Open House Overview

Public Meeting, January 27, 2009
Citizens & Project Team Discuss Sewer Facility Plan and Next Steps

On Tuesday, January 27, 2009, Jefferson County hosted a public meeting at the Jefferson County Library to provide information and take public comment on the completed sewer facility plan for the Port Hadlock/Irondale area and to discuss the next steps for sewer design and financing.  The sewer facility plan will help the County plan for growth in the Port Hadlock/Irondale area through the year 2024.  Approximately 35 members of the community attended the public meeting.

During an informal open house period from 5:15 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., large boards were posted around the room with information about the sewer planning process, the sewer facility plan, potential financing options, and urban growth area issues.  Public meeting attendees were encouraged to view the information and talk with members of the consultant team and Jefferson County staff.

At 6:00 p.m. Kevin Dour, Bob Wheeler and Katy Isaksen, members of the Tetra Tech Infrastructure Group consultant team that was hired to conduct the sewer study, presented information and responded to questions. This discussion included information about the key content changes in the final draft sewer facility plan; updates to the cost estimates; urban growth area compliance; potential financing strategies; and progress toward preliminary design, final design, and construction of the sewer system.  The PowerPoint presentation is available. The consultant team described the next steps in the decision-making process and opportunities for public involvement.

Mr. Wheeler said that the approval in late 2008 of the sewer facility plan by the Washington State Departments of Ecology and Health is an essential step in making the sewer project eligible for a variety of state and federal funding programs. In February and March 2009, the sewer facility plan will be reviewed by the Jefferson County Planning Commission, as well as the Jefferson County Board of County Commissioners. If the sewer facility plan is adopted, the consultant team will move forward with the preliminary design of the project that will take the sewer system facilities to 30% design level. He explained that there are three project phases: facility planning (now ending), preliminary design (to 30%), and final design & construction.

Mr. Dour explained that the sewer facility plan has been modified so that sewer service will now be available throughout the Urban Growth Area (UGA) by 2024 (the County’s 20-year planning horizon). The prior draft had shown service availability throughout the UGA occurring in 2026 – two years past the County’s 2024 planning horizon, yet within the 20-year sewer planning horizon. Mr. Dour noted that the technical recommendations are the same since the open house held in October 2006. He explained that the sewer system design allows for the system to be enlarged as the population grows, meaning that it could be a pay-as-you-go system according to future growth and needs. The membrane bioreactor treatment system would offer several environmental benefits including its ability to treat for pharmaceuticals/personal care products (PPCPs) and the opportunity to use reclaimed water to recharge Chimacum Creek via a rapid infiltration system.

Ms. Isaksen explained that it was important to develop cost estimates and financing strategies, not only because it is a required component of the sewer facility plan, but as a way to identify the most advantageous financing option(s) available to launch the sewer system. She said that the consultant team attempted to use conservative assumptions to develop the cost estimates to help make sure that the project could be financed within the estimated amount. The next steps for financing include refining a strategy to attract grant funding. Ms. Isaksen pointed out that community support for the project can strengthen the County’s case for grant funding and appropriations. Please see the questions from the public for details about questions and answers regarding financing issues.

Joel Peterson from the Jefferson County Department of Community Development provided a short presentation on urban growth area compliance within the State of Washington Growth Management Act. He outlined the history of urban growth area appeals and explained the County’s responses. He described the timeline for compliance, and asked for participants to attend upcoming public hearings beginning in February 2009. He noted it was a fast timeline and encouraged everyone to participate in the process.

The public asked many questions related to the decision-making process about the sewer, the facility plan, facility siting, and the cost estimate and financing strategies.  The consultant team along with Joel Peterson and Al Scalf from the Jefferson County Department of Community Development provided responses based on available information.