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2024 DNRP news releases
December 16, 2024
VIDEO: ‘If a field is starting to produce, it’s because of biosolids’: Farmers credit King County’s Loop biosolids for stronger crop yields, better soil retention
For 30 years, a mutually beneficial partnership between King County and the Boulder Park Inc. farming consortium in Douglas County has improved soil conditions, boosted crop yields, and become one of the longest-running and successful programs of its kind in the nation promoting a sustainable economy that turns wastewater into a valuable resource.
December 12, 2024
VIDEO: In partnership with Refugee Federation Service Center, King County completes a unique research project with immigrant and refugee communities on which fish are safer to eat
Leer en Español | Đọc bằng tiếng việt | អានជាភាសាខ្មែរ
King County Water and Land Resources Division researchers and the Refugee Federation Service Center partnered with local fishers from immigrant and refugee communities on a three-year research project monitoring toxic chemicals in fish from King County lakes and shorelines of Puget Sound.
December 10, 2024
Sediment cleanup begins in upper reach of Lower Duwamish Waterway Superfund Site to remove legacy pollution
Led by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and implemented by the City of Seattle, King County, and Boeing, sediment cleanup work has begun in the upper reach of the Lower Duwamish Waterway Superfund Site, where over a century of urbanization and industrial activity has polluted the riverbed with toxic contaminants.
November 26, 2024
King County biologists report the strongest return of Lake Sammamish kokanee salmon in a decade, a possible breakthrough after a near extinction
At least 6,800 adult kokanee salmon have returned from Lake Sammamish to their spawning ground this season following an eight-year period when an average of less than 400 kokanee returned. King County biologists say the sharp increase is the result of several actions that include restoring access to historic habitat.
November 20, 2024
King County’s new onsite battery system at West Point Treatment Plant proved its effectiveness during ‘bomb cyclone,’ providing operators with reliable power amid voltage sags
During Tuesday night’s powerful windstorm, King County’s new 16.8-megawatt battery system provided West Point Treatment Plant operators with the clean, reliable power supply they needed to protect Puget Sound even as voltage sags occurred.
November 14, 2024
VIDEO: Executive Constantine’s budget proposal builds on King County’s momentum for removing barriers to high-quality salmon habitat while restoring ecological functions
King County is off to a strong start restoring access to historic salmon habitat while also making county roads safer and offering more outdoor recreation opportunities. Executive Constantine’s proposed 2025 budget would maintain that accelerated pace.
October 30, 2024
See how King County will use large wood to reduce flood risks and restore habitat for fish and wildlife
An online presentation Nov. 6 will highlight upcoming King County projects on the Cedar, Snoqualmie, Green, and Tolt rivers, and Issaquah Creek where placing large wood will be used to reduce flood risks, restore floodplains, and improve habitat.
October 18, 2024
Kokanee salmon recovery partners release record-high number of young fish into Lake Sammamish while new research shows a potentially faster path toward stabilization
As a recovery team coordinated by King County released a record-high number of young salmon into Lake Sammamish, new research shows that the population would recover much sooner if lake conditions improve.
October 16, 2024
King County’s comprehensive new flood plan capitalizes on the latest climate science, adapts to increased flood risks in urban and coastal communities
King County’s new flood plan – shaped by frontline communities during an extensive public engagement – capitalizes on the latest climate science to better prepare communities for changing flood risks.
September 30, 2024
King County Parks opens a scenic bridge crossing the White River to connect King County and Pierce County communities with 22 miles of paved trail
King County Parks’ new weathered steel bridge crosses the White River to connect two completed segments of the 22-mile Foothills Trail with scenic views of Mount Rainier.
September 17, 2024
VIDEO: How King County is reducing waste generated by building demolition and creating more equitable access to green jobs
King County’s Solid Waste Division is building a workforce trained in deconstruction, an effective alternative to demolition that dramatically reduces the amount of worksite material that end up in the regional landfill.
September 13, 2024
Fully charged to protect Puget Sound: King County team delivers on Executive Constantine’s emergency declaration to provide West Point Treatment Plant with high-quality power
King County’s Wastewater Treatment Division delivered on an emergency declaration signed by Executive Constantine to provide West Point Treatment Plant with onsite batteries for high-quality power to Puget Sound’s largest wastewater treatment facility.
September 4, 2024
More young people will have access to outdoor recreation, refurbished aquatic centers, and enhanced sports fields with $5 million in King County Parks funding
Sixty-three projects throughout King County will receive a combined $5 million in King County Parks grant funding that will make it possible for more young people to stay healthy and connected, particularly in underserved communities.
Aug. 28, 2024
VIDEO: ‘We’re pivoting from a take, make, and waste economy:’ A highly successful paint recycling program shows how extended producer responsibility reduces waste, protects human and environmental health
The success of a statewide rule that holds producers responsible for their own products, such as leftover paint, is a key component of Re+, King County’s initiative to prevent pollution, protect human and environmental health, and keep waste management costs in check.
Aug. 15, 2024
King County crews quickly stop wastewater overflow at sewer pump station in Bellevue
King County crews quickly stopped a wastewater spill due to an underground force main break in an east Bellevue neighborhood this morning.
Aug. 6, 2024
Refuge Outdoor Festival offers a camping and outdoor recreation experience led by the BIPOC community at Tolt-MacDonald Park & Campground Aug. 16-18
Refuge Outdoor Festival, a three-day weekend of events geared toward BIPOC participants interested in exploring and learning more about camping and outdoor recreation, returns Aug. 16-18 to King County’s Tolt-MacDonald Park & Campground.
Aug. 1, 2024
VIDEO: Storing carbon, protecting tree canopy, improving water quality, enhancing habitat: 5 years of progress for King County’s Forest Carbon Program
King County’s Forest Carbon Program has produced lasting results in the five years since Executive Constantine launched the first-of-its-kind initiative.
July 24, 2024
King County study of Lake Washington sediment shows decline in once-common dangerous chemicals, offering a roadmap to address newer health risks
King County researchers studying sediment from the bottom of Lake Washington found levels of PCBs dramatically declined once the widely used toxics were banned more than 50 years ago – giving hope that ending the use of other harmful chemicals will lead to a healthier environment for people and fish and wildlife.
July 2, 2024
After five consecutive years of drowning deaths staying at historically high levels, King County officials encourage the public to be cautious at lakes, rivers, and Puget Sound
Recent data from Public Health – Seattle & King County identifies dangerous trends for preventable drownings. Officials from multiple King County departments urge caution this summer when open water temperatures remain dangerously cold even as air temperatures rise.
June 26, 2024
King County and City of Seattle to continue improving water quality under negotiated changes with regulators to control remaining sewer outfalls
King County Wastewater Treatment Division and Seattle Public Utilities have negotiated important changes to their mandates to control combined sewer overflows.
June 24, 2024
‘A victory for regional trails, climate, mobility, and opportunity’: Executive Constantine thanks Sen. Murray, Sen. Cantwell for securing funds to help close a key gap for Eastrail
U.S. Sen. Patty Murray and U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell secured a $25 million grant administrated by the U.S. Department of Transportation that will help King County Parks complete the southern segment of Eastrail, an emerging 42-mile regional trail connected to high-capacity transit.
June 24, 2024
New King County Parks bridge connects Eastrail to Sound Transit’s Wilburton Station, offering safe, convenient access to trail and rail in Bellevue
A new trail bridge that crosses one of the busiest city streets on the Eastside connects the emerging 42-mile Eastrail to Sound Transit’s Wilburton Station while honoring the legacy of the Bellevue Japanese-American farming community.
June 11, 2024
CHOMP!, King County's local food celebration returns Aug. 17 to Marymoor Park with local food vendors, live music, sustainable living activities
Learn about what’s fresh in King County and join us for a full-day of food-centric fun with local farmers, free activities and live music, food vendors and more at King County’s CHOMP! Aug. 17, at Marymoor Park in Redmond.
May 31, 2024
King County is transforming 1,000-foot-long Wilburton Trestle, adding the iconic structure to Eastrail with funding from Washington’s Climate Commitment Act, Amazon, City of Bellevue
A public-private partnership that includes Washington’s Climate Commitment Act, Amazon, the City of Bellevue, Kaiser Permanente, and the King County Parks Levy started transforming the 120-year-old Wilburton Trestle into a trail bridge that will be added to the emerging 42-mile Eastrail.
May 28, 2024
BECU Outdoor Movies at King County's Marymoor Park celebrates 20th season with fan favorite films, food trucks, live entertainment, beginning July 10
Outdoor movies will return to King County’s Marymoor Park on July 10, when the BECU Movies at Marymoor series opens its 20th season of outdoor films, entertainment, and food trucks. The series runs weekly through Aug. 28.
May 16, 2024
VIDEO: Beavers ‘do it better’: King County is updating its approach to habitat restoration to capitalize on the unique talents of recovering wildlife
As the region’s beaver population recovers, King County ecologists are modernizing their approach to salmon habitat restoration to accommodate a native species that improves water quality and adds ecological complexity.
Apr. 24, 2024
Executive Constantine tours King County’s largest-ever floodplain restoration project, improving habitat and protecting farmland along the Snoqualmie River
King County successfully completed the 145-acre Fall City Floodplain Restoration Project, improving habitat and protecting farmland and homes along the Snoqualmie River.
Mar. 29, 2024
Research by Hazardous Waste Management Program in King County drives historic state law banning sale of lead-contaminated cookware
Research into lead-contaminated cookware by the Hazardous Waste Management Program in King County has resulted in a new state law prohibiting the sale of cookware tainted with the metal that is linked to a wide range of serious health concerns.
Mar. 28, 2024
King County secures $500 million commitment from EPA for critical wastewater investments that protect water quality and prepare for climate impacts while lowering finance costs
The King County Wastewater Treatment Division secured a $498.3 million loan package from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to complete 14 infrastructure projects that will help improve water quality, while saving millions in interest costs.
Feb. 29, 2024
King County crews quickly stop a combined sewer overflow that occurred overnight in South Park during heavy rainfall
King County Wastewater Treatment Division crews responded just after 2 a.m. today to an electrical malfunction at a pump station in Seattle’s South Park neighborhood, quickly stopping the overflow and initiating a cleanup.
Feb. 22, 2024
VIDEO: ‘We were going to have to build a new workforce right here in King County’: How an award-winning approach to workforce development produced a new generation of wastewater talent
Facing a wave of retirements in the wastewater treatment industry, King County's Wastewater Treatment Division transformed its approach to workforce development to recruit and train the next generation of talent.
Feb. 8, 2024
Review and comment on a proposal to make recycling, waste reduction services more convenient in northeast King County
A draft environmental impact statement is now available for review for a new state-of-the-art recycling and transfer station in northeast King County. The new King County Solid Waste Division facility will offer major improvements over the current station, including expanded recycling services, and compaction equipment to reduce traffic.
Feb. 6, 2024
Executive Constantine appoints John Taylor as new director for Department of Natural Resources and Parks, selecting a proven leader to reinforce King County’s reputation as a trusted environmental steward
John Taylor, who has succeeded on multiple fronts as the first director of King County’s Department of Local Services, will return to the Department of Natural Resources and Parks as its new director after being appointed by Executive Constantine.
Feb. 6, 2024
Snoqualmie Watershed Forum seeks resident from NE unincorporated King County to help guide salmon recovery work
The Snoqualmie Watershed Forum is looking for a resident of the Snoqualmie and South Fork Skykomish river areas of unincorporated King County to join their group that helps guide salmon recovery efforts. The application deadline is Feb. 18.
Feb. 1, 2024
King County is making it easy to comment on the Flood Management Plan that will guide actions to better prepare the region for more frequent, severe flooding
King County will host two online meetings – on Feb. 15 and March 7 – where the public can learn about and comment on the final draft of the Flood Management Plan, which will guide actions to better prepare the region for increasing flood risks.
Jan. 24, 2024
Climate-resilient infrastructure: King County’s new treatment station in Georgetown has already protected the Duwamish River and Puget Sound from 32 million gallons of pollution
King County’s state-of-the-art Georgetown Wet Weather Treatment Station is one of several climate-resilient capital projects that are better protecting Puget Sound from stormwater and wastewater.