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2013EnvironmentReport
SeattleCityLightisstudyingsalmonhabitatrestorationoptionswiththeWashingtonDepartmentofFishandWildlifeandtheSkagitRiverSystemCooperativefortheBarnabySloughsectionoftheSkagitRiver.OurMissionSeattleCityLightisdedicatedtoexceedingourcustomersexpectationsinproducinganddeliveringenvironmentallyresponsiblesafelow-costandreliablepower.
Thenaonsgreenestulity.ThatsaboldstatementbutoneSealeCityLightbacksupwithmorethanacenturyofprovidingpowerfromcleanrenewableresourcesandahistoryofconservaonandenvironmentalstewardship.CityLightsevoluonasaulitycompanywithasustainablefocusstartedwhenSealeresidentsapprovedalargebondissuetodevelopahydroelectricfacilityontheCedarRiver.ItwasthebeginningofpublicpowerinSealefoundedonacleanrenewableresource.In1905SealeCityLightwasbornandsoonaeritssecondsuperintendentJ.D.RosshadavisiontoharnessthewatersoftheSkagitRiverandcreateaddionalhydroelectricpowerforthecity.Intheearly1980sCityLightwasfacedwithanotherchoicebuildRossDamhigherorndanothersoluon.OnceagaintheulityshedtheconvenonalthinkingofthemeinfavorofanemergingconceptintheulityindustryEnvironmentalstewardshipisgoodforbusinesscustomersandthecommunity.InsteadofbuildingthedamhighertoproducemoreelectricitySealesignedanagreementwithCanadasBCHydrothatprovidesCityLightanequalamountofenergy.SimultaneouslyaninternaonalfundandcommissionwereestablishedtoprotecttheupperSkagitwatershed.DedicatedtothesustainabilityofourresourcesSeattleCityLightiscommittedtoprovidingreliableaffordablepowerwhileprotectingtheenvironment.Thisgoalhasdriveneveryaspectofouroperationsformorethanthreedecades.JorgeCarrascoGeneralManagerandCEOSeattleCityLightEnvironmentReport20131CleanrenewablehydropoweristheprimarysourceofelectricityforSeattleCityLightcustomers.CityLightsBoundaryDamproducesabout27percentofallthepowertheutilitydelivers.
2EnvironmentReport2013SeattleCityLightTodayabout50percentofthepowerdeliveredbyCityLighttotheGreaterSealeareacomesfromitsowndamsontheSkagitToltPendOreilleandCedarrivers.AddionalelectricityispurchasedfromtheBonnevillePowerAdministraon.HydropowerisaprimaryreasonCityLightsgreenhouse-gasemissionsarelow.CityLightfurtherreducescarbonemissionswithaggressiveeciencyandconservaonprogramswhichalsohelpcommercialindustrialandresidenalcustomerssaveenergy.In2000CityLightsolditsshareofacoal-redpowerplantwhileincreasinginvestmentsinrenewableenergysourcesandenergy-ecientprograms.In2005CityLightbecametherstelectriculityintheUnitedStatestoachievezero-netcarbonemissionsbyfullyosengemissionscreatedbyday-to-dayoperaonsandthepowerCityLightpurchasestosupplementitsowncleanhydroelectricgeneraon.CityLightrecognizesthatthewaterusedtoprovidecleanenergytoourcustomersisvitaltoshandwildlife.ItisalsoasourceofscenicbeautyandprovidesrecreaonalopportuniesthatarecricaltothequalityoflifeintheNorthwest.ForthesereasonsCityLightiscommiedtoresourceproteconenvironmentalstewardshipandenvironmentaleducaon.Ourenvironmentalcommitmentisembeddedinthesix-yearStrategicPlanfortheulitywhichwasapprovedbytheCityCouncilin2012.CityLightseortsalsoarefundamentaltotheSealeClimateAconPlansgoalofmakingSealeacarbon-neutralcityby2050.ThisareaalongBoulderCreekwasamongthelandacquiredbySeattleCityLighttoconserveshandwildlifehabitat.CityLightsrstenvironmentalreporttracedthehistoryofenvironmentalstewardshipwithintheulitythrough2008andintroducedourenvironmentalandconservaonprograms.Inthisreportdiscoverourachievementsoverthepastveyearsandlearnhowtheulityintendstoraiseitsowngreenbarevenhigher.
SeattleCityLightEnvironmentReport20133ProtectingandRestoringFishandWildlifeHabitatSince2008CityLighthasacquired1904acresofwildlifehabitatexpandingthelandsintheSkagitRiverHydroelectricProjectWildlifeMigaonProgramtoatotalof10229acres.Theselandsprovidecricalhabitatforawiderangeofanimals.Someofthenewlyacquiredacreagehashighqualityold-growthconiferforest.CityLightalsoacquired768acresintheSkagitandToltriverdrainagesspecicallytoprotecthabitatforthreatenedandendangeredsh.Theulitynowowns2700acresofkeyspawningandrearinghabitatforChinooksalmonsteelheadandbulltrout.CombinedwithwildlifehabitatparcelsCityLightnowprotectsatotalof12929acresofland.IndegradedareasCityLightrounelyworkswithfederalandstateagenciestribesandenvironmentalnonprotstorestoreandimproveshandwildlifehabitat.Theulityremovesunnecessaryroadscontrolsweedsplantstreesshrubsandgrassesandrepairsdamagefrompublicaccess.RecentrestoraonacviesconductedincollaboraonwithagenciesandtribesincludeRemovinganoldleveefromalongIllabotCreeknearitsconuencewiththeSkagitRivertoimprovesalmonspawninghabitat.ReplanngeldswithtreestorecreateforestedwetlandhabitatnearSavageSlough.ToltRiverrestorationareaIn2011CityLightreceivedanawardfromtheAmericanFisheriesSocietyforriparianhabitatrestorationworkalongtheToltRiver.Thisprojectwasaccomplishedwithseveralpartnersandinvolvedrelocatingleveestoreconnect55acresattheoodplainconuenceoftheToltandSnoqualmierivers.RemovinganoxiousweedJapaneseknotweedfromriparianhabitatalongtheSkagitRiver.RemovingtwonoxiousweedspurpleloosestrifeandyellowirisfromBoundaryreservoirshorelines.ImprovingelkforagehabitatalongtheupperSkagitRivernearRockport.SeattleCityLightisaninvaluableconservationpartnerforSkagitLandTrust.ForyearsthetrustandCityLighthavecooperatedcloselytoprotectcriticalsalmonhabitatalongtheSkagitRiverandmajortributaries.MollyDoranExecutiveDirectorSkagitLandTrust
4EnvironmentReport2013SeattleCityLightProtectingFishThehistoricalspawninggroundsforsalmonintheSkagitRiverarelocateddownstreamofCityLightsdamsbelowanaturalmigraonbarrier.Howeverifowsarenotcarefullymanagedthewaterusedinpoweroperaonscannegavelyimpactsalmondownstream.CityLightmanagesriver-owlevelstoprotectsalmonandsteelheadeggsfromtoomuchortoolilewaterintheriverandtoprotectjuvenileshfrombeingstranded.CityLightsaconsconnuetocontributetomaintaininglargehealthypopulaonsofnavesalmonspeciesintheSkagitRiver.In2012CityLightreceivedbiologicalopinionsdevelopedbytheU.S.FishandWildlifeServiceandNaonalMarineFisheriesServiceforthethreethreatenedshspeciesaectedbytheSkagitRiverProject.TheagenciesconcludedthatCityLightsowmanagementmeasureslikelyimprovetheoverallsurvivalofbulltroutsteelheadandChinooksalmonintheSkagitRiver.Conservaonmeasuresinthebiologicalopinionsensurethataddionalhabitatforthesespeciesisacquiredandprotected.BoundaryDamwasbuiltwithoutshpassagefaciliesbecausedownstreamdamsblockedsalmonmigraonstotheprojectarea.Declinesinlocalshspeciespopulaonshoweverhaveincreasedthefocusonimprovingcondionsformigrangresidentsh.ThenewlicensefortheBoundaryHydroelectricProjectwhichwasissuedinMarch2013includesmeasurestoimprovethesurvivalofshpassingthroughturbinesoroverspillwaysreducetheriskofshbecomingtrappedinisolatedpoolsduringSpawningpinksalmonGoodellCreek.owreduconsenableshtomigrateupstreamofthedamandestablishself-sustainingpopulaonsofmountainwhiteshcuhroattroutandbulltroutinthetributariestoBoundaryreservoir.CityLightutilizesriver-owmeasuresestablishedunderthe1991sheriessettlementagreementfortheSkagitHydroelectricProjectlicensethe1988settlementagreementfortheToltHydroelectricProjectLicenseandthe2000InstreamFlowAgreementfortheCedarRiverhabitatconservationplan.
SeattleCityLightEnvironmentReport20135ContributingtoScienceCityLightunderstandsthattheessenceofsoundscalenvironmentalmanagementliesintheabilitytoembracescience-baseddecision-making.TolicenseallitshydroelectricprojectsCityLightdevelopedasetofenvironmentalmeasuresthatwerebasedonsciencresearch.ResearchtoinformouroperaonsandgaugethesuccessofenvironmentalstewardshipaconsconnuesatourSkagitRiverBoundaryandToltprojectsinpartnershipwithstateandfederalagenciestribesandnonprotorganizaons.FishResearchUnderstandingthelifehistoriesandabundanceoftheshspeciesoccurringintheSkagitPendOreilleToltandCedarriversisanimportantpartofconrmingwhethermeasurestakenbyCityLighttoprotectshareeecve.ResultsofsomeofourrecentsheriesstudiesincludeToltRiverSteelheadAtaggingstudyofjuvenilesummersteelheadthatliveaboveacanyonalongtheToltRiverprovideddataonhowlongtheshstayabovethecanyonwhentheyleavetheiresmatedageandhowfasttheyaregrowing.ArecentgenecstudyconrmedthatthesummersteelheadpopulaonfoundabovetheToltCanyonisdierentfromthewintersteelheadpopulaonfoundbelowthecanyon.SkagitRiverBullTroutGenecsAcomprehensivebulltroutgenecsstudyfoundthatpopulaonsofthisspeciesareextremelydiverseintheSkagitRiverdrainagewithgenecallyuniquepopulaonsBulltroutandthisDollyVardenarespeciesofnativechartrout-likeshinthesalmonfamily.Inthesummerof2013thersttwoadultsteelheadtaggedin2010returnedtothesouthforkoftheToltRiverontheirwayupstreamtotheToltCanyon.CityLightisaleaderinsponsoringgeneticresearchstudiestoimprovethemanagementofthreatenedshspeciesinthePacicNorthwest.presentinalmosteverymajorstream.MostimportantthebulltroutpresentinthethreeSkagitreservoirsaregenecallyverydierentfromthosefounddownstreamoftheSkagitRiverProjectandhavelikelybeenisolatedfromtheshinthelowerwatershedsincetheendofthelasticeage.SkagitRiverSteelheadHatcheryandWildSteelheadInteraconsThisstudywasconductedtoassesswhetherhatcherysteelheadhaveharmfulecologicalandorgenecimpactsonwildsteelheadpopulaonsintheSkagitwatershed.Itfoundthat11to20percentofwildsteelheadexhibithatcherygenecmarkers.SkagitRiverProjectNaveCharPopulaonsThisstudyfoundthatbulltroutpopulaonshaveincreasedalmost10-foldintheRossLakedrainageoverthepastdecadealikelyresultfromamajorchangeintheforagebasefortheseshoverthisperiod.ThisstudyalsodiscoveredthatDollyVardenarepresentalongwithbulltroutinallthreeSkagitreservoirswhichmaybetheonlylakesintheUnitedStateswherebothoftheseshspeciesarefoundtogether.
6EnvironmentReport2013SeattleCityLightBoundaryProjectMountainWhiteshThisstudyofmountainwhiteshanavesalmonidspeciesdiscoveredinthePendOreilleRiverfoundthatpopulaonsinBoundaryreservoirweresmallerthanexpectedduetolowsurvivalofeggs.Resultsarebeingusedtoimprovespawninghabitatinthereservoir.WildlifeResearchTheNorthCascadesisoneofthemostruggedisolatedandleaststudiedareasinWashington.TheSkagitRiverHydroelectricProjectWildlifeMigaonProgramprovidesgrantfundingforwildliferesearchintheNorthCascadesecosystemtouniversiesagenciesandconsulngrms.Thegrantprogramplacesanemphasisongraduatestudentresearchandeducaon.FindingsfromrecentstudiesincludeMountainGoatPopulaonConnecvityintheCascadeRangeofWashingtonandSouthernBrishColumbiaThisstudyanalyzedthegenecmakeupofgoats.Itidenedroadsassignicantbarrierstomovementwithnegaveimpactstotheoverallhealthofthegoatherds.WolverineDistribuonandEcologyintheNorthCascadesEcosystemThisongoinglong-termradio-telemetrystudyconrmedwolverinesintheNorthCascadesidenedbreedinglocaonsquanedterritorysizeanddeterminedkeyhabitatrequirements.CascadesCarnivoreConnecvityResearcherscollectedhairsamplesfromhundredsofblackbearsintheNorthCascadesandfoundgenecdierencesinbearsnorthandsouthofstateRoute2.ModelingindicatedthatblackbearsmovementsintheNorthCascadesmaybelimitedbyhighelevaonsandruggedtopography.Thisndinghighlightstheimportanceofmaintainingconneconsbetweenlowerelevaonhigh-qualityforestedhabitatsforblackbears.ClimateResearchTheSkagitRiverwatershedcontainsalmost400glacierscoveringabout50squaremiles.Theglaciersprovide6to18percentoftotalsummerrunofortheriver.Butthisvaluableresourceisshrinkingdeclining50percentinthelastcenturyinsomeSeattleCityLight-fundedresearchconrmedthepresenceofwolverinesintheNorthCascadesandprovidedinsightsintotheirbehaviors.SeattleCityLightshydroelectricdamsincludingDiabloDamdependonmountainsnowpacktoprovidewatertogenerateelectricityinthesummerwhichiswhyCityLightisdoingwhatitcantoaddressclimatechange.
SeattleCityLightEnvironmentReport20137WorkingwithNatureNaturalhabitatsalongCityLightselectricaltransmissioncorridorsareasourceofcleanwatercarbonstorageandcroppollinators.Thesehabitatsbenetallofusandareessenaltosustainingtheregionsenvironmentalhealth.In2013CityLightbegananEnvironmentalLeadershipIniavetostudythewayvegetaonismanagedalongtransmission-linecorridors.Thereisanaturalsequenceofchangesknownassuccessioninthetypesofplantslivingthere.Theulitywillusethisnaturalsuccessiontohelpmanagevegetaonandimprovethevalueofhabitatwhileensuringsafeandreliableelectricityforitscustomers.SeattleCityLightmanagesvegetationalongitstransmissionrights-of-waywiththegoalofimprovingwildlifehabitatwhileprotectingthereliabledeliveryofelectricity.SeattleCityLighthasplayedaleadingroleinhelpingtounderstandtheimpactsofawarmingclimateonwaterresourcesintheSkagitbasin.TheyhavecontributednancialandlogisticalsupporttomonitorsnowpacktheglacialcontributiontostreamowandstreamwatertemperatureintheSkagitValley.JonL.RiedelNationalParkServicegeologistNorthCascadesNationalParkareaswithclimatechangeplayingthemajorrole.CityLightiscollaborangwiththeNaonalParkServiceandotherpartnerstofundresearchonhowclimatechangewillaectglaciersovermeandwhatthelossofglacierswillmeanforstreamowsandtemperaturesshhabitatandhydropowergeneraonontheSkagitRiver.CityLightstransmissiontowersanddistribuonpolesalsoprovidearacvestructuresfornesngosprey.NestsonpowerpolescanbeproblemacforthedeliveryofelectricityandhazardousforthebirdssoCityLightworkswithlocallandownersanospreyexpertandtheWashingtonDepartmentofFishandWildlifetoprovidealternavelocaonsfornesngospreysthatavoidthoserisks.Since2010CityLighthasinstalledthreeospreynesngplaormsthroughoutSealewithtwoothersplannedfor2014.NestingplatformsinstalledbyCityLightgiveospreysalternativestobuildingnestsonpowerpoles.
8EnvironmentReport2013SeattleCityLightContributingtoEnvironmentalEducationCityLightemployeesarecommiedtocaringfortheenvironment.Itispartofourmissiontopromoteenvironmentaleducaonforourcustomerschildrenandadults.OnewaywedothisisbysponsoringannualeldtripsforSealepublicelementaryschoolswithethnicdemographicsthathavebeenunder-representedinnaturalresourcecareers.ScienstsfromCityLightsEnvironmentalAairsDivisiontookstudentstovisitasiteontheCedarRiverfortheninthyearin2013.CityLightsSkagitToursstrengthenthebondsbetweenpeopleandnature.Dangbacktothelate1930sthetoursconnuetobeoeredduringthesummer.Since2011thetourshavebeenconductedinpartnershipwiththeNaonalParkServiceandtheNorthCascadesInstutewithmoreemphasisonenvironmentaleducaon.AguidedboattriponDiabloLakebeaufullyillustratestheconneconbetweentheNorthCascadesenvironmentandCityLightsenergyproducon.AnotherexampleisCityLightspartnershipwiththeNorthCascadesEnvironmentalLearningCenterbuiltbyCityLighttoprovideenvironmentaleducaon.AmongitsprogramsisMountainSchoolathree-dayimmersionlearningexperiencefor5thgradersfromschoolsaroundPugetSound.Thecenteralsooersavarietyofworkshopsforadultsthree-weekeldlearningcoursesforteenagersandagraduateprograminenvironmentaleducaon.CityLightscienstshavegivenmulplepresentaonsatthecenteroverthepastveyears.CityLighthelpedestablishtheSkagitEnvironmentalEndowmentCommissionaspartofanagreementwithCanadatonotbuildRossDamhigherandtheulityprovidesongoingadministraveandtechnicalsupportforthegroup.Thecommissionconnuestoinvestmorethan500000everyyearinenvironmentalrecreaonandeducaonalprojects.StudentsfromMartinLutherKingJr.ElementaryvisittheCedarRiver.AboatrideonDiabloLakeisjustoneofthehighlightsofaSkagitTour.
SeattleCityLightEnvironmentReport20139OperatingEfcientlyAtCityLightenvironmentalstewardshipextendsbeyondprotecngthenaturalresourcesatourpowerplantsandenvironmentaleducaon.Reducingwasterecyclingminimizinguseofchemicalsandsavingenergyareallimportantongoingprogramsthatarepartofourrouneoperaons.Theseprogramsnotonlybenettheenvironmentbutalsosavemoney.RecyclingCityLightrecyclespapercardboardglassplascmetalceramicsmercuryuorescentlightsbaeriesyardwasteandanfreeze.Glassandmetalbandsfromelectricmetersceramicsfromelectricalequipmentmetalsfromtransformersandburned-outcompactuorescentlampsfromcustomersarealsorecycledalongwithanabundanceofothermaterials.ReducingPaperUseCityLighthasconnueditspaperreduconeortswhichbeganasthePapercutsProgramin2005.Theulityhasreducedpaperusagebyatleast30percenteachyearcomparedtothebaselineyearpriortothestartoftheprogram.PurchasingGreenCityLighthasulizedgreenpurchasingpraccesformanyyears.ThismeansthatProductsusedbyCityLightformaintenanceandoperaonsareevaluatedforenvironmentalandsafetycriteriasuchasrecycledcontentorreducedtoxins.ThosethatmeetstringentstandardsareRecyclableYearinpounds20082009201020112012Paperandcardboard172855169345160575166352146125Plasc13891569125610041148Aluminumcans427386472321238Scrapmetal531223720020Aluminum268237143860Copper540809976280Alkalinebaeries29692026122631172332HIDlampsnumberoflamps2003697831482873629634Year20082009201020112012SCLPaperUsagereams112241138411035956510950Percentreducon3130324133frombaselineAllnewoverheadtransformersandmanyothersarelledwithaUSDABioPreferredesteriedvegetableoil.
10EnvironmentReport2013SeattleCityLighttestedbyemployees.Productsthatperformwellbecometheapprovedsupplieswhilenewproductsconnuetobeevaluatedandapproved.Chemicalsareevaluatedforenvironmentalandsafetyconcerns.Alternavesareassessedforproductsofconcernandsubstuonsarerecommendedwherefeasible.Computerspurchasedbytheulitymustmeetstrictenvironmentalstandards.ForseveralyearsallthepurchasedcomputershavemetthehigherE-PEATElectronicProductEnvironmentalAssessmentToolgoldstandard.Tomeetthatstandardthecomputersuselesstoxicmateriallessenergyandareeasiertorecycle.AllnewoverheadtransformersandmanyothertransformersarelledwithaUSDABioPreferredesteriedvegetableoilasustainablysourcedlowtoxicitybiodegradableproduct.Bio-basedchainsawoilandhydraulicuidsareusedandbio-basedturbineoilsarealsobeinginvesgated.CityLighthasbeenusingwoodpolesthataretreatedwithcoppernaphthenateformorethan20years.ThisistheonlywoodpreservaveapprovedforpolesinsertedundergroundthatisnotarestrictedusepescideaccordingtotheU.S.EnvironmentalProteconAgency.Theulityscedarpolesaredippedinavatofthepreservavesoonlytheboomofthepoleistreatedtheburiedpartplusafewextrafeet.Thetopofthepoleisuntreatedandnaturallyrot-resistantwesternredcedar.SavingEnergyInaddiontohelpingourcustomerssaveenergyandmoneyCityLighttakespridesinitsowneortstobemoreenergyecient.Severalrecentexamplesaredescribedbelow.Since2010SealeCityLightconverted40000streetlightstoenergy-ecientlight-emingdiodesLED.Thenewstreetlightswillreducetheamountofenergyusedbyupto60percentandsavetheCityofSealeabout2.4millionayearinoperangcosts.CityLightownsover50housesforemployeesworkingattheSkagitRiverHydroelectricProjectinthetownsofNewhalemandDiablo.Builtbetween1925and1960noneofthesehomesmetcurrentenergyeciencystandards.In2010CityLightembarkedonaprogramtoinstallheatpumpsinsulaonandenergyecientwindowsallwhilepreservingthehistoriccharacteriscsofthehouses.Whencompletetheprojectwillmakethehomesmorecomfortableandsaveenergyandmoney.ReducingWasteRestoringBuildingsDidyouknowthatCityLighthasalmost90structuresthatarelistedontheNaonalRegisterofHistoricPlacesManyoftheseoldbuildingsarelocatedinthehistorictownsofNewhalemandDiabloattheSkagitRiverHydroelectricProject.Severalofthesebuildingshavenotbeenusedinrecentyearsbecausetheywereinpoorcondionandcostagreatdealtoheatandmaintain.InsteadoftearingthemdownandreplacingthemwithnewconstruconCityLighthasrestoredthesehistoricbuildingsupgradedtheirenergysystemsandputthemtonewuse.Restoraonsavesmaterialsreduceswasteandpreservesourhistory.ProtectingOurWatersCuttingEmissionsTomaintainundergroundpowerlinesandtransformersCityLightworkersoenhavetopumpoutwateranddebrisfromthevaultswherethatequipmentislocated.Currentlythatwastewatermustbetruckedtoadistantfacilityforltraonanddisposal.TosaveRossLodgebeforeandafterrenovationBuiltin1938thelodgewasaone-and-a-half-storybuildingtohousesinglemenwhosharedcommoneatingandloungingareas.Itnowservesasameetingandconferencefacility.
SeattleCityLightEnvironmentReport201311moneyprotectlocalwaterwaysandreducetripsandcarbonemissionsCityLightbeganconstruconin2013ofanewdecantandcarbonltraonfacility.Onceinoperaonthesystemwillseparatestormwaterandmoisturefromsolidmaterial.Withoutthewaterthoseremainingsolidsaresignicantlylighterthereforeitwontcostasmuchtohaulthemawayandproperlydisposeofthem.Theliquidsstayatthefacilityandarepumpedthroughaseriesoflterstoremovecontaminants.OncelteredthewaterisdischargedtoKingCountyssanitarysewerforaddionaltreatment.ConservingEnergyResourcesEnergysavingsareaprimaryfocusforCityLightbecauseenergyeciencyistheleastcostleastrisklowestenvironmentalimpactmeansofensuringwecanmeetSealesgrowingneedsinasustainableway.For35yearsCityLighthashelpedourcustomersbecomemoreenergyecient.The2012goalwas14averageMegawasanincreaseof66percent.OverthelastfouryearsCityLighthassecuredmostofitsenergysavingsfromenergy-ecientlighng.SavingscomefromresidenalcommercialindustrialandstreetlighngcustomersandspanavarietyoftechnologiesfromcompactuorescentlampstoLEDs.SomeexamplesincludeTheulitysQuickLighngUpgradeIniavehelpedbusinesscustomersupgradetheirobsoleteT-12uorescentlighngtonewenergysavingT-8technology.Ineightmonthsbetween2008and2009theprogramretroedmorethan148500xturesforanenergysavingsofmorethan41millionkilowa-hours.Thatsenoughelectricitysavingstorunabout4800homesforanenreyear.Throughourretailpartnerstheulityhasoeredcustomersincenvesthatresultedinthepurchaseofmorethan4millioncompactuorescentlamps.Innovaondrivestheenergyconservaoneldandtheulityisexploringinnovaveincenvesandkeepingtrackoftechnologicaladvancestodelivercost-eecveenergysavingsforitscustomers.Commercialbuildingsslloersignicantenergysavingspotenalandtheulitymayneedtooernewprogramsandincenvestosecuresavingsfromthesebuildings.TechnologyischangingquicklyasiswitnessedbytherapidadoponofLEDlighngtechnology.WithinthelastfewyearsLEDlighngtechnologyhasbecomemoreaordableandavailable.SealeCityLightsconservaonprogramshaveseenthisenergy-ecientlighngtechnologygaintraconasamainstreamlighngoponacrossallmarketsectors.SupportingNewRenewableEnergyResourcesSealeCityLightdemonstratesitsconnuingcommitmenttocleanenergybybuildingonitshydroelectriclegacywiththeacquisionofnewrenewableresources.SinceJanuary2009CityLighthascontractedfor1.1millionMegawa-hoursofelectricityfromtheColumbiaRidgelandllgasplantandKingCountysWestPointcogeneraonplantalongwiththeassociatedenvironmentalaributescalledrenewableenergycreditsthrough2021.Theulityalsocontractedfor2.4millionrenewableenergycreditsfrom16windprojectsonegeothermalplantandonelandllgasprojectthrough2021.ThesepurchaseswillallowCityLighttoreliablyserveourcustomersneedforenergyandhelptheulitymeettherequirementsofI-937.Thevoter-approvedmeasurerequires15percentofCityLightsenergyporolioby2020tocomefromrenewableenergySeattleCityLightshouldbeapplaudedforitspreservationeffortsrecentlycompletedintheSkagitNationalRegisterHistoricDistrict.TherehabilitationworkontheGorgeInntheanchorbuildingalongoldMainStreetinNewhalemistop-notchandreectsanunderstandingofandcommitmenttopreservationbytheutility.LikewisethepreservationworkcompletedontheRossLodgeinDiabloisequallyimpressive.Theutilityisembracingstewardshipoftheiruniqueculturalresourcesinaboldandthoughtfulmanner.OurhatsareofftoSeattleCityLightGretchenLuxenbergCulturalResourcesSpecialistwiththeNationalParkService
12EnvironmentReport2013SeattleCityLightresourcesdevelopedaer1997.AddionallySealeCityLightsGreenUpprogramallowscustomerstoinvestinnewsourcesofrenewableenergygeothermalwindbiogassolarbypayingalilemoreontheirelectricitybills.Morethan14000customersparcipateinthiseortwhichalsosupportsrenewableenergydemonstraonandeducaonprojects.ThelatestGreenUpdemonstraonprojectisSonicBloomasolar-poweredworkofartconsisngofveowersupto33feettallatPacicScienceCenter.CityLightfurtheroersavarietyofwaysforcustomerstogosolarincludinganaward-winningCommunitySolarprogramwithlocaonsatJeersonParkandtheSealeAquariumandbypartneringwiththelocalnonprotNorthwestSustainableEnergyforEconomicDevelopmentonaSolarizeSealecampaign.CommunitySolarparcipantsownaporonofalargerpublic-orientedsolarinstallaonandreceivecreditsontheirbillthrough2020.Solarizeprovideseducaonandtechnicalsupportthatempowerneighborhoodstogosolarthroughfreeworkshopssolarsiteassessmentsandaordablegrouppurchasingandnancing.TheseeortshavesignicantlycontributedtoincreasedawarenessaboutsolarpowerandthenumberofsystemsinstalledintheulitysserviceterritoryCommunitySolaratJeersonParkandtheSealeAquariumtotal73kWSolarizeNorthwestSealeJanuaryJuly2013resultedin141newsolarinstallaonsequalingallpreviousSolarizeSealecampaignscombinedSolarizeCentralSoutheastSealeMayDecember2013resultedin75newinstallaonsasofmid-November2013Newsolarcustomersin2013est.450wasexpectedtoalmostdoublethosein2012234CityLightishometothelargestcustomersolarinstallaoninthestateatCenturyLinkEventCenter780kWandthegreenestcommercialbuildingintheworldtheBulliCenterwhichhasa240kWsolarinstallaon.600500400300200100020072010201120122013est.2014est.20092008AnnualNewCustomerSolarInstallationSeattleCityLightinstalledSonicBloomatPacifcScienceCenterasanartisticwaytodemonstratehowsolarworksinSeattle.ByadoptinginnovativetechnologyandworkingwitharchitectsengineersaswellastradealliesCityLightleadsthewaytoincreasedenergysavings.
SeattleCityLightEnvironmentReport201313MakingSmartDecisionsfortheFutureSealeCityLighthasnotonlyachievedcarbonneutralityithasalsoadoptedanintegratedresourceplanthatreliesononlynewrenewableenergyresourcesandenergyeciencytomeetfuturecustomerdemand.AlthoughCityLightisreducingcarbonemissionsclimatechangeisaglobalchallengethatcouldaectthelong-termbusinesshealthoftheulity.CityLightshydroelectricdamswhichproducelow-costpowerforourcustomersdependonmountainsnowpacktostorewaterforgenerangelectricitythroughoutthesummer.Climatechangethatbringsmoreprecipitaonasrainorstartsthemelt-oearlierinthespringwouldthreatentheulitysabilitytogeneratetheelectricityitneedstoserveitscustomersinlatesummer.CityLightisdoingwhatitcantoreduceitsclimateimpactandtohelpitscustomersdothesame.InaneorttoreduceitscarbonfootprinttheCityofSealeisturningtogreentechnologiesthatsignicantlyreducetheidlingmesofengineslessenmaintenanceandequipmentdownmeanddecreaseeetfuelconsumpon.CityLightsgoalsfor2014andbeyondincludea30to40percentreduconinfuelusagethroughdiversetechnologiesUseB20biodieselinallSeale-baseddieselequipment.An8020mixofdieselandrecycledbiomassB20isatruerecycledresource.Ulizecompressednaturalgasgasolinedual-fuelequipmentwhichoersacleanerfuelthatcosts60to70percentlessthandieselorgasoline.Addmoreall-electricvehiclestoCityLightsmotorpoolforlocalon-the-jobtravel.Installmoreauxiliarypowerunitsfortheheavyequipmentusedforworksuchaspoledigging.Theseauxiliaryunitssupplyelectricityforemergencylightsystemsbinheatersbaerychargingaswellascabheatinthewinterwithoutrunningtheengine.Thistechnologyeliminatesupto90percentofenginerun-mesavingfuelandreducingtheamountoftrucknoiseintheareaswherewework.In2010theCitysGreenFleetprogramwasnamedtheNo.1GovernmentGreenFleetinNorthAmericaby100BestFleets.Theawardrecognizesexcellentintegraonofalternavefuelsintoexisngoperaonsandcomprehensiveexaminaonofwhereandhowpetroleumreduconpoliciesandprocedurescouldimpacttheeet.CityLightworkswiththeClimateActionReserveandotherthird-partyorganizationstooffsetitsgreenhouse-gasemissionsincludingUsingbiodieselfuelforSeattle-areabussesferriesandgarbagetrucksOfferingelectricshorepowerforcruiseshipsatthePortofSeattleAerobiccompostingoflocalfoodandyardwasteCapturinganddisposingofmethaneatdairyfarmsandlandllsDigestingorganicwastefromaWashingtonStatefoodprocessingfacilityShorepowerforcruiseshipsreducesgreenhousegasemissionsbecausetheshipsdonthavetoruntheirengineswhiletheyreatthedock.
14EnvironmentReport2013SeattleCityLightUsingSkagitProjectrecreaonprogramfundstheU.S.ForestServiceMt.Baker-SnoqualmieandOkanogannaonalforestsconstructedanewseconoftheOldSaukTrailoutsideDarringtontoAmericanDisabilityAct-accessiblestandardsrepairedboatrampsalongtheSkagitandSaukriversandupgradedtrailheadsalongstateRoute20.TheNaonalParkServiceusedSkagitProjectrecreaonprojectfundstocompletetheHozomeenTrailatthenorthendofRossLakeandtoinstallanewgatewaysignatthewestentrancetoNorthCascadesNaonalParkComplex.Areportonthelong-termgenecandpopulaonimpactsofhatcheryprogramsonnavesteelheadintheSkagitRiverwascompletedinpartnershipwiththeSkagitRiverSystemCooperaveUpperSkagitIndianTribeWashingtonDepartmentofFishandWildlifeandtheWildFishConservancy.SkagitRiverProjectWildliferesearchgrantsareawardedincooperaonwiththeNaonalParkServiceU.S.FishandWildlifeServiceWashingtonDepartmentofFishandWildlifeU.S.ForestServiceandSauk-SuitaleTribe.SalmonspawningsurveysattheSkagitandToltprojectsareconductedwithassistancefromtheSwinomishandTulaliptribesrespecvely.CityLightbiologistspartneredwiththeU.S.ForestServiceNaonalParkServiceandlocalvolunteerstomonitorwinteringbaldeaglepopulaonsalongtheSkagitRiver.PeregrinefalconsnesngneartheSkagitProjectaremonitoredbyCityLightbiologistsPartneringforEnvironmentalStewardshipSuccessCityLightunderstandsthatcollaboraonandpartnershipsareintegraltothesuccessofitsenvironmentalstewardshipprograms.Weconnuetodevelopandstrengthenrelaonshipswithfederalstateandlocalgovernmentagenciestribeswatershedcouncilsnonprotenvironmentalorganizaonsandlandtrusts.Someoftheworkwehavedonewithourpartnersoverthepastveyearsissummarizedbelow.Since2011CityLightspopularSkagitTourshavebeenapartnershipwiththeNaonalParkServiceandNorthCascadesInstute.AcquisionandrestoraonofhabitatintheSkagitSaukandToltrivershavebeencompletedinpartnershipwiththeNatureConservancySkagitRiverLandTrustUpperSkagitIndianTribeSkagitRiverSystemCooperaveTulalipTribeSkagitFisheriesEnhancementGroupSkagitWatershedCouncilandSkagitSnohomishandKingcounes.ThespeciescomposionandabundanceofnavecharpopulaonsintheupperSkagitRiverbasinaremonitoredincooperaonwithNaonalParkServiceWashingtonDepartmentofFishandWildlifeandBrishColumbiaMinistryofForestLandandNaturalResourceOperaons.WeedsneartheSkagitToltandBoundaryprojectsaremanagedwithassistancefromtheSkagitFisheriesEnhancementGroupSoundSalmonSoluonsandPendOreilleCountyrespecvely.SeattleCityLightbuilttheEnvironmentalLearningCenterfortheNorthCascadesInstituteandcontinuestoworkinpartnershipwiththeinstituteonprogramsandSkagitTours.incooperaonwiththeWashingtonDepartmentofFishandWildlife.CityLightpartneredwiththeU.S.ForestServiceColvilleNaonalForesttoremoveandrevegetateoldroadsthataccessedseveraldecommissionedwatermonitoringwellsneartheBoundaryProject.
SeattleCityLightEnvironmentReport201315BaconCreekintheSkagitRiverwatershed.
16EnvironmentReport2013SeattleCityLightCelebratingStewardshipAccomplishmentsSealeCityLightishonoredtoreceiverecognionforitscommitmenttoenvironmentalstewardship.2012WastewaterTreatmentPlantOutstandingPerformanceAwardforNewhalemClimateRegisteredstatusinrecognitionofitsclimateleadershipforreportingandverifyingits2010and2011carbonfootprinttothehigheststandardNamedaTreeLineUSAUtilityforbestpracticesinprotectingandenhancingurbanforestsinitsserviceterritory2011WastewaterTreatmentPlantOutstandingPerformanceAwardforNewhalem2011WastewaterTreatmentPlantOutstandingPerformanceAwardforDiabloInnovationAward2011AwardinExcellenceforRiparianManagementfortheToltRiverFloodplainReconnectionProjectCityLightbiologistEdConnorreceivestheSkagitWatershedCouncilAnnualAwardforcontributionstosalmonrecoveryintheSkagitRiverWatershed2010OutstandingWastewaterTreatmentPlantAwardforDiablo2010OutstandingWastewaterTreatmentPlantAwardforNewhalemGreenGlobeAward2009OutstandingWastewaterTreatmentPlantforDiablo2009OutstandingWastewaterTreatmentPlantAwardforNewhalemTheCitysGreenFleetprogramwasrecognizedforitsexcellentintegrationofalternativefuelsintoexistingoperationsandcomprehensiveexaminationofwhereandhowpetroleumreductionpoliciesandprocedurescouldimpacttheeetNominatedforthe2009PublicPowerWindPioneerAward2008OutstandingWastewaterTreatmentPlantAwardforDiablo2009DirectorsAwardworkinhelpingtorestoreWileySloughintheSkagitestuaryNorthCascadesEnvironmentalLearningCenterbuiltbyCityLightisawardedLeadershipinEnergyandEnvironmentalDesignSilverOutstandingStewardsofAmericasWatersAwardinthecategoryofRecreationalEnvironmentalandHistoricalEnhancementforworkdonein2007intheEndangeredFishSpeciesRecoveryImplementationProgramontheSkagitPartnersinRiverStewardshiprecognitionforhelpingtoprotectandrestoretheoutstandingresourcesoftheSkagitRiversystem2007OutstandingWastewaterTreatmentPlantAwardforDiablo201320122011201020092008WashingtonStateDepartmentofEcologyTheClimateRegistryArborDayFoundationWashingtonStateDepartmentofEcologyWashingtonStateDepartmentofEcologyInterstateRenewableEnergyCouncilAmericanFisheriesSocietySkagitWatershedCouncilWashingtonStateDepartmentofEcologyWashingtonStateDepartmentofEcologyKingCountyWashingtonStateDepartmentofEcologyWashingtonStateDepartmentofEcologyGreenFleetMagazineU.S.DepartmentofEnergyWindandHydropowerTechnologiesandtheAmericanPublicPowerAssociationDemonstrationofEnergy-EfcientDevelopmentsWashingtonStateDepartmentofEcologyWashingtonStateDepartmentofFishandWildlifeU.S.GreenBuildingCouncilNationalHydroAssociationU.S.ForestServiceWashingtonStateDepartmentofEcology
Learnmoreaboutourprogramschallengessuccessesandplansforthefuture.BoundaryHydroelectricProjecthpwww.seale.govlightgeneraonboundaryConservaonhpwww.seale.govlightconserveEnvironmentalAairshpwww.seale.govlightenvironmentGreenFleetsCityofSealehpwww.seale.goveetsPastEnvironmentalReporthpwww.seale.govlightenvironmentenvstewrpt_02_2009.pdfSkagitEnvironmentalEndowmentCommissionhpskagiteec.orgSkagitHydroelectricProjecthpwww.seale.govlighttoursskagitFollowCityLighttokeepupwiththelatestnewstrendschallengesandimpactsofourwork.Facebookhpswww.facebook.comSealeCityLightTwierhpstwier.comSEACityLightYouTubehpwww.youtube.comchannelUCXpqQ2CoMECyL2HEkR5_ydgFrontcoverbackcoverandpage15photosbyKeithLazelle.Fishphotoonpage4courtesyofDavidBatchelder.Wolverinephotoonpage6courtesyofU.S.ForestService.Ospreyphotoonpage7courtesyofNealChism.EnvironmentalLearningCenterphotoonpage14courtesyofNorthCascadesInstute.IllabotCreekprovidesimportantspawninghabitatforsalmon.CityLightremovedanoldleveefromthecreeknearitsconuencewiththeSkagitRivertoimproveconditionsforthesh.
ExecuveOce700FihAvenueSuite3200P.O.Box34023SealeWA98124-4023www.seale.govlight206.684.3200SealeCitylightisdedicatedtoexceedingourcustomersexpectaonsinproducinganddeliveringenvironmentallyresponsiblesafelow-costandreliablepower.