Seattle’s Elliott Bay is about to get a major makeover, and it’s not just cosmetic. With a $400 million upgrade to the Elliott West Wet Weather Treatment Station, the city is taking a bold step to keep its waters clean and its iconic bay sparkling. This project is far from your typical infrastructure upgrade; it’s a mission to protect Seattle’s future by ensuring cleaner water, preparing for heavier storms, and keeping the city’s ecosystem thriving.
King County Taps Kiewit Infrastructure West for the Job
King County’s Wastewater Treatment Division has enlisted Kiewit Infrastructure West, a construction powerhouse, to lead this transformation. Think of them as the pit crew in this high-stakes race toward a cleaner Seattle. The upgrade aims to meet rising sewage demands, comply with stricter environmental regulations, and future-proof Seattle’s wastewater system for the unpredictable forces of nature—like those increasingly fierce storms.
The project budget lands between $400 million and $450 million, with $220 million set aside specifically for construction. It’s not just about keeping the bay fresh—it’s about ensuring Seattle doesn’t start smelling like, well, a sewer.
Why Elliott West Needs an Upgrade Now
The Elliott West Wet Weather Treatment Station has been Seattle’s stormwater superhero since 2005, kicking in when heavy rains hit. But like any hero, it needs an upgrade to stay ahead of the game. Tougher environmental rules, a growing population, and fiercer storms mean the station needs to level up. This new-and-improved facility will be equipped to handle whatever Seattle throws at it (or flushes down the drain).
According to King County spokesperson Akiko Oda, this upgrade will help Seattle stay one step ahead, ensuring Elliott Bay doesn’t become overwhelmed by untreated stormwater and sewage. In other words, this project is all about keeping the city fresh—both literally and figuratively.
Part of Seattle’s $10 Billion “Clean & Green” Plan
The Elliott West project is just one piece of a much bigger puzzle. Seattle has committed to a $10 billion investment over the next decade to overhaul its water infrastructure, reducing pollution, fortifying the city against storms, and keeping its water systems running like a well-oiled machine. With 14 other projects lined up, Seattle’s making sure its urban growth and climate change challenges are met head-on.
Cities across the U.S. are rushing to modernize their aging sewer systems, and Seattle’s leading the charge. The Elliott West project is a key step in drastically reducing the chance of storm-related sewage overflows into Elliott Bay.
What’s Under the Hood: High-Tech Upgrades
Once the project kicks off in 2027, the Elliott West station will become a high-tech marvel. The upgrade will feature cutting-edge water treatment tech, including advanced screening systems, ballasted sedimentation (a super-efficient way to clean water), and ultraviolet disinfection. Essentially, Seattle’s wastewater will be getting the VIP treatment before it ever touches Elliott Bay.
While construction will take several years, with completion slated for 2032, the result will be one of the most advanced wastewater treatment systems in the country. Once it’s all said and done, Seattle’s water infrastructure will be state-of-the-art—and its waters, crystal clear.
The Dream Team: Kiewit and Jacobs
Big projects require big players. Jacobs, a Dallas-based engineering giant, will design the upgraded station, while Kiewit Infrastructure West, out of Omaha, Nebraska, will steer the construction phase. For now, Kiewit is handling preconstruction tasks like risk management and planning, ensuring the project stays on track and on budget. With their combined expertise, Seattle is in good hands.
Why Elliott Bay Matters to Seattle
Elliott Bay isn’t just a scenic backdrop for the city; it’s a vital part of Seattle’s ecosystem, culture, and economy. From the salmon swimming in its waters to the businesses that thrive along its shores, keeping the bay clean benefits everyone. The Elliott West project is a cornerstone in Seattle’s commitment to safeguarding its natural resources for future generations.
It’s not just about meeting environmental regulations—it’s about preserving the beauty, health, and vitality of the bay for decades to come.
Looking Forward
As Seattle gears up for construction to begin in 2027, the city is showing that it’s playing the long game. Cleaner waters, reduced pollution, and an infrastructure that can take on anything Mother Nature dishes out—it’s an investment in the future that’s worth every penny. Sure, the project will take time, but when it’s finished, Elliott Bay will be healthier, cleaner, and better protected than ever.
Want to dive deeper into the details? Check out the full scoop on Construction Dive or visit Construo.
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