The Port of Seattle created the first and only U.S. port-managed Marine Stormwater Utility to address approximately one billion gallons of rainwater that falls annually on the Port’s 1,000 acres of maritime properties. Seventy-two miles (116 km) of pipes carry stormwater into nearby waterways that support important fisheries, regional transportation and trade hubs, and growing city populations. Stormwater is a challenge for the Port, with potential environmental, community, and competitive impacts. It is an important focus of environmental groups, regulators and the public, with stringent national and state permit requirements and risk of third-party lawsuits. The Port’s innovative approach in establishing a stormwater utility transferred management from the City of Seattle and allows the Port to focus exclusively on Port related stormwater, directly target resources for stormwater investments, and guarantees ratepayers greater investment than provided under the city.
Supporting the Port’s environmental stewardship values and goal to ‘be the greenest and most energy efficient port in North America,’ the Utility collects $8.3M/year in fees dedicated to responsibly addressing stormwater: improving infrastructure, expanding best management practices to prevent pollution, piloting innovative treatment, and ultimately improving water quality for endangered salmon and orcas. In 2019, the Utility completed assessment of 72 miles/116 km of stormwater pipes to understand conditions and identify improvements, allowing the Utility to plan future improvements with a goal of 75% system-wide rehabilitation by 2035.
To direct future work, the Utility developed a strategic plan that defines priorities and measures progress. The 2021-2025 Strategic Plan involved extensive stakeholder workshops and provided mission and vision statements:
- Supporting a sustainable Maritime Industry with innovative stormwater management that benefits local communities and marine life
- Leading the way to a clean, healthy and sustainable Puget Sound
The Utility is currently updating the strategic plan, again with stakeholder involvement, to provide direction through 2030.