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Community Corner

Brightwater Treatment Plant Has Its Grand Opening on Saturday

The wastewater system serving north King and south Snohomish counties begins in Woodinville and finishes in Puget Sound off Point Wells.

After five years of construction, the new Brightwater Treatment System will have its grand opening on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The public is invited to the event at at 22509 State Route 9 SE.

Brightwater was built to accommodate the growth of north King and south Snohomish counties and includes the treatment plant, pipes and pumps taking wastewater to and from the plant, and a marine outfall for treated wastewater to enter Puget Sound.

The underground pipes span Woodinville, Kenmore, Lake Forest Park and Shoreline, where the treated effluent will enter Puget Sound a mile off Point Wells near Woodway.

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The outfall construction at Point Wells was completed in 2008, said Brightwater publicist Annie Kolb-Nelson. The remaining work includes restoration of the construction area where the current portal is, restoring it to a natural, beach-like setting. Also in the works, said Kolb-Nelson, is an underground sampling facility and connect the outfall to the 13-mile conveyance line.

In addition to the treatment facilities, on Saturday those attending the grand opening are invited to check out Brightwater’s amenities, which include an education and community center with public meeting space, restored wildlife habitat and 70 acres of publicly accessible open space and trails.

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Highlights of the day include:

  • Official “flipping on the switch”
  • Blessing of the Water ceremony by the Tulalip, Suquamish and Squaxin Tribes
  • Tours of the plant, the art, the habitat and the Brightwater education center.
  • The “Poo Fighters” Operator’s National Competition Team
  • Community resources expo with dozens of exhibits, and a garden clinic
  • Live music with the Pacific Cascade Big Band, Garfield Jazz Band and Seattle Youth Symphony
  • Performance, art, dance and book readings, and activities just for kids
  • Refreshments

Parking is limited on site, and will most likely become full early. To accommodate everyone, a free shuttle will run from the Woodinville Park & Ride, located at 17800 140th Ave. N.E. in Woodinville. Shuttles will run every 20 minutes from 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Patch writer Kendall Lauren contributed to this report. For more pictures of Brightwater, go to .

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