We are pleased that the City of Seattle, King County, and Boeing (the Lower Duwamish Waterway Group or LDWG) have negotiated an agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology) in a proposed Consent Decree to govern cleanup of the Lower Duwamish Waterway Superfund Site. Please read EPA’s press release and LDWG’s statement. The agreement is subject to a 30-day public comment period and court approval. Learn more on the Department of Justice’s website.
This critical environmental and public health work reduces contamination and is being funded, in part, by drainage and wastewater ratepayers. The City is one of the responsible parties for cleanup, with participation by Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) and Seattle City Light. SPU has been in involved in this work for more than 25 years because we own and operate the drainage system through which some pollution entered the river. Many of our drainage systems drain directly to local waters; our source control program reduces the pollution entering the Duwamish River.
SPU is committed to fostering healthy people, protecting the environment, and supporting our economy. “Through this Consent Decree, the City of Seattle affirms our continued commitment to environmental protection and justice,” said SPU General Manager and CEO Andrew Lee. “We have been a dedicated Duwamish River cleanup partner for more than 25 years and are prioritizing investments in frontline communities to help address environmental and health inequities that may worsen with climate change.”
Our customer rate path projections have included estimated Duwamish River cleanup costs for many years. In 2024, when the Seattle City Council approved our 2025-2030 Strategic Business Plan Update, our six-year rate path projection included estimates for our Duwamish River investments. Future Strategic Business Plans are expected to also include this important investment.
We find ways to provide vital services, build, and repair infrastructure, and make community investments while being fiscally responsible and minimizing impacts to our ratepayers. This includes pursuing additional funding, like State Remedial Action Grant funds that can cover up to 50% of the City’s costs, negotiating fair settlements with the other liable parties, and securing a $160 million settlement from chemical giant Monsanto.
The City of Seattle shares this milestone with many committed community and government partners, including many individuals who have dedicated their professional careers to the Duwamish River cleanup.
“We are grateful for the dedication of our LDWG partners, regulators, and community partners. The Duwamish River Community Coalition has been an essential part of ensuring healthy community-centered outcomes,” said SPU Deputy Director Ellen Stewart.
Since 2004, Seattle has worked with our cleanup partners to complete five Early Action cleanup sites. These early cleanups reduced average PCB levels by 50% in the Duwamish River. Cleanup construction on the Upper Reach began in November 2024, and design and construction of the Middle and Lower Reaches is underway.
We look forward to the completion of the cleanup and improved water quality in the Duwamish River for people, fish, and the environment.