat...

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