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2014EnvironmentReport SeattleCityLightisstudyingsalmonhabitatrestorationoptionswiththeWashingtonDepartmentofFishandWildlifeandtheSkagitRiverSystemCooperativefortheBarnabySloughsectionoftheSkagitRiver.OurMissionSeattleCityLightisdedicatedtoexceedingourcustomersexpectationsinproducinganddeliveringenvironmentallyresponsiblesafelow-costandreliablepower. Thenaonsgreenestulity.ThatsaboldstatementbutoneSealeCityLightbacksupwithmorethanacenturyofprovidingpowerfromcleanrenewableresourcesandahistoryofconservaonandenvironmentalstewardship.CityLightsevoluonasaulitywithasustainablefocusstartedwhenSealeresidentsapprovedalargebondissuetodevelopahydroelectricfacilityontheCedarRiver.ItwasthebeginningofpublicpowerinSealefoundedonacleanrenewableresource.In1905SealeCityLightwasbornandsoonaeritssecondsuperintendentJ.D.RosshadavisiontoharnessthewatersoftheSkagitRiverandcreateaddionalhydroelectricpowerforthecity.Intheearly1980sCityLightwasfacedwithanotherchoicebuildRossDamhigherorndanothersoluon.OnceagaintheulityshedtheconvenonalthinkingofthemeinfavorofanemergingconceptintheulityindustryEnvironmentalstewardshipisgoodforbusinesscustomersandthecommunity.InsteadofbuildingthedamhighertoproducemoreelectricitySealesignedanagreementwithCanadasBCHydrothatprovidesCityLightanequalamountofenergy.SimultaneouslyaninternaonalfundandcommissionwereestablishedtoprotecttheupperSkagitwatershed.DedicatedtothesustainabilityofourresourcesSeattleCityLightiscommittedtoprovidingreliableaffordablepowerwhileprotectingtheenvironment.Thisgoalhasdriveneveryaspectofouroperationsformorethanthreedecades.JorgeCarrascoGeneralManagerandCEOSeattleCityLightEnvironmentReport20141CleanrenewablehydropoweristheprimarysourceofelectricityforSeattleCityLightcustomers.CityLightsBoundaryDamproducesabout27percentofallthepowertheutilitydelivers. 2EnvironmentReport2014SeattleCityLightTodayabout50percentofthepowerdeliveredbyCityLighttotheGreaterSealeareacomesfromitsowndamsontheSkagitToltPendOreilleandCedarrivers.AddionalelectricityispurchasedfromtheBonnevillePowerAdministraon.HydropowerisaprimaryreasonCityLightsgreenhouse-gasemissionsarelow.CityLightfurtherreducescarbonemissionswithaggressiveeciencyandconservaonprogramswhichalsohelpcommercialindustrialandresidenalcustomerssaveenergy.In2000CityLightsolditsshareofacoal-redpowerplantwhileincreasinginvestmentsinrenewableenergysourcesandenergy-ecientprograms.In2005CityLightbecametherstelectriculityintheUnitedStatestoachievezero-netcarbonemissionsbyfullyosengemissionscreatedbyday-to-dayoperaonsandthepowerCityLightpurchasestosupplementitsowncleanhydroelectricgeneraon.CityLightrecognizesthatthewaterusedtoprovidecleanenergytoourcustomersisvitaltoshandwildlife.ItisalsoasourceofscenicbeautyandprovidesrecreaonalopportuniesthatarecricaltothequalityoflifeintheNorthwest.ForthesereasonsCityLightiscommiedtoresourceproteconenvironmentalstewardshipandenvironmentaleducaon.Ourenvironmentalcommitmentisembeddedinthesix-yearStrategicPlanfortheulitywhichwasapprovedbytheCityCouncilin2012.CityLightsThisareaalongBoulderCreekwasamongthelandacquiredbySeattleCityLighttoconserveshandwildlifehabitat.eortsalsoarefundamentaltotheSealeClimateAconPlansgoalofmakingSealeacarbon-neutralcityby2050.CityLightsrstenvironmentalreporttracedthehistoryofenvironmentalstewardshipwithintheulitythrough2008andintroducedourenvironmentalandconservaonprograms.Inthisreportdiscoverourachievementsoverthepastveyearsandlearnhowtheulityintendstoraiseitsowngreenbarevenhigher. SeattleCityLightEnvironmentReport20143ProtectingandRestoringFishandWildlifeHabitatSince2008CityLighthasacquired1904acresofwildlifehabitatexpandingthelandsintheSkagitRiverHydroelectricProjectWildlifeMigaonProgramtoatotalof10299acres.Theselandsprovidecricalhabitatforawiderangeofanimals.Someofthenewlyacquiredacreagehashighqualityold-growthconiferforest.CityLightalsoacquired768acresintheSkagitandToltriverdrainagesspecicallytoprotecthabitatforthreatenedandendangeredsh.Theulitynowowns2780acresofkeyspawningandrearinghabitatforChinooksalmonsteelheadandbulltrout.CombinedwithwildlifehabitatparcelsCityLightnowprotectsatotalof13079acresofland.IndegradedareasCityLightrounelyworkswithfederalandstateagenciestribesandenvironmentalnonprotstorestoreandimproveshandwildlifehabitat.Theulityplantstreesshrubsandgrassescontrolsweedsremovesunnecessaryroadsandrepairsdamagefrompublicaccess.RecentrestoraonacviesconductedincollaboraonwithagenciesandtribesincludeRemovinganoldleveefromalongIllabotCreeknearitsconuencewiththeSkagitRivertoimprovesalmonspawninghabitat.ReplanngeldswithtreestorecreateforestedwetlandhabitatnearSavageSlough.ToltRiverrestorationareaIn2011CityLightreceivedanawardfromtheAmericanFisheriesSocietyforriparianhabitatrestorationworkalongtheToltRiver.Thisprojectwasaccomplishedwithseveralpartnersandinvolvedrelocatingleveestoreconnect55acresattheoodplainconuenceoftheToltandSnoqualmierivers.RemovinganoxiousweedJapaneseknotweedfromriparianhabitatalongtheSkagitRiver.RemovingtwonoxiousweedspurpleloosestrifeandyellowirisfromBoundaryreservoirshorelines.ImprovingelkforagehabitatalongtheupperSkagitRivernearRockport.SeattleCityLightisaninvaluableconservationpartnerforSkagitLandTrust.ForyearsthetrustandCityLighthavecooperatedcloselytoprotectcriticalsalmonhabitatalongtheSkagitRiverandmajortributaries.MollyDoranExecutiveDirectorSkagitLandTrust 4EnvironmentReport2014SeattleCityLightProtectingFishThehistoricalspawninggroundsforsalmonintheSkagitRiverarelocateddownstreamofCityLightsdamsbelowanaturalmigraonbarrier.Howeverifowsarenotcarefullymanagedthewaterusedinpoweroperaonscannegavelyimpactsalmondownstream.CityLightmanagesriver-owlevelstoprotectsalmonandsteelheadeggsfromtoomuchortoolilewaterintheriverandtoprotectjuvenileshfrombeingstranded.CityLightsaconsconnuetocontributetomaintaininglargehealthypopulaonsofnavesalmonspeciesintheSkagitRiver.In2012CityLightreceivedbiologicalopinionsdevelopedbytheU.S.FishandWildlifeServiceandNaonalMarineFisheriesServiceforthethreethreatenedshspeciesaectedbytheSkagitRiverProject.TheagenciesconcludedthatCityLightsowmanagementmeasureslikelyimprovetheoverallsurvivalofbulltroutsteelheadandChinooksalmonintheSkagitRiver.Conservaonmeasuresinthebiologicalopinionsensurethataddionalhabitatforthesespeciesisacquiredandprotected.BoundaryDamwasbuiltwithoutshpassagefaciliesbecausedownstreamdamsblockedsalmonmigraonstotheprojectarea.Declinesinlocalshspeciespopulaonshoweverhaveincreasedthefocusonimprovingcondionsformigrangresidentsh.ThenewlicensefortheBoundaryHydroelectricProjectwhichwasissuedinMarch2013includesmeasurestoimprovethesurvivalofshpassingthroughturbinesoroverspillwaysreducetheriskSpawningpinksalmonGoodellCreek.ofshbecomingtrappedinisolatedpoolsduringowreduconsenableshtomigrateupstreamofthedamandestablishself-sustainingpopulaonsofmountainwhiteshcuhroattroutandbulltroutinthetributariestoBoundaryreservoir.CityLightutilizesriver-owmeasuresestablishedunderthe1991sheriessettlementagreementfortheSkagitHydroelectricProjectlicensethe1988settlementagreementfortheToltHydroelectricProjectLicenseandthe2000InstreamFlowAgreementfortheCedarRiverhabitatconservationplan. SeattleCityLightEnvironmentReport20145ContributingtoScienceCityLightunderstandsthattheessenceofsoundscalenvironmentalmanagementliesintheabilitytoembracescience-baseddecisionmaking.TolicenseallitshydroelectricprojectsCityLightdevelopedasetofenvironmentalmeasuresthatwerebasedonsciencresearch.ResearchtoinformouroperaonsandgaugethesuccessofenvironmentalstewardshipaconsconnuesatourSkagitRiverBoundaryandToltprojectsinpartnershipwithstateandfederalagenciestribesandnonprotorganizaons.FishResearchUnderstandingthelifehistoriesandabundanceoftheshspeciesoccurringintheSkagitPendOreilleToltandCedarriversisanimportantpartofconrmingwhethermeasurestakenbyCityLighttoprotectshareeecve.ResultsofsomeofourrecentsheriesstudiesincludeToltRiverSteelheadAtaggingstudyofjuvenilesummersteelheadthatliveaboveacanyonalongtheToltRiverprovideddataonhowlongtheshstayabovethecanyonwhentheyleavetheiresmatedageandhowfasttheyaregrowing.ArecentgenecstudyconrmedthatthesummersteelheadpopulaonfoundabovetheToltCanyonisdierentfromthewintersteelheadpopulaonfoundbelowthecanyon.SkagitRiverBullTroutGenecsAcomprehensivebulltroutgenecsstudyfoundthatpopulaonsofthisspeciesareextremelydiverseintheSkagitRiverdrainagewithgenecallyuniquepopulaonsBulltroutandthisDollyVardenarespeciesofnativechartrout-likeshinthesalmonfamily.Inthesummerof2013thersttwoadultsteelheadtaggedin2010returnedtothesouthforkoftheToltRiverontheirwayupstreamtotheToltCanyon.CityLightisaleaderinsponsoringgeneticresearchstudiestoimprovethemanagementofthreatenedshspeciesinthePacicNorthwest.presentinalmosteverymajorstream.MostimportantthebulltroutpresentinthethreeSkagitreservoirsaregenecallyverydierentfromthosefounddownstreamoftheSkagitRiverProjectandhavelikelybeenisolatedfromtheshinthelowerwatershedsincetheendofthelasticeage.SkagitRiverSteelheadHatcheryandWildSteelheadInteraconsThisstudywasconductedtoassesswhetherhatcherysteelheadhaveharmfulecologicalandorgenecimpactsonwildsteelheadpopulaonsintheSkagitwatershed.Itfoundecologicalimpactsfromhatchery-releasesteelheadonwildsteelheadpopulaons.SkagitRiverProjectNaveCharPopulaonsThisstudyfoundthatbulltroutpopulaonshaveincreasedalmost10-foldintheRossLakedrainageoverthepastdecadealikelyresultfromamajorchangeintheforagebasefortheseshoverthisperiod.ThisstudyalsodiscoveredthatDollyVardenarepresentalongwithbulltroutinallthreeSkagitreservoirswhichmaybetheonlylakesintheUnitedStateswherebothoftheseshspeciesarefoundtogether. 6EnvironmentReport2014SeattleCityLightBoundaryProjectMountainWhiteshThisstudyofmountainwhiteshanavesalmonidspeciesdiscoveredinthePendOreilleRiverfoundthatpopulaonsinBoundaryreservoirweresmallerthanexpectedduetolowsurvivalofeggs.Resultsarebeingusedtoimprovespawninghabitatinthereservoir.WildlifeResearchTheNorthCascadesisoneofthemostruggedisolatedandleaststudiedareasinWashington.TheSkagitRiverHydroelectricProjectWildlifeMigaonProgramprovidesgrantfundingforwildliferesearchintheNorthCascadesecosystemtouniversiesagenciesandconsulngrms.Thegrantprogramplacesanemphasisongraduatestudentresearchandeducaon.FindingsfromrecentstudiesincludeMountainGoatPopulaonConnecvityintheCascadeRangeofWashingtonandSouthernBrishColumbiaThisstudyanalyzedthegenecmakeupofgoats.Itidenedroadsassignicantbarrierstomovementwithnegaveimpactstotheoverallhealthofthegoatherds.WolverineDistribuonandEcologyintheNorthCascadesEcosystemThisongoinglong-termradio-telemetrystudyconrmedthepresenceofwolverinesintheNorthCascadesidenedbreedinglocaonsquanedterritorysizeanddeterminedkeyhabitatrequirements.CascadesCarnivoreConnecvityResearcherscollectedhairsamplesfromhundredsofblackbearsintheNorthCascadesandfoundgenecdierencesinbearsnorthandsouthofstateRoute2.ModelingindicatedthatblackbearsmovementsintheNorthCascadesmightbelimitedbyhighelevaonsandruggedtopography.Thisndinghighlightstheimportanceofmaintainingconneconsbetweenlowerelevaonhigh-qualityforestedhabitatsforblackbears.ClimateResearchTheSkagitRiverwatershedcontainsalmost400glacierscoveringabout50squaremiles.Theglaciersprovide6to18percentoftotalsummerrunofortheriver.Butthisvaluableresourceisshrinkingdeclining50percentinthelastcenturyinsomeSeattleCityLight-fundedresearchconrmedthepresenceofwolverinesintheNorthCascadesandprovidedinsightsintotheirbehaviors.SeattleCityLightshydroelectricdamsincludingDiabloDamdependonmountainsnowpacktoprovidewatertogenerateelectricityinthesummerwhichiswhyCityLightisdoingwhatitcantoaddressclimatechange. NestingplatformsinstalledbyCityLightgiveospreysalternativestobuildingnestsonpowerpoles.SeattleCityLightEnvironmentReport20147WorkingwithNatureNaturalhabitatsalongCityLightselectricaltransmissioncorridorsareasourceofcleanwatercarbonstorageandcroppollinators.Thesehabitatsbenetallofusandareessenaltosustainingtheregionsenvironmentalhealth.In2013CityLightbegananEnvironmentalLeadershipIniavetostudythewayvegetaonismanagedalongtransmission-linecorridors.Thereisanaturalsequenceofchangesknownassuccessioninthetypesofplantslivingthere.Theulitywillusethisnaturalsuccessiontohelpmanagevegetaonandimprovethevalueofhabitatwhileensuringsafeandreliableelectricityforitscustomers.SeattleCityLightmanagesvegetationalongitstransmissionrights-of-waywiththegoalofimprovingwildlifehabitatwhileprotectingthereliabledeliveryofelectricity.SeattleCityLighthasplayedaleadingroleinhelpingtounderstandtheimpactsofawarmingclimateonwaterresourcesintheSkagitbasin.Theyhavecontributednancialandlogisticalsupporttomonitorsnowpacktheglacialcontributiontostreamowandstreamwatertempera-tureintheSkagitValley.JonL.RiedelNationalParkServicegeologistNorthCascadesNationalParkareaswithclimatechangeplayingthemajorrole.CityLightiscollaborangwiththeNaonalParkServiceandotherpartnerstofundresearchonhowclimatechangewillaectglaciersovermeandwhatthelossofglacierswillmeanforstreamowsandtemperaturesshhabitatandhydropowergeneraonontheSkagitRiver.CityLightstransmissiontowersanddistribuonpolesalsoprovidearacvestructuresfornesngosprey.NestsonpowerpolescanbeproblemacforthedeliveryofelectricityandhazardousforthebirdssoCityLightworkswithlocallandownersanospreyexpertandtheWashingtonDepartmentofFishandWildlifetoprovidealternavelocaonsfornesngospreysthatavoidthoserisks.Since2010CityLighthasinstalledthreeospreynesngplaormsthroughoutSealewithtwoothersplannedthisyear. 8EnvironmentReport2014SeattleCityLightContributingtoEnvironmentalEducationCityLightemployeesarecommiedtocaringfortheenvironment.Itispartofourmissiontopromoteenvironmentaleducaonforourcustomerschildrenandadults.OnewaywedothisisbysponsoringannualeldtripsforSealepublicelementaryschoolswithethnicdemographicsthathavebeenunder-representedinnaturalresourcecareers.ScienstsfromCityLightsEnvironmentalAairsDivisiontookstudentstovisitasiteontheCedarRiverfortheninthyearin2013.CityLightsSkagitToursstrengthenthebondsbetweenpeopleandnature.Dangbacktothelate1930sthetoursconnuetobeoeredduringthesummer.Since2011thetourshavebeenconductedinpartnershipwiththeNaonalParkServiceandtheNorthCascadesInstutewithmoreemphasisonenvironmentaleducaon.AguidedboattriponDiabloLakebeaufullyillustratestheconneconbetweentheNorthCascadesenvironmentandCityLightsenergyproducon.AnotherexampleisCityLightspartnershipwiththeNorthCascadesInstute.CityLightbuilttheEnvironmentalLearningCenterfortheinstutetoprovideenvironmentaleducaon.AmongitsprogramsisMountainSchoolathree-dayimmersionlearningexperiencefor5thgradersfromschoolsaroundPugetSound.Thecenteralsooersavarietyofworkshopsforadultsthree-weekeldlearningcoursesforteenagersandagraduateprograminenvironmentaleducaon.CityLightscienstshavegivenmulplepresentaonsatthecenteroverthepastveyears.CityLighthelpedestablishtheSkagitEnvironmentalEndowmentCommissionaspartofanagreementwithCanadatonotbuildRossDamhigherandtheulityprovidesongoingadministraveandtechnicalsupportforthegroup.Thecommissionconnuestoinvestmorethan500000everyyearinenvironmentalrecreaonandeducaonalprojects.StudentsfromMartinLutherKingJr.ElementaryvisittheCedarRiver.AboatrideonDiabloLakeisjustoneofthehighlightsofaSkagitTour. SeattleCityLightEnvironmentReport20149OperatingEfcientlyAtCityLightenvironmentalstewardshipextendsbeyondprotecngthenaturalresourcesatourpowerplantsandenvironmentaleducaon.Reducingwasterecyclingminimizinguseofchemicalsandsavingenergyareallimportantongoingprogramsthatarepartofourrouneoperaons.Theseprogramsnotonlybenettheenvironmentbutalsosavemoney.RecyclingCityLightrecyclespapercardboardglassplascmetalceramicsmercuryuorescentlightsbaeriesyardwasteandanfreeze.Glassandmetalbandsfromelectricmetersceramicsfromelectricalequipmentmetalsfromtransformersandburned-outcompactuorescentlampsfromcustomersarealsorecycledalongwithanabundanceofothermaterials.ReducingPaperUseCityLighthasconnueditspaperreduconeortswhichbeganasthePapercutsProgramin2005.Theulityhasreducedpaperusagebyatleast30percenteachyearcomparedtothebaselineyearpriortothestartoftheprogram.PurchasingGreenCityLighthasulizedgreenpurchasingpraccesformanyyears.ThismeansthatProductsusedbyCityLightformaintenanceandoperaonsareevaluatedforenvironmentalandsafetycriteriasuchasrecycledcontentorreducedtoxins.ThosethatmeetstringentstandardsareRecyclablesinpoundsYear20082009201020112012Paperandcardboard172855169345160575166352146125Plasc13891569125610041148Aluminumcans427386472321238Scrapmetal531223720020Aluminum268237143860Copper540809976280Alkalinebaeries29692026122631172332HIDlampsnumberoflamps2003697831482873629634Year20082009201020112012SCLPaperUsagereams112241138411035956510950Percentreducon3130324133frombaselineAllnewoverheadtransformersandmanyothersarelledwithaUSDABioPreferredesteriedvegetableoil. 10EnvironmentReport2014SeattleCityLighttestedbyemployees.Productsthatperformwellbecometheapprovedsupplieswhilenewproductsconnuetobeevaluatedandapproved.Chemicalsareevaluatedforenvironmentalandsafetyconcerns.Alternavesareassessedforproductsofconcernandsubstuonsarerecommendedwherefeasible.Computerspurchasedbytheulitymustmeetstrictenvironmentalstandards.ForseveralyearsallthepurchasedcomputershavemetthehigherE-PEATElectronicProductEnvironmentalAssessmentToolgoldstandard.Tomeetthatstandardthecomputersuselesstoxicmateriallessenergyandareeasiertorecycle.AllnewoverheadtransformersandmanyothertransformersarelledwithaUSDABioPreferredesteriedvegetableoilasustainablysourcedlowtoxicitybiodegradableproduct.Bio-basedchainsawoilandhydraulicuidsareusedandbio-basedturbineoilsarealsobeinginvesgated.CityLighthasbeenusingwoodpolesthataretreatedwithcoppernaphthenateformorethan20years.Thisistheonlywoodpreservaveapprovedforpolesinsertedundergroundthatisnotarestricted-usepescideaccordingtotheU.S.EnvironmentalProteconAgency.Theulityscedarpolesaredippedinavatofthepreservavesoonlytheboomofthepoleistreatedtheburiedpartplusafewextrafeet.Thetopofthepoleisuntreatedandnaturallyrot-resistantwesternredcedar.RossLodgebeforerenovationBuiltin1938thelodgewasaone-and-a-half-storybuildingtohousesinglemenwhosharedcommoneatingandloungingareas.SavingEnergyInaddiontohelpingourcustomerssaveenergyandmoneyCityLighttakespridesinitsowneortstobemoreenergyecient.Severalrecentexamplesaredescribedbelow.Since2010SealeCityLighthasconvertedmorethan40000streetlightstoenergy-ecientlight-emingdiodesLEDs.Thenewstreetlightswillreducetheamountofenergyusedbyupto60percentandsavetheCityofSealeabout2.4millionayearinoperangcosts.CityLightownsover50housesforemployeesworkingattheSkagitRiverHydroelectricProjectinthetownsofNewhalemandDiablo.Builtbetween1925and1960noneofthesehomesmetcurrentenergyeciencystandards.In2010CityLightembarkedonaprogramtoinstallheatpumpsinsulaonandenergy-ecientwindowsallwhilepreservingthehistoriccharacteriscsofthehouses.Whencompletetheprojectwillmakethehomesmorecomfortableandsaveenergyandmoney. SeattleCityLightEnvironmentReport201411andputthemtonewuse.Restoraonsavesmaterialsreduceswasteandpreservesourhistory.ProtectingOurWatersCuttingEmissionsTomaintainundergroundpowerlinesandtransformersCityLightworkersoenhavetopumpoutwateranddebrisfromthevaultswherethatequipmentislocated.Currentlythatwastewatermustbetruckedtoadistantfacilityforltraonanddisposal.TosavemoneyprotectlocalwaterwaysandreducetripsandcarbonemissionsCityLightbeganconstruconin2013ofanewdecantandcarbonltraonfacility.SeattleCityLightshouldbeapplaudedforitspreservationeffortsrecentlycompletedintheSkagitNationalRegisterHistoricDistrict.TherehabilitationworkontheGorgeInntheanchorbuildingalongoldMainStreetinNewhalemistop-notchandreectsanunderstandingofandcommitmenttopreservationbytheutility.LikewisethepreservationworkcompletedontheRossLodgeinDiabloisequallyimpressive.Theutilityisembracingstewardshipoftheiruniqueculturalresourcesinaboldandthoughtfulmanner.OurhatsareofftoSeattleCityLightGretchenLuxenbergCulturalResourcesSpecialistwiththeNationalParkServiceReducingWasteRestoringBuildingsCityLighthasalmost90structureslistedontheNaonalRegisterofHistoricPlaces.ManyoftheseoldbuildingsarelocatedinthehistorictownsofNewhalemandDiabloattheSkagitRiverHydroelectricProject.Severalofthesebuildingshavenotbeenusedinrecentyearsbecausetheywereinpoorcondionandcostagreatdealtoheatandmaintain.InsteadoftearingthemdownandreplacingthemwithnewconstruconCityLighthasrestoredthesehistoricbuildingsupgradedtheirenergysystemsRossLodgeafterrenovationItnowservesasameetingandconferencefacility.Onceinoperaonthesystemwillseparatestormwaterandmoisturefromsolidmaterial.Withoutthewaterthoseremainingsolidsaresignicantlylightermeaningitwontcostasmuchtohaulthemawayandproperlydisposeofthem.Theliquidsstayatthefacilityandarepumpedthroughaseriesoflterstoremovecontaminants.OncelteredthewaterisdischargedtoKingCountyssanitarysewerforaddionaltreatment. 12EnvironmentReport2014SeattleCityLightSeattleCityLightinstalledSonicBloomatPacicScienceCenterasanartisticwaytodemonstratehowsolarworksinSeattle.ConservingEnergyResourcesEnergysavingsareaprimaryfocusforCityLightbecauseenergyeciencyisthelowestcostlowestrisklowestenvironmentalimpactmeansofensuringwecanmeetSealesgrowingneedsinasustainableway.For35yearsCityLighthashelpeditscustomersbecomemoreenergyecient.The2012goalwas14averagemegawasanincreaseof66percentoverthepreviousyearsgoal.OverthelastveyearsCityLighthassecuredmostofitsenergysavingsfromenergy-ecientlighng.SavingscomefromresidenalcommercialindustrialandstreetlighngcustomersandspanavarietyoftechnologiesfromcompactuorescentlampstoLEDs.SomeexamplesincludeTheulitysQuickLighngUpgradeIniavehelpedbusinesscustomersupgradetheirobsoleteT-12uorescentlighngtonewenergysavingT-8technology.Ineightmonthsbetween2008and2009theprogramretroedmorethan148500xturesforanenergysavingsofmorethan41millionkilowa-hours.Thatsenoughelectricitysavingstorunabout4800homesforanenreyear.Throughretailpartnerstheulityhasoeredcustomersincenvesthatresultedinthepurchaseofmorethan4millioncompactuorescentlamps.Innovaondrivestheenergyconservaoneld.Theulityisexploringinnovaveincenvesandkeepingtrackoftechnologicaladvancestodelivercost-eecveenergysavingsforitscustomers.Commercialbuildingsslloersignicantenergysavingspotenalandtheulitymayneedtooernewprogramsandincenvestosecuresavingsfromthesebuildings.TechnologyischangingquicklyasiswitnessedbytherapidadoponofLEDlighngtechnology.WithinthelastfewyearsLEDlighngtechnologyhasbecomemoreaordableandavailable.SealeCityLightsconservaonprogramshaveseenthisenergy-ecientlighngtechnologygaintraconasamainstreamlighngoponacrossallmarketsectors.SonicBloomsfowerslightupatnightandsingharmonicnoteswhenpeopleapproach. electricitybills.Morethan14000customersparcipateinthiseortwhichalsosupportsrenewableenergydemonstraonandeducaonprojects.ThelatestGreenUpdemonstraonprojectisSonicBloomasolar-poweredworkofartconsisngofveowersupto33feettallatPacicScienceCenter.CityLightfurtheroersavarietyofwaysforcustomerstogosolarincludinganaward-winningCommunitySolarprogramwithlocaonsatJeersonParkandtheSealeAquariumandbypartneringwiththelocalnonprotNorthwestSustainableEnergyforEconomicDevelopmentonaSolarizeSealecampaign.CommunitySolarparcipantsownaporonofalargerpublic-orientedsolarinstallaonandreceivecreditsontheirbillthrough2020.Solarizeprovideseducaonandtechnicalsupportthatempowerneighborhoodstogosolarthroughfreeworkshopssolarsiteassessmentsandaordablegrouppurchasingandnancing.TheseeortshavesignicantlycontributedtoincreasedawarenessaboutsolarpowerandthenumberofsystemsinstalledintheulitysserviceterritoryCommunitySolaratJeersonParkandtheSealeAquariumtotal73kW.SolarizeNorthwestSealeJanuaryJuly2013resultedin141newsolarinstallaonsequalingallpreviousSolarizeSealecampaignscombined.SolarizeCentralSoutheastSealeMayDecember2013resultedin75newinstallaonsasofmid-November2013.Thetotalnumberofcustomerswhoinstalledhomesolarsystemsnearlydoubledin2013from234toapproximately450customers.CityLightishometothelargestcustomersolarinstallaoninthestateatCenturyLinkEventCenter780kWandthegreenestcommercialbuildingintheworldtheBulliCenterwhichhasa240kWsolarinstallaon.600500400300200100020072010201120122013est.2014est.20092008AnnualNewCustomerSolarInstallationByadoptinginnovativetechnologyandworkingwitharchitectsengineersaswellastradealliesCityLightleadsthewaytoincreasedenergysavings.SeattleCityLightEnvironmentReport201413SupportingNewRenewableEnergyResourcesSealeCityLightdemonstratesitsconnuingcommitmenttocleanenergybybuildingonitshydroelectriclegacywiththeacquisionofnewrenewableresources.SinceJanuary2009CityLighthascontractedfor1.1millionmegawa-hoursofelectricityfromtheColumbiaRidgelandllgasplantandKingCountysWestPointcogeneraonplantalongwiththeassociatedenvironmentalaributescalledrenewableenergycreditsthrough2021.Theulityalsocontractedfor2.4millionrenewableenergycreditsfrom16windprojectsonegeothermalplantandonelandllgasprojectthrough2021.ThesepurchaseswillallowCityLighttoreliablyserveourcustomersneedforenergyandhelptheulitymeettherequirementsofI-937.Thevoter-approvedmeasurerequires15percentofCityLightsenergyporolioby2020tocomefromrenewableenergyresourcesdevelopedaer1997.AddionallySealeCityLightsGreenUpprogramallowscustomerstoinvestinnewsourcesofrenewableenergygeothermalwindbiogassolarbypayingalilemoreontheirSolarpanelsontopoftheowersandthePacicScienceCenterroofprovideallthepowerforSonicBloom. 14EnvironmentReport2014SeattleCityLightcost150forcustomerstopurchaseandcustomerscouldbuyupto125units.The1850unitsavailablesoldoutinfewerthansixweeks.ParcipantsreceivecreditontheirCityLightbillsfortheirporonsofthesolarpanelsoutputthrough2020alongwithallstateproduconincenves.Togetherthosecreditsamountto1.15perkilowa-hour.Eachunitisexpectedtogenerateabout29annuallyincreditsduringthelifeoftheproject.AddionalGreenUpprogramrevenuewasusedforeducaondisplayanddemonstraon.Withover800000visitorsperyearincluding40000schoolchildrenattheaquariumthisisagoodinvestmentineducangourcustomersandthegeneralpublicaboutsolarenergyandourrenewableenergyandconservaonprograms.Livemonitoringinformaonfromtheprojectisavailableonlineathplive.deckmonitoring.comidseale_aquarium.CommunitySolarletsmanypeoplecometogethertobuildasolararrayandshareinitsbenets.AtSealeCityLightwechooselocaonsthatareagoodtforsolarsunnyvisibletothepublicandonproperesthatbringotherpublicbenetstoourcommunity.Parcipantsbenetthrougheconomiesofscalebeersingandtheopportunitytotakepartatamuchlowerentry-levelcost.InsteadofpayingmanyTheCommunitySolarprojectisthelargestsolararrayonanyaquariumontheWestCoast.CommunityPowerfromtheSunSealeCityLightinstalledthelargestsolararrayatanyWestCoastaquariuminthefallof2013attheSealeAquariumaspartoftheulitysCommunitySolarandGreenUpprograms.SolarpanelswerepurchasedfromMarysville-basedSiliconEnergypromonggreenjobsinWesternWashington.Each24-waunitofthesolarinstallaonAworkerinstallssomeofthesolarpanelsontopoftheSeattleAquarium. SeattleCityLightEnvironmentReport201415Thisisagreatidea.Itsavesusalotofhassleandistherightthingtodo.Alsoithelpsusshowourkidsthatwerestartingtoslowdownsomeofthedamageourgenerationisdoingtotheplanet.Aparticipantwhobought50unitsThanks.SuperfastandmucheasierandcheaperthantryingtoinstallthemonourhouseAparticipantwhobought2unitsWeareexcitedtosupportthisveryforward-thinkingprojectAparticipantwhobought1unitIhavealreadybeenspreadingthewordespeciallytorentersandpeoplewholiveinmultifamilybuildingswhereitsdifculttogettheirownsolararraysinstalled.Aparticipantwhobought125unitsWeresohappythattheseunitsareavailable.Wewouldlovetohavesolaronourownhomebutoursiteisnotsuitable.Aparticipantwhoboughtthelast3unitsandwantedmorethousandsofdollarstoinstallasolarelectricsystematthecustomerssitethecustomercangetnancialbenetsandsupportsolarinthecommunitybyinvesnginafraconoftheenreproject.TheaquariumsitewasselectedaerreviewofalargenumberofpotenalsitesbasedonlocaonsolarexposureappealtoSealeresidentsinterestandsharedaimsconservaonandsustainabilityofthehostandming.Thereare247solarmodulesthatmakeupthe49.4kilowasystem44.4kilowascomprisetheCommunitySolarprojectanda5kilowaporonbenetstheaquariumdirectlyaspartoftheGreenUpdemonstraonproject.InstallaonofthesystembyNorthwestWindSolartookapproximatelythreeweeksinOctober2013.CityLightcreatedanonlineenrollmentsystemincludingamechanismforcustomerstospreadoutpaymentsovertwobillingcycles.ThisandthelowcostoftheunitsthelowestentrypriceforanyCommunitySolarprojectinthenaonaddresstheCityofSealesRaceandSocialJusceIniaveinterestsbymakingsolaraordabletoawidereconomicspectrum.ThisisthesecondCommunitySolarprojectdevelopedbyCityLight.TheulitycompleteditsrstCommunitySolarprojectatJeersonParkinSouthSealein2012withhelpfromaDepartmentofEnergySolarAmericaCiesSpecialProjectsgrant.Threesolarpicnicshelterswerebuiltandcurrentlygenerateover26000kilowa-hoursannually.SeattleCityLightcustomerswereabletobuyaportionoftheCommunitySolarsproductionforaslittleas150. 16EnvironmentReport2014SeattleCityLightMakingSmartDecisionsfortheFutureSealeCityLighthasnotonlyachievedcarbonneutralityithasalsoadoptedanintegratedresourceplanthatreliesononlynewrenewableenergyresourcesandenergyeciencytomeetfuturecustomerdemand.AlthoughCityLightisreducingcarbonemissionsclimatechangeisaglobalchallengethatcouldaectthelong-termbusinesshealthoftheulity.CityLightshydroelectricdamswhichproducelow-costpowerforourcustomersdependonmountainsnowpacktostorewaterforgenerangelectricitythroughoutthesummer.Climatechangethatbringsmoreprecipitaonasrainorstartsthemelt-oearlierinthespringwouldthreatentheulitysabilitytogeneratetheelectricityitneedstoserveitscustomersinlatesummer.CityLightisdoingwhatitcantoreduceitsclimateimpactandtohelpitscustomersdothesame.InaneorttoreduceitscarbonfootprintthecityofSealeisturningtogreentechnologiesthatsignicantlyreducetheidlingmesofengineslessenmaintenanceandequipmentdownmeanddecreaseeetfuelconsumpon.CityLightsgoalsfor2014andbeyondincludea30to40percentreduconinfuelusagethroughdiversetechnologiesUseB20biodieselinallSeale-baseddieselequipment.An8020mixofdieselandrecycledbiomassB20isatruerecycledresource.Ulizecompressednaturalgasgasolinedual-fuelequipmentwhichoersacleanerfuelthatcosts60to70percentlessthandieselorgasoline.Addmoreall-electricvehiclestoCityLightsmotorpoolforlocalon-the-jobtravel.Installmoreauxiliarypowerunitsfortheheavyequipmentusedforworksuchaspoledigging.Theseauxiliaryunitssupplyelectricityforemergencylightsystemsbinheatersbaerychargingaswellascabheatinthewinterwithoutrunningtheengine.Thistechnologyeliminatesupto90percentofenginerun-mesavingfuelandreducingtheamountoftrucknoiseintheareaswherewework.CityLightworkswiththeClimateActionReserveandotherthird-partyorganizationstooffsetitsgreenhouse-gasemissionsincludingUsingbiodieselfuelforSeattle-areabussesferriesandgarbagetrucksOfferingelectricshorepowerforcruiseshipsatthePortofSeattleAerobiccompostingoflocalfoodandyardwasteCapturinganddisposingofmethaneatdairyfarmsandlandllsDigestingorganicwastefromaWashingtonStatefoodprocessingfacilityShorepowerforcruiseshipsreducesgreenhousegasemissionsbecausetheshipsdonthavetoruntheirengineswhiletheyreatthedock.In2010thecitysGreenFleetprogramwasnamedtheNo.1GovernmentGreenFleetinNorthAmericaby100BestFleets.Theawardrecognizesexcellentintegraonofalternavefuelsintoexisngoperaonsandcomprehensiveexaminaonofwhereandhowpetroleumreduconpoliciesandprocedurescouldimpacttheeet. UsingSkagitProjectrecreaonprogramfundstheU.S.ForestServiceMt.Baker-SnoqualmieandOkanoganNaonalForestsconstructedanewseconoftheOldSaukTrailoutsideDarringtontoAmericanDisabilityAct-accessiblestandardsrepairedboatrampsalongtheSkagitandSaukriversandupgradedtrailheadsalongstateRoute20.TheNaonalParkServiceusedSkagitProjectrecreaonprojectfundstocompletetheHozomeenTrailatthenorthendofRossLakeandtoinstallanewgatewaysignatthewestentrancetoNorthCascadesNaonalParkComplex.Areportonthelong-termgenecandpopulaonimpactsofhatcheryprogramsonnavesteelheadintheSkagitRiverwascompletedinpartnershipwiththeSkagitRiverSystemCooperaveUpperSkagitIndianTribeWashingtonDepartmentofFishandWildlifeandtheWildFishConservancy.SkagitRiverProjectWildliferesearchgrantsareawardedincooperaonwiththeNaonalParkServiceU.S.FishandWildlifeServiceWashingtonDepartmentofFishandWildlifeU.S.ForestServiceandSauk-SuitaleTribe.SalmonspawningsurveysattheSkagitandToltprojectsareconductedwithassistancefromtheSwinomishandTulaliptribesrespecvely.CityLightbiologistspartneredwiththeU.S.ForestServiceNaonalParkServiceandlocalvolunteerstomonitorwinteringbaldeaglepopulaonsalongtheSkagitRiver.PeregrinefalconsnesngneartheSkagitProjectaremonitoredbyCityLightbiologistsincooperaonwiththeWashingtonDepartmentofFishandWildlife.PartneringforEnvironmentalStewardshipSuccessCityLightunderstandsthatcollaboraonandpartnershipsareintegraltothesuccessofitsenvironmentalstewardshipprograms.Weconnuetodevelopandstrengthenrelaonshipswithfederalstateandlocalgovernmentagenciestribeswatershedcouncilsnonprotenvironmentalorganizaonsandlandtrusts.SomeoftheworkwehavedonewithourpartnersoverthepastveyearsissummarizedbelowSince2011CityLightspopularSkagitTourshavebeenapartnershipwiththeNaonalParkServiceandNorthCascadesInstute.AcquisionandrestoraonofhabitatintheSkagitSaukandToltrivershavebeencompletedinpartnershipwiththeNatureConservancySkagitRiverLandTrustUpperSkagitIndianTribeSkagitRiverSystemCooperaveTulalipTribeSkagitFisheriesEnhancementGroupSkagitWatershedCouncilandSkagitSnohomishandKingcounes.ThespeciescomposionandabundanceofnavecharpopulaonsintheupperSkagitRiverbasinaremonitoredincooperaonwithNaonalParkServiceWashingtonDepartmentofFishandWildlifeandBrishColumbiaMinistryofForestsLandsandNaturalResourceOperaons.WeedsneartheSkagitToltandBoundaryprojectsaremanagedwithassistancefromtheSkagitFisheriesEnhancementGroupSoundSalmonSoluonsandPendOreilleCountyrespecvely.CityLightpartneredwiththeU.S.ForestServiceColvilleNaonalForesttoremoveandrevegetateoldroadsthataccessedseveraldecommissionedwatermonitoringwellsneartheBoundaryProject.SeattleCityLightbuilttheEnvironmentalLearningCenterfortheNorthCascadesInstituteandcontinuestoworkinpartnershipwiththeinstituteonprogramsandSkagitTours.SeattleCityLightEnvironmentReport201417 18EnvironmentReport2014SeattleCityLightCompletedEnergySavingsEnergyconservaonsavingsfromprojectscompletedinthatcalendaryearAnnualEnergySavingsGoalisassociatedwithSealeCityLightsI-937TargetNorthwestEnergyEciencyAlliance.Includesdirect-andindirect-fundedenergysavings.NotesEnergysavingsarereectedinaMW.OneaMW8760000kWhEnergyConservaonSavingsarefromcompletedprojectsandincludesavingsfromregionalmarkettransformaonacviesNEEAthird-partydeliveredeortsandavoidedtransmissionanddistribuonlosses.EnergysavingsaretypicallynotnalizedunlJuneofacalendaryear.ThisdatawascompiledasofMarch62014andthe2013NEEAenergysavingsarebasedondatathatwasavailableatthisme.WeancipateNEEAwillprovideupdated2013datainMay2014.For2010-2011theseenergysavingsarealignedwithSealeCityLightsI-937reporng.For2012-2013thesesavingshavenotyetbeenreportedtotheStateforI-937purposesanddonotincludeOpower-relatedenergysavings.Thisprogramisbeingevaluatedandtheenergysavingswillbeaddedoncetheevaluaoniscomplete.The2013NEEAenergysavingsareesmatedandcouldchange.20092010201120122013AnnualEnergySavingsGoal10.279.849.8412.0112.01ResidenalSavings5.745.025.614.154.10Commercial-IndustrialSavings5.987.505.535.855.63NEEASavings1.33.643.263.333.74TotalaMWSavingsAcquired13.0216.1614.4113.3313.47SeattleCityLightssupportforenergy-efcientlightinghashelpedmanycustomersincludingtheParamountTheatrereducetheirelectricityuseandsavemoney. SeattleCityLightEnvironmentReport201419BaconCreekintheSkagitRiverwatershed. 20EnvironmentReport2014SeattleCityLightCelebratingStewardshipAccomplishmentsSealeCityLightishonoredtoreceiverecognionforitscommitmenttoenvironmentalstewardship.2012WastewaterTreatmentPlantOutstandingPerformanceAwardforNewhalemClimateRegisteredstatusinrecognionofitsclimateleadershipforreporngandverifyingits2010and2011carbonfootprinttothehigheststandardNamedaTreeLineUSAUlityforbestpraccesinprotecngandenhancingurbanforestsinitsserviceterritory2011WastewaterTreatmentPlantOutstandingPerformanceAwardforNewhalem2011WastewaterTreatmentPlantOutstandingPerformanceAwardforDiabloInnovaonAward2011AwardinExcellenceforRiparianManagementfortheToltRiverFloodplainReconneconProjectCityLightbiologistEdConnorreceivestheSkagitWatershedCouncilAnnualAwardforcontribuonstosalmonrecoveryintheSkagitRiverWatershed2010OutstandingWastewaterTreatmentPlantAwardforDiablo2010OutstandingWastewaterTreatmentPlantAwardforNewhalemGreenGlobeAward2009OutstandingWastewaterTreatmentPlantforDiablo2009OutstandingWastewaterTreatmentPlantAwardforNewhalemTheCitysGreenFleetprogramwasrecognizedforitsexcellentintegraonofalternavefuelsintoexisngoperaonsandcomprehensiveexaminaonofwhereandhowpetroleumreduconpoliciesandprocedurescouldimpacttheeetNominatedforthe2009PublicPowerWindPioneerAward2008OutstandingWastewaterTreatmentPlantAwardforDiablo2009DirectorsAwardforworkinhelpingtorestoreWileySloughintheSkagitestuaryNorthCascadesEnvironmentalLearningCenterbuiltbyCityLightisawardedLeadershipinEnergyandEnvironmentalDesignSilverOutstandingStewardsofAmericasWatersAwardinthecategoryofRecreaonalEnvironmentalandHistoricalEnhancementforworkdonein2007intheEndangeredFishSpeciesRecoveryImplementaonProgramontheSkagitPartnersinRiverStewardshiprecognionforhelpingtoprotectandrestoretheoutstandingresourcesoftheSkagitRiversystem2007OutstandingWastewaterTreatmentPlantAwardforDiablo201320122011201020092008WashingtonStateDepartmentofEcologyTheClimateRegistryArborDayFoundaonWashingtonStateDepartmentofEcologyWashingtonStateDepartmentofEcologyInterstateRenewableEnergyCouncilAmericanFisheriesSocietySkagitWatershedCouncilWashingtonStateDepartmentofEcologyWashingtonStateDepartmentofEcologyKingCountyWashingtonStateDepartmentofEcologyWashingtonStateDepartmentofEcologyGreenFleetMagazineU.S.DepartmentofEnergyWindandHydropowerTechnologiesandtheAmericanPublicPowerAssociaonDemonstraonofEnergy-EcientDevelopmentsWashingtonStateDepartmentofEcologyWashingtonStateDepartmentofFishandWildlifeU.S.GreenBuildingCouncilNaonalHydroAssociaonU.S.ForestServiceWashingtonStateDepartmentofEcology Frontcoverbackcoverandpage15photosbyKeithLazelle.Fishphotoonpage4courtesyofDavidBatchelder.Wolverinephotoonpage6courtesyofU.S.ForestService.Ospreyphotoonpage7courtesyofNealChism.SonicBloomphotosonpages12and13courtesyofDanCorson.EnvironmentalLearningCenterphotoonpage14courtesyofNorthCascadesInstute.IllabotCreekprovidesimportantspawninghabitatforsalmon.CityLightremovedanoldleveefromthecreeknearitsconuencewiththeSkagitRivertoimproveconditionsforthesh.Learnmoreaboutourprogramschallengessuccessesandplansforthefuture.BoundaryHydroelectricProjecthpwww.seale.govlightgeneraonboundaryConservaonhpwww.seale.govlightconserveEnvironmentalAairshpwww.seale.govlightenvironmentGreenFleetsCityofSealehpwww.seale.goveetsPastEnvironmentalReporthpwww.seale.govlightenvironmentenvstewrpt_02_2009.pdfSkagitEnvironmentalEndowmentCommissionhpskagiteec.orgSkagitHydroelectricProjecthpwww.seale.govlighttoursskagitFollowCityLighttokeepupwiththelatestnewstrendschallengesandimpactsofourwork.Facebookhpswww.facebook.comSealeCityLightTwierhpstwier.comSEACityLightYouTubehpwww.youtube.comchannelUCXpqQ2CoMECyL2HEkR5_ydg ExecuveOce700FihAvenueSuite3200P.O.Box34023SealeWA98124-4023www.seale.govlight206.684.3200SealeCityLightisdedicatedtoexceedingourcustomersexpectaonsinproducinganddeliveringenvironmentallyresponsiblesafelow-costandreliablepower.Thisreportwasprintedon100percentpost-consumerrecycledpaperthatisfreeofchlorinechemistry.ThepaperisGreenSealandForestStewardshipCouncilcered.Itwasmanufacturedwith100percentrenewableenergyandmadeCarbonNeutralPluswhichensuresareduconincarbonemissionsplusacommitmenttoconservetheenvironment.ThereportwasprintedbyMcCallumPrintGroupwhichisceredbytheForestStewardshipCouncilandreceivedaEnvirostarFiveStarrangforitscommitmenttoprevenngpolluonandreducinghazardouswaste.McCallumalsoinvestsinrenewableenergythroughSealeCityLightsGreenUpprogramasagoldlevelparcipant.
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2014EnvironmentReport SeattleCityLightisstudyingsalmonhabitatrestorationoptionswiththeWashingtonDepartmentofFishandWildlifeandtheSkagitRiverSystemCooperativefortheBarnabySloughsectionoftheSkagitRiver.OurMissionSeattleCityLightisdedicatedtoexceedingourcustomersexpectationsinproducinganddeliveringenvironmentallyresponsiblesafelow-costandreliablepower. Thenaonsgreenestulity.ThatsaboldstatementbutoneSealeCityLightbacksupwithmorethanacenturyofprovidingpowerfromcleanrenewableresourcesandahistoryofconservaonandenvironmentalstewardship.CityLightsevoluonasaulitywithasustainablefocusstartedwhenSealeresidentsapprovedalargebondissuetodevelopahydroelectricfacilityontheCedarRiver.ItwasthebeginningofpublicpowerinSealefoundedonacleanrenewableresource.In1905SealeCityLightwasbornandsoonaeritssecondsuperintendentJ.D.RosshadavisiontoharnessthewatersoftheSkagitRiverandcreateaddionalhydroelectricpowerforthecity.Intheearly1980sCityLightwasfacedwithanotherchoicebuildRossDamhigherorndanothersoluon.OnceagaintheulityshedtheconvenonalthinkingofthemeinfavorofanemergingconceptintheulityindustryEnvironmentalstewardshipisgoodforbusinesscustomersandthecommunity.InsteadofbuildingthedamhighertoproducemoreelectricitySealesignedanagreementwithCanadasBCHydrothatprovidesCityLightanequalamountofenergy.SimultaneouslyaninternaonalfundandcommissionwereestablishedtoprotecttheupperSkagitwatershed.DedicatedtothesustainabilityofourresourcesSeattleCityLightiscommittedtoprovidingreliableaffordablepowerwhileprotectingtheenvironment.Thisgoalhasdriveneveryaspectofouroperationsformorethanthreedecades.JorgeCarrascoGeneralManagerandCEOSeattleCityLightEnvironmentReport20141CleanrenewablehydropoweristheprimarysourceofelectricityforSeattleCityLightcustomers.CityLightsBoundaryDamproducesabout27percentofallthepowertheutilitydelivers. 2EnvironmentReport2014SeattleCityLightTodayabout50percentofthepowerdeliveredbyCityLighttotheGreaterSealeareacomesfromitsowndamsontheSkagitToltPendOreilleandCedarrivers.AddionalelectricityispurchasedfromtheBonnevillePowerAdministraon.HydropowerisaprimaryreasonCityLightsgreenhouse-gasemissionsarelow.CityLightfurtherreducescarbonemissionswithaggressiveeciencyandconservaonprogramswhichalsohelpcommercialindustrialandresidenalcustomerssaveenergy.In2000CityLightsolditsshareofacoal-redpowerplantwhileincreasinginvestmentsinrenewableenergysourcesandenergy-ecientprograms.In2005CityLightbecametherstelectriculityintheUnitedStatestoachievezero-netcarbonemissionsbyfullyosengemissionscreatedbyday-to-dayoperaonsandthepowerCityLightpurchasestosupplementitsowncleanhydroelectricgeneraon.CityLightrecognizesthatthewaterusedtoprovidecleanenergytoourcustomersisvitaltoshandwildlife.ItisalsoasourceofscenicbeautyandprovidesrecreaonalopportuniesthatarecricaltothequalityoflifeintheNorthwest.ForthesereasonsCityLightiscommiedtoresourceproteconenvironmentalstewardshipandenvironmentaleducaon.Ourenvironmentalcommitmentisembeddedinthesix-yearStrategicPlanfortheulitywhichwasapprovedbytheCityCouncilin2012.CityLightsThisareaalongBoulderCreekwasamongthelandacquiredbySeattleCityLighttoconserveshandwildlifehabitat.eortsalsoarefundamentaltotheSealeClimateAconPlansgoalofmakingSealeacarbon-neutralcityby2050.CityLightsrstenvironmentalreporttracedthehistoryofenvironmentalstewardshipwithintheulitythrough2008andintroducedourenvironmentalandconservaonprograms.Inthisreportdiscoverourachievementsoverthepastveyearsandlearnhowtheulityintendstoraiseitsowngreenbarevenhigher. SeattleCityLightEnvironmentReport20143ProtectingandRestoringFishandWildlifeHabitatSince2008CityLighthasacquired1904acresofwildlifehabitatexpandingthelandsintheSkagitRiverHydroelectricProjectWildlifeMigaonProgramtoatotalof10299acres.Theselandsprovidecricalhabitatforawiderangeofanimals.Someofthenewlyacquiredacreagehashighqualityold-growthconiferforest.CityLightalsoacquired768acresintheSkagitandToltriverdrainagesspecicallytoprotecthabitatforthreatenedandendangeredsh.Theulitynowowns2780acresofkeyspawningandrearinghabitatforChinooksalmonsteelheadandbulltrout.CombinedwithwildlifehabitatparcelsCityLightnowprotectsatotalof13079acresofland.IndegradedareasCityLightrounelyworkswithfederalandstateagenciestribesandenvironmentalnonprotstorestoreandimproveshandwildlifehabitat.Theulityplantstreesshrubsandgrassescontrolsweedsremovesunnecessaryroadsandrepairsdamagefrompublicaccess.RecentrestoraonacviesconductedincollaboraonwithagenciesandtribesincludeRemovinganoldleveefromalongIllabotCreeknearitsconuencewiththeSkagitRivertoimprovesalmonspawninghabitat.ReplanngeldswithtreestorecreateforestedwetlandhabitatnearSavageSlough.ToltRiverrestorationareaIn2011CityLightreceivedanawardfromtheAmericanFisheriesSocietyforriparianhabitatrestorationworkalongtheToltRiver.Thisprojectwasaccomplishedwithseveralpartnersandinvolvedrelocatingleveestoreconnect55acresattheoodplainconuenceoftheToltandSnoqualmierivers.RemovinganoxiousweedJapaneseknotweedfromriparianhabitatalongtheSkagitRiver.RemovingtwonoxiousweedspurpleloosestrifeandyellowirisfromBoundaryreservoirshorelines.ImprovingelkforagehabitatalongtheupperSkagitRivernearRockport.SeattleCityLightisaninvaluableconservationpartnerforSkagitLandTrust.ForyearsthetrustandCityLighthavecooperatedcloselytoprotectcriticalsalmonhabitatalongtheSkagitRiverandmajortributaries.MollyDoranExecutiveDirectorSkagitLandTrust 4EnvironmentReport2014SeattleCityLightProtectingFishThehistoricalspawninggroundsforsalmonintheSkagitRiverarelocateddownstreamofCityLightsdamsbelowanaturalmigraonbarrier.Howeverifowsarenotcarefullymanagedthewaterusedinpoweroperaonscannegavelyimpactsalmondownstream.CityLightmanagesriver-owlevelstoprotectsalmonandsteelheadeggsfromtoomuchortoolilewaterintheriverandtoprotectjuvenileshfrombeingstranded.CityLightsaconsconnuetocontributetomaintaininglargehealthypopulaonsofnavesalmonspeciesintheSkagitRiver.In2012CityLightreceivedbiologicalopinionsdevelopedbytheU.S.FishandWildlifeServiceandNaonalMarineFisheriesServiceforthethreethreatenedshspeciesaectedbytheSkagitRiverProject.TheagenciesconcludedthatCityLightsowmanagementmeasureslikelyimprovetheoverallsurvivalofbulltroutsteelheadandChinooksalmonintheSkagitRiver.Conservaonmeasuresinthebiologicalopinionsensurethataddionalhabitatforthesespeciesisacquiredandprotected.BoundaryDamwasbuiltwithoutshpassagefaciliesbecausedownstreamdamsblockedsalmonmigraonstotheprojectarea.Declinesinlocalshspeciespopulaonshoweverhaveincreasedthefocusonimprovingcondionsformigrangresidentsh.ThenewlicensefortheBoundaryHydroelectricProjectwhichwasissuedinMarch2013includesmeasurestoimprovethesurvivalofshpassingthroughturbinesoroverspillwaysreducetheriskSpawningpinksalmonGoodellCreek.ofshbecomingtrappedinisolatedpoolsduringowreduconsenableshtomigrateupstreamofthedamandestablishself-sustainingpopulaonsofmountainwhiteshcuhroattroutandbulltroutinthetributariestoBoundaryreservoir.CityLightutilizesriver-owmeasuresestablishedunderthe1991sheriessettlementagreementfortheSkagitHydroelectricProjectlicensethe1988settlementagreementfortheToltHydroelectricProjectLicenseandthe2000InstreamFlowAgreementfortheCedarRiverhabitatconservationplan. SeattleCityLightEnvironmentReport20145ContributingtoScienceCityLightunderstandsthattheessenceofsoundscalenvironmentalmanagementliesintheabilitytoembracescience-baseddecisionmaking.TolicenseallitshydroelectricprojectsCityLightdevelopedasetofenvironmentalmeasuresthatwerebasedonsciencresearch.ResearchtoinformouroperaonsandgaugethesuccessofenvironmentalstewardshipaconsconnuesatourSkagitRiverBoundaryandToltprojectsinpartnershipwithstateandfederalagenciestribesandnonprotorganizaons.FishResearchUnderstandingthelifehistoriesandabundanceoftheshspeciesoccurringintheSkagitPendOreilleToltandCedarriversisanimportantpartofconrmingwhethermeasurestakenbyCityLighttoprotectshareeecve.ResultsofsomeofourrecentsheriesstudiesincludeToltRiverSteelheadAtaggingstudyofjuvenilesummersteelheadthatliveaboveacanyonalongtheToltRiverprovideddataonhowlongtheshstayabovethecanyonwhentheyleavetheiresmatedageandhowfasttheyaregrowing.ArecentgenecstudyconrmedthatthesummersteelheadpopulaonfoundabovetheToltCanyonisdierentfromthewintersteelheadpopulaonfoundbelowthecanyon.SkagitRiverBullTroutGenecsAcomprehensivebulltroutgenecsstudyfoundthatpopulaonsofthisspeciesareextremelydiverseintheSkagitRiverdrainagewithgenecallyuniquepopulaonsBulltroutandthisDollyVardenarespeciesofnativechartrout-likeshinthesalmonfamily.Inthesummerof2013thersttwoadultsteelheadtaggedin2010returnedtothesouthforkoftheToltRiverontheirwayupstreamtotheToltCanyon.CityLightisaleaderinsponsoringgeneticresearchstudiestoimprovethemanagementofthreatenedshspeciesinthePacicNorthwest.presentinalmosteverymajorstream.MostimportantthebulltroutpresentinthethreeSkagitreservoirsaregenecallyverydierentfromthosefounddownstreamoftheSkagitRiverProjectandhavelikelybeenisolatedfromtheshinthelowerwatershedsincetheendofthelasticeage.SkagitRiverSteelheadHatcheryandWildSteelheadInteraconsThisstudywasconductedtoassesswhetherhatcherysteelheadhaveharmfulecologicalandorgenecimpactsonwildsteelheadpopulaonsintheSkagitwatershed.Itfoundecologicalimpactsfromhatchery-releasesteelheadonwildsteelheadpopulaons.SkagitRiverProjectNaveCharPopulaonsThisstudyfoundthatbulltroutpopulaonshaveincreasedalmost10-foldintheRossLakedrainageoverthepastdecadealikelyresultfromamajorchangeintheforagebasefortheseshoverthisperiod.ThisstudyalsodiscoveredthatDollyVardenarepresentalongwithbulltroutinallthreeSkagitreservoirswhichmaybetheonlylakesintheUnitedStateswherebothoftheseshspeciesarefoundtogether. 6EnvironmentReport2014SeattleCityLightBoundaryProjectMountainWhiteshThisstudyofmountainwhiteshanavesalmonidspeciesdiscoveredinthePendOreilleRiverfoundthatpopulaonsinBoundaryreservoirweresmallerthanexpectedduetolowsurvivalofeggs.Resultsarebeingusedtoimprovespawninghabitatinthereservoir.WildlifeResearchTheNorthCascadesisoneofthemostruggedisolatedandleaststudiedareasinWashington.TheSkagitRiverHydroelectricProjectWildlifeMigaonProgramprovidesgrantfundingforwildliferesearchintheNorthCascadesecosystemtouniversiesagenciesandconsulngrms.Thegrantprogramplacesanemphasisongraduatestudentresearchandeducaon.FindingsfromrecentstudiesincludeMountainGoatPopulaonConnecvityintheCascadeRangeofWashingtonandSouthernBrishColumbiaThisstudyanalyzedthegenecmakeupofgoats.Itidenedroadsassignicantbarrierstomovementwithnegaveimpactstotheoverallhealthofthegoatherds.WolverineDistribuonandEcologyintheNorthCascadesEcosystemThisongoinglong-termradio-telemetrystudyconrmedthepresenceofwolverinesintheNorthCascadesidenedbreedinglocaonsquanedterritorysizeanddeterminedkeyhabitatrequirements.CascadesCarnivoreConnecvityResearcherscollectedhairsamplesfromhundredsofblackbearsintheNorthCascadesandfoundgenecdierencesinbearsnorthandsouthofstateRoute2.ModelingindicatedthatblackbearsmovementsintheNorthCascadesmightbelimitedbyhighelevaonsandruggedtopography.Thisndinghighlightstheimportanceofmaintainingconneconsbetweenlowerelevaonhigh-qualityforestedhabitatsforblackbears.ClimateResearchTheSkagitRiverwatershedcontainsalmost400glacierscoveringabout50squaremiles.Theglaciersprovide6to18percentoftotalsummerrunofortheriver.Butthisvaluableresourceisshrinkingdeclining50percentinthelastcenturyinsomeSeattleCityLight-fundedresearchconrmedthepresenceofwolverinesintheNorthCascadesandprovidedinsightsintotheirbehaviors.SeattleCityLightshydroelectricdamsincludingDiabloDamdependonmountainsnowpacktoprovidewatertogenerateelectricityinthesummerwhichiswhyCityLightisdoingwhatitcantoaddressclimatechange. NestingplatformsinstalledbyCityLightgiveospreysalternativestobuildingnestsonpowerpoles.SeattleCityLightEnvironmentReport20147WorkingwithNatureNaturalhabitatsalongCityLightselectricaltransmissioncorridorsareasourceofcleanwatercarbonstorageandcroppollinators.Thesehabitatsbenetallofusandareessenaltosustainingtheregionsenvironmentalhealth.In2013CityLightbegananEnvironmentalLeadershipIniavetostudythewayvegetaonismanagedalongtransmission-linecorridors.Thereisanaturalsequenceofchangesknownassuccessioninthetypesofplantslivingthere.Theulitywillusethisnaturalsuccessiontohelpmanagevegetaonandimprovethevalueofhabitatwhileensuringsafeandreliableelectricityforitscustomers.SeattleCityLightmanagesvegetationalongitstransmissionrights-of-waywiththegoalofimprovingwildlifehabitatwhileprotectingthereliabledeliveryofelectricity.SeattleCityLighthasplayedaleadingroleinhelpingtounderstandtheimpactsofawarmingclimateonwaterresourcesintheSkagitbasin.Theyhavecontributednancialandlogisticalsupporttomonitorsnowpacktheglacialcontributiontostreamowandstreamwatertempera-tureintheSkagitValley.JonL.RiedelNationalParkServicegeologistNorthCascadesNationalParkareaswithclimatechangeplayingthemajorrole.CityLightiscollaborangwiththeNaonalParkServiceandotherpartnerstofundresearchonhowclimatechangewillaectglaciersovermeandwhatthelossofglacierswillmeanforstreamowsandtemperaturesshhabitatandhydropowergeneraonontheSkagitRiver.CityLightstransmissiontowersanddistribuonpolesalsoprovidearacvestructuresfornesngosprey.NestsonpowerpolescanbeproblemacforthedeliveryofelectricityandhazardousforthebirdssoCityLightworkswithlocallandownersanospreyexpertandtheWashingtonDepartmentofFishandWildlifetoprovidealternavelocaonsfornesngospreysthatavoidthoserisks.Since2010CityLighthasinstalledthreeospreynesngplaormsthroughoutSealewithtwoothersplannedthisyear. 8EnvironmentReport2014SeattleCityLightContributingtoEnvironmentalEducationCityLightemployeesarecommiedtocaringfortheenvironment.Itispartofourmissiontopromoteenvironmentaleducaonforourcustomerschildrenandadults.OnewaywedothisisbysponsoringannualeldtripsforSealepublicelementaryschoolswithethnicdemographicsthathavebeenunder-representedinnaturalresourcecareers.ScienstsfromCityLightsEnvironmentalAairsDivisiontookstudentstovisitasiteontheCedarRiverfortheninthyearin2013.CityLightsSkagitToursstrengthenthebondsbetweenpeopleandnature.Dangbacktothelate1930sthetoursconnuetobeoeredduringthesummer.Since2011thetourshavebeenconductedinpartnershipwiththeNaonalParkServiceandtheNorthCascadesInstutewithmoreemphasisonenvironmentaleducaon.AguidedboattriponDiabloLakebeaufullyillustratestheconneconbetweentheNorthCascadesenvironmentandCityLightsenergyproducon.AnotherexampleisCityLightspartnershipwiththeNorthCascadesInstute.CityLightbuilttheEnvironmentalLearningCenterfortheinstutetoprovideenvironmentaleducaon.AmongitsprogramsisMountainSchoolathree-dayimmersionlearningexperiencefor5thgradersfromschoolsaroundPugetSound.Thecenteralsooersavarietyofworkshopsforadultsthree-weekeldlearningcoursesforteenagersandagraduateprograminenvironmentaleducaon.CityLightscienstshavegivenmulplepresentaonsatthecenteroverthepastveyears.CityLighthelpedestablishtheSkagitEnvironmentalEndowmentCommissionaspartofanagreementwithCanadatonotbuildRossDamhigherandtheulityprovidesongoingadministraveandtechnicalsupportforthegroup.Thecommissionconnuestoinvestmorethan500000everyyearinenvironmentalrecreaonandeducaonalprojects.StudentsfromMartinLutherKingJr.ElementaryvisittheCedarRiver.AboatrideonDiabloLakeisjustoneofthehighlightsofaSkagitTour. SeattleCityLightEnvironmentReport20149OperatingEfcientlyAtCityLightenvironmentalstewardshipextendsbeyondprotecngthenaturalresourcesatourpowerplantsandenvironmentaleducaon.Reducingwasterecyclingminimizinguseofchemicalsandsavingenergyareallimportantongoingprogramsthatarepartofourrouneoperaons.Theseprogramsnotonlybenettheenvironmentbutalsosavemoney.RecyclingCityLightrecyclespapercardboardglassplascmetalceramicsmercuryuorescentlightsbaeriesyardwasteandanfreeze.Glassandmetalbandsfromelectricmetersceramicsfromelectricalequipmentmetalsfromtransformersandburned-outcompactuorescentlampsfromcustomersarealsorecycledalongwithanabundanceofothermaterials.ReducingPaperUseCityLighthasconnueditspaperreduconeortswhichbeganasthePapercutsProgramin2005.Theulityhasreducedpaperusagebyatleast30percenteachyearcomparedtothebaselineyearpriortothestartoftheprogram.PurchasingGreenCityLighthasulizedgreenpurchasingpraccesformanyyears.ThismeansthatProductsusedbyCityLightformaintenanceandoperaonsareevaluatedforenvironmentalandsafetycriteriasuchasrecycledcontentorreducedtoxins.ThosethatmeetstringentstandardsareRecyclablesinpoundsYear20082009201020112012Paperandcardboard172855169345160575166352146125Plasc13891569125610041148Aluminumcans427386472321238Scrapmetal531223720020Aluminum268237143860Copper540809976280Alkalinebaeries29692026122631172332HIDlampsnumberoflamps2003697831482873629634Year20082009201020112012SCLPaperUsagereams112241138411035956510950Percentreducon3130324133frombaselineAllnewoverheadtransformersandmanyothersarelledwithaUSDABioPreferredesteriedvegetableoil. 10EnvironmentReport2014SeattleCityLighttestedbyemployees.Productsthatperformwellbecometheapprovedsupplieswhilenewproductsconnuetobeevaluatedandapproved.Chemicalsareevaluatedforenvironmentalandsafetyconcerns.Alternavesareassessedforproductsofconcernandsubstuonsarerecommendedwherefeasible.Computerspurchasedbytheulitymustmeetstrictenvironmentalstandards.ForseveralyearsallthepurchasedcomputershavemetthehigherE-PEATElectronicProductEnvironmentalAssessmentToolgoldstandard.Tomeetthatstandardthecomputersuselesstoxicmateriallessenergyandareeasiertorecycle.AllnewoverheadtransformersandmanyothertransformersarelledwithaUSDABioPreferredesteriedvegetableoilasustainablysourcedlowtoxicitybiodegradableproduct.Bio-basedchainsawoilandhydraulicuidsareusedandbio-basedturbineoilsarealsobeinginvesgated.CityLighthasbeenusingwoodpolesthataretreatedwithcoppernaphthenateformorethan20years.Thisistheonlywoodpreservaveapprovedforpolesinsertedundergroundthatisnotarestricted-usepescideaccordingtotheU.S.EnvironmentalProteconAgency.Theulityscedarpolesaredippedinavatofthepreservavesoonlytheboomofthepoleistreatedtheburiedpartplusafewextrafeet.Thetopofthepoleisuntreatedandnaturallyrot-resistantwesternredcedar.RossLodgebeforerenovationBuiltin1938thelodgewasaone-and-a-half-storybuildingtohousesinglemenwhosharedcommoneatingandloungingareas.SavingEnergyInaddiontohelpingourcustomerssaveenergyandmoneyCityLighttakespridesinitsowneortstobemoreenergyecient.Severalrecentexamplesaredescribedbelow.Since2010SealeCityLighthasconvertedmorethan40000streetlightstoenergy-ecientlight-emingdiodesLEDs.Thenewstreetlightswillreducetheamountofenergyusedbyupto60percentandsavetheCityofSealeabout2.4millionayearinoperangcosts.CityLightownsover50housesforemployeesworkingattheSkagitRiverHydroelectricProjectinthetownsofNewhalemandDiablo.Builtbetween1925and1960noneofthesehomesmetcurrentenergyeciencystandards.In2010CityLightembarkedonaprogramtoinstallheatpumpsinsulaonandenergy-ecientwindowsallwhilepreservingthehistoriccharacteriscsofthehouses.Whencompletetheprojectwillmakethehomesmorecomfortableandsaveenergyandmoney. SeattleCityLightEnvironmentReport201411andputthemtonewuse.Restoraonsavesmaterialsreduceswasteandpreservesourhistory.ProtectingOurWatersCuttingEmissionsTomaintainundergroundpowerlinesandtransformersCityLightworkersoenhavetopumpoutwateranddebrisfromthevaultswherethatequipmentislocated.Currentlythatwastewatermustbetruckedtoadistantfacilityforltraonanddisposal.TosavemoneyprotectlocalwaterwaysandreducetripsandcarbonemissionsCityLightbeganconstruconin2013ofanewdecantandcarbonltraonfacility.SeattleCityLightshouldbeapplaudedforitspreservationeffortsrecentlycompletedintheSkagitNationalRegisterHistoricDistrict.TherehabilitationworkontheGorgeInntheanchorbuildingalongoldMainStreetinNewhalemistop-notchandreectsanunderstandingofandcommitmenttopreservationbytheutility.LikewisethepreservationworkcompletedontheRossLodgeinDiabloisequallyimpressive.Theutilityisembracingstewardshipoftheiruniqueculturalresourcesinaboldandthoughtfulmanner.OurhatsareofftoSeattleCityLightGretchenLuxenbergCulturalResourcesSpecialistwiththeNationalParkServiceReducingWasteRestoringBuildingsCityLighthasalmost90structureslistedontheNaonalRegisterofHistoricPlaces.ManyoftheseoldbuildingsarelocatedinthehistorictownsofNewhalemandDiabloattheSkagitRiverHydroelectricProject.Severalofthesebuildingshavenotbeenusedinrecentyearsbecausetheywereinpoorcondionandcostagreatdealtoheatandmaintain.InsteadoftearingthemdownandreplacingthemwithnewconstruconCityLighthasrestoredthesehistoricbuildingsupgradedtheirenergysystemsRossLodgeafterrenovationItnowservesasameetingandconferencefacility.Onceinoperaonthesystemwillseparatestormwaterandmoisturefromsolidmaterial.Withoutthewaterthoseremainingsolidsaresignicantlylightermeaningitwontcostasmuchtohaulthemawayandproperlydisposeofthem.Theliquidsstayatthefacilityandarepumpedthroughaseriesoflterstoremovecontaminants.OncelteredthewaterisdischargedtoKingCountyssanitarysewerforaddionaltreatment. 12EnvironmentReport2014SeattleCityLightSeattleCityLightinstalledSonicBloomatPacicScienceCenterasanartisticwaytodemonstratehowsolarworksinSeattle.ConservingEnergyResourcesEnergysavingsareaprimaryfocusforCityLightbecauseenergyeciencyisthelowestcostlowestrisklowestenvironmentalimpactmeansofensuringwecanmeetSealesgrowingneedsinasustainableway.For35yearsCityLighthashelpeditscustomersbecomemoreenergyecient.The2012goalwas14averagemegawasanincreaseof66percentoverthepreviousyearsgoal.OverthelastveyearsCityLighthassecuredmostofitsenergysavingsfromenergy-ecientlighng.SavingscomefromresidenalcommercialindustrialandstreetlighngcustomersandspanavarietyoftechnologiesfromcompactuorescentlampstoLEDs.SomeexamplesincludeTheulitysQuickLighngUpgradeIniavehelpedbusinesscustomersupgradetheirobsoleteT-12uorescentlighngtonewenergysavingT-8technology.Ineightmonthsbetween2008and2009theprogramretroedmorethan148500xturesforanenergysavingsofmorethan41millionkilowa-hours.Thatsenoughelectricitysavingstorunabout4800homesforanenreyear.Throughretailpartnerstheulityhasoeredcustomersincenvesthatresultedinthepurchaseofmorethan4millioncompactuorescentlamps.Innovaondrivestheenergyconservaoneld.Theulityisexploringinnovaveincenvesandkeepingtrackoftechnologicaladvancestodelivercost-eecveenergysavingsforitscustomers.Commercialbuildingsslloersignicantenergysavingspotenalandtheulitymayneedtooernewprogramsandincenvestosecuresavingsfromthesebuildings.TechnologyischangingquicklyasiswitnessedbytherapidadoponofLEDlighngtechnology.WithinthelastfewyearsLEDlighngtechnologyhasbecomemoreaordableandavailable.SealeCityLightsconservaonprogramshaveseenthisenergy-ecientlighngtechnologygaintraconasamainstreamlighngoponacrossallmarketsectors.SonicBloomsfowerslightupatnightandsingharmonicnoteswhenpeopleapproach. electricitybills.Morethan14000customersparcipateinthiseortwhichalsosupportsrenewableenergydemonstraonandeducaonprojects.ThelatestGreenUpdemonstraonprojectisSonicBloomasolar-poweredworkofartconsisngofveowersupto33feettallatPacicScienceCenter.CityLightfurtheroersavarietyofwaysforcustomerstogosolarincludinganaward-winningCommunitySolarprogramwithlocaonsatJeersonParkandtheSealeAquariumandbypartneringwiththelocalnonprotNorthwestSustainableEnergyforEconomicDevelopmentonaSolarizeSealecampaign.CommunitySolarparcipantsownaporonofalargerpublic-orientedsolarinstallaonandreceivecreditsontheirbillthrough2020.Solarizeprovideseducaonandtechnicalsupportthatempowerneighborhoodstogosolarthroughfreeworkshopssolarsiteassessmentsandaordablegrouppurchasingandnancing.TheseeortshavesignicantlycontributedtoincreasedawarenessaboutsolarpowerandthenumberofsystemsinstalledintheulitysserviceterritoryCommunitySolaratJeersonParkandtheSealeAquariumtotal73kW.SolarizeNorthwestSealeJanuaryJuly2013resultedin141newsolarinstallaonsequalingallpreviousSolarizeSealecampaignscombined.SolarizeCentralSoutheastSealeMayDecember2013resultedin75newinstallaonsasofmid-November2013.Thetotalnumberofcustomerswhoinstalledhomesolarsystemsnearlydoubledin2013from234toapproximately450customers.CityLightishometothelargestcustomersolarinstallaoninthestateatCenturyLinkEventCenter780kWandthegreenestcommercialbuildingintheworldtheBulliCenterwhichhasa240kWsolarinstallaon.600500400300200100020072010201120122013est.2014est.20092008AnnualNewCustomerSolarInstallationByadoptinginnovativetechnologyandworkingwitharchitectsengineersaswellastradealliesCityLightleadsthewaytoincreasedenergysavings.SeattleCityLightEnvironmentReport201413SupportingNewRenewableEnergyResourcesSealeCityLightdemonstratesitsconnuingcommitmenttocleanenergybybuildingonitshydroelectriclegacywiththeacquisionofnewrenewableresources.SinceJanuary2009CityLighthascontractedfor1.1millionmegawa-hoursofelectricityfromtheColumbiaRidgelandllgasplantandKingCountysWestPointcogeneraonplantalongwiththeassociatedenvironmentalaributescalledrenewableenergycreditsthrough2021.Theulityalsocontractedfor2.4millionrenewableenergycreditsfrom16windprojectsonegeothermalplantandonelandllgasprojectthrough2021.ThesepurchaseswillallowCityLighttoreliablyserveourcustomersneedforenergyandhelptheulitymeettherequirementsofI-937.Thevoter-approvedmeasurerequires15percentofCityLightsenergyporolioby2020tocomefromrenewableenergyresourcesdevelopedaer1997.AddionallySealeCityLightsGreenUpprogramallowscustomerstoinvestinnewsourcesofrenewableenergygeothermalwindbiogassolarbypayingalilemoreontheirSolarpanelsontopoftheowersandthePacicScienceCenterroofprovideallthepowerforSonicBloom. 14EnvironmentReport2014SeattleCityLightcost150forcustomerstopurchaseandcustomerscouldbuyupto125units.The1850unitsavailablesoldoutinfewerthansixweeks.ParcipantsreceivecreditontheirCityLightbillsfortheirporonsofthesolarpanelsoutputthrough2020alongwithallstateproduconincenves.Togetherthosecreditsamountto1.15perkilowa-hour.Eachunitisexpectedtogenerateabout29annuallyincreditsduringthelifeoftheproject.AddionalGreenUpprogramrevenuewasusedforeducaondisplayanddemonstraon.Withover800000visitorsperyearincluding40000schoolchildrenattheaquariumthisisagoodinvestmentineducangourcustomersandthegeneralpublicaboutsolarenergyandourrenewableenergyandconservaonprograms.Livemonitoringinformaonfromtheprojectisavailableonlineathplive.deckmonitoring.comidseale_aquarium.CommunitySolarletsmanypeoplecometogethertobuildasolararrayandshareinitsbenets.AtSealeCityLightwechooselocaonsthatareagoodtforsolarsunnyvisibletothepublicandonproperesthatbringotherpublicbenetstoourcommunity.Parcipantsbenetthrougheconomiesofscalebeersingandtheopportunitytotakepartatamuchlowerentry-levelcost.InsteadofpayingmanyTheCommunitySolarprojectisthelargestsolararrayonanyaquariumontheWestCoast.CommunityPowerfromtheSunSealeCityLightinstalledthelargestsolararrayatanyWestCoastaquariuminthefallof2013attheSealeAquariumaspartoftheulitysCommunitySolarandGreenUpprograms.SolarpanelswerepurchasedfromMarysville-basedSiliconEnergypromonggreenjobsinWesternWashington.Each24-waunitofthesolarinstallaonAworkerinstallssomeofthesolarpanelsontopoftheSeattleAquarium. SeattleCityLightEnvironmentReport201415Thisisagreatidea.Itsavesusalotofhassleandistherightthingtodo.Alsoithelpsusshowourkidsthatwerestartingtoslowdownsomeofthedamageourgenerationisdoingtotheplanet.Aparticipantwhobought50unitsThanks.SuperfastandmucheasierandcheaperthantryingtoinstallthemonourhouseAparticipantwhobought2unitsWeareexcitedtosupportthisveryforward-thinkingprojectAparticipantwhobought1unitIhavealreadybeenspreadingthewordespeciallytorentersandpeoplewholiveinmultifamilybuildingswhereitsdifculttogettheirownsolararraysinstalled.Aparticipantwhobought125unitsWeresohappythattheseunitsareavailable.Wewouldlovetohavesolaronourownhomebutoursiteisnotsuitable.Aparticipantwhoboughtthelast3unitsandwantedmorethousandsofdollarstoinstallasolarelectricsystematthecustomerssitethecustomercangetnancialbenetsandsupportsolarinthecommunitybyinvesnginafraconoftheenreproject.TheaquariumsitewasselectedaerreviewofalargenumberofpotenalsitesbasedonlocaonsolarexposureappealtoSealeresidentsinterestandsharedaimsconservaonandsustainabilityofthehostandming.Thereare247solarmodulesthatmakeupthe49.4kilowasystem44.4kilowascomprisetheCommunitySolarprojectanda5kilowaporonbenetstheaquariumdirectlyaspartoftheGreenUpdemonstraonproject.InstallaonofthesystembyNorthwestWindSolartookapproximatelythreeweeksinOctober2013.CityLightcreatedanonlineenrollmentsystemincludingamechanismforcustomerstospreadoutpaymentsovertwobillingcycles.ThisandthelowcostoftheunitsthelowestentrypriceforanyCommunitySolarprojectinthenaonaddresstheCityofSealesRaceandSocialJusceIniaveinterestsbymakingsolaraordabletoawidereconomicspectrum.ThisisthesecondCommunitySolarprojectdevelopedbyCityLight.TheulitycompleteditsrstCommunitySolarprojectatJeersonParkinSouthSealein2012withhelpfromaDepartmentofEnergySolarAmericaCiesSpecialProjectsgrant.Threesolarpicnicshelterswerebuiltandcurrentlygenerateover26000kilowa-hoursannually.SeattleCityLightcustomerswereabletobuyaportionoftheCommunitySolarsproductionforaslittleas150. 16EnvironmentReport2014SeattleCityLightMakingSmartDecisionsfortheFutureSealeCityLighthasnotonlyachievedcarbonneutralityithasalsoadoptedanintegratedresourceplanthatreliesononlynewrenewableenergyresourcesandenergyeciencytomeetfuturecustomerdemand.AlthoughCityLightisreducingcarbonemissionsclimatechangeisaglobalchallengethatcouldaectthelong-termbusinesshealthoftheulity.CityLightshydroelectricdamswhichproducelow-costpowerforourcustomersdependonmountainsnowpacktostorewaterforgenerangelectricitythroughoutthesummer.Climatechangethatbringsmoreprecipitaonasrainorstartsthemelt-oearlierinthespringwouldthreatentheulitysabilitytogeneratetheelectricityitneedstoserveitscustomersinlatesummer.CityLightisdoingwhatitcantoreduceitsclimateimpactandtohelpitscustomersdothesame.InaneorttoreduceitscarbonfootprintthecityofSealeisturningtogreentechnologiesthatsignicantlyreducetheidlingmesofengineslessenmaintenanceandequipmentdownmeanddecreaseeetfuelconsumpon.CityLightsgoalsfor2014andbeyondincludea30to40percentreduconinfuelusagethroughdiversetechnologiesUseB20biodieselinallSeale-baseddieselequipment.An8020mixofdieselandrecycledbiomassB20isatruerecycledresource.Ulizecompressednaturalgasgasolinedual-fuelequipmentwhichoersacleanerfuelthatcosts60to70percentlessthandieselorgasoline.Addmoreall-electricvehiclestoCityLightsmotorpoolforlocalon-the-jobtravel.Installmoreauxiliarypowerunitsfortheheavyequipmentusedforworksuchaspoledigging.Theseauxiliaryunitssupplyelectricityforemergencylightsystemsbinheatersbaerychargingaswellascabheatinthewinterwithoutrunningtheengine.Thistechnologyeliminatesupto90percentofenginerun-mesavingfuelandreducingtheamountoftrucknoiseintheareaswherewework.CityLightworkswiththeClimateActionReserveandotherthird-partyorganizationstooffsetitsgreenhouse-gasemissionsincludingUsingbiodieselfuelforSeattle-areabussesferriesandgarbagetrucksOfferingelectricshorepowerforcruiseshipsatthePortofSeattleAerobiccompostingoflocalfoodandyardwasteCapturinganddisposingofmethaneatdairyfarmsandlandllsDigestingorganicwastefromaWashingtonStatefoodprocessingfacilityShorepowerforcruiseshipsreducesgreenhousegasemissionsbecausetheshipsdonthavetoruntheirengineswhiletheyreatthedock.In2010thecitysGreenFleetprogramwasnamedtheNo.1GovernmentGreenFleetinNorthAmericaby100BestFleets.Theawardrecognizesexcellentintegraonofalternavefuelsintoexisngoperaonsandcomprehensiveexaminaonofwhereandhowpetroleumreduconpoliciesandprocedurescouldimpacttheeet. UsingSkagitProjectrecreaonprogramfundstheU.S.ForestServiceMt.Baker-SnoqualmieandOkanoganNaonalForestsconstructedanewseconoftheOldSaukTrailoutsideDarringtontoAmericanDisabilityAct-accessiblestandardsrepairedboatrampsalongtheSkagitandSaukriversandupgradedtrailheadsalongstateRoute20.TheNaonalParkServiceusedSkagitProjectrecreaonprojectfundstocompletetheHozomeenTrailatthenorthendofRossLakeandtoinstallanewgatewaysignatthewestentrancetoNorthCascadesNaonalParkComplex.Areportonthelong-termgenecandpopulaonimpactsofhatcheryprogramsonnavesteelheadintheSkagitRiverwascompletedinpartnershipwiththeSkagitRiverSystemCooperaveUpperSkagitIndianTribeWashingtonDepartmentofFishandWildlifeandtheWildFishConservancy.SkagitRiverProjectWildliferesearchgrantsareawardedincooperaonwiththeNaonalParkServiceU.S.FishandWildlifeServiceWashingtonDepartmentofFishandWildlifeU.S.ForestServiceandSauk-SuitaleTribe.SalmonspawningsurveysattheSkagitandToltprojectsareconductedwithassistancefromtheSwinomishandTulaliptribesrespecvely.CityLightbiologistspartneredwiththeU.S.ForestServiceNaonalParkServiceandlocalvolunteerstomonitorwinteringbaldeaglepopulaonsalongtheSkagitRiver.PeregrinefalconsnesngneartheSkagitProjectaremonitoredbyCityLightbiologistsincooperaonwiththeWashingtonDepartmentofFishandWildlife.PartneringforEnvironmentalStewardshipSuccessCityLightunderstandsthatcollaboraonandpartnershipsareintegraltothesuccessofitsenvironmentalstewardshipprograms.Weconnuetodevelopandstrengthenrelaonshipswithfederalstateandlocalgovernmentagenciestribeswatershedcouncilsnonprotenvironmentalorganizaonsandlandtrusts.SomeoftheworkwehavedonewithourpartnersoverthepastveyearsissummarizedbelowSince2011CityLightspopularSkagitTourshavebeenapartnershipwiththeNaonalParkServiceandNorthCascadesInstute.AcquisionandrestoraonofhabitatintheSkagitSaukandToltrivershavebeencompletedinpartnershipwiththeNatureConservancySkagitRiverLandTrustUpperSkagitIndianTribeSkagitRiverSystemCooperaveTulalipTribeSkagitFisheriesEnhancementGroupSkagitWatershedCouncilandSkagitSnohomishandKingcounes.ThespeciescomposionandabundanceofnavecharpopulaonsintheupperSkagitRiverbasinaremonitoredincooperaonwithNaonalParkServiceWashingtonDepartmentofFishandWildlifeandBrishColumbiaMinistryofForestsLandsandNaturalResourceOperaons.WeedsneartheSkagitToltandBoundaryprojectsaremanagedwithassistancefromtheSkagitFisheriesEnhancementGroupSoundSalmonSoluonsandPendOreilleCountyrespecvely.CityLightpartneredwiththeU.S.ForestServiceColvilleNaonalForesttoremoveandrevegetateoldroadsthataccessedseveraldecommissionedwatermonitoringwellsneartheBoundaryProject.SeattleCityLightbuilttheEnvironmentalLearningCenterfortheNorthCascadesInstituteandcontinuestoworkinpartnershipwiththeinstituteonprogramsandSkagitTours.SeattleCityLightEnvironmentReport201417 18EnvironmentReport2014SeattleCityLightCompletedEnergySavingsEnergyconservaonsavingsfromprojectscompletedinthatcalendaryearAnnualEnergySavingsGoalisassociatedwithSealeCityLightsI-937TargetNorthwestEnergyEciencyAlliance.Includesdirect-andindirect-fundedenergysavings.NotesEnergysavingsarereectedinaMW.OneaMW8760000kWhEnergyConservaonSavingsarefromcompletedprojectsandincludesavingsfromregionalmarkettransformaonacviesNEEAthird-partydeliveredeortsandavoidedtransmissionanddistribuonlosses.EnergysavingsaretypicallynotnalizedunlJuneofacalendaryear.ThisdatawascompiledasofMarch62014andthe2013NEEAenergysavingsarebasedondatathatwasavailableatthisme.WeancipateNEEAwillprovideupdated2013datainMay2014.For2010-2011theseenergysavingsarealignedwithSealeCityLightsI-937reporng.For2012-2013thesesavingshavenotyetbeenreportedtotheStateforI-937purposesanddonotincludeOpower-relatedenergysavings.Thisprogramisbeingevaluatedandtheenergysavingswillbeaddedoncetheevaluaoniscomplete.The2013NEEAenergysavingsareesmatedandcouldchange.20092010201120122013AnnualEnergySavingsGoal10.279.849.8412.0112.01ResidenalSavings5.745.025.614.154.10Commercial-IndustrialSavings5.987.505.535.855.63NEEASavings1.33.643.263.333.74TotalaMWSavingsAcquired13.0216.1614.4113.3313.47SeattleCityLightssupportforenergy-efcientlightinghashelpedmanycustomersincludingtheParamountTheatrereducetheirelectricityuseandsavemoney. SeattleCityLightEnvironmentReport201419BaconCreekintheSkagitRiverwatershed. 20EnvironmentReport2014SeattleCityLightCelebratingStewardshipAccomplishmentsSealeCityLightishonoredtoreceiverecognionforitscommitmenttoenvironmentalstewardship.2012WastewaterTreatmentPlantOutstandingPerformanceAwardforNewhalemClimateRegisteredstatusinrecognionofitsclimateleadershipforreporngandverifyingits2010and2011carbonfootprinttothehigheststandardNamedaTreeLineUSAUlityforbestpraccesinprotecngandenhancingurbanforestsinitsserviceterritory2011WastewaterTreatmentPlantOutstandingPerformanceAwardforNewhalem2011WastewaterTreatmentPlantOutstandingPerformanceAwardforDiabloInnovaonAward2011AwardinExcellenceforRiparianManagementfortheToltRiverFloodplainReconneconProjectCityLightbiologistEdConnorreceivestheSkagitWatershedCouncilAnnualAwardforcontribuonstosalmonrecoveryintheSkagitRiverWatershed2010OutstandingWastewaterTreatmentPlantAwardforDiablo2010OutstandingWastewaterTreatmentPlantAwardforNewhalemGreenGlobeAward2009OutstandingWastewaterTreatmentPlantforDiablo2009OutstandingWastewaterTreatmentPlantAwardforNewhalemTheCitysGreenFleetprogramwasrecognizedforitsexcellentintegraonofalternavefuelsintoexisngoperaonsandcomprehensiveexaminaonofwhereandhowpetroleumreduconpoliciesandprocedurescouldimpacttheeetNominatedforthe2009PublicPowerWindPioneerAward2008OutstandingWastewaterTreatmentPlantAwardforDiablo2009DirectorsAwardforworkinhelpingtorestoreWileySloughintheSkagitestuaryNorthCascadesEnvironmentalLearningCenterbuiltbyCityLightisawardedLeadershipinEnergyandEnvironmentalDesignSilverOutstandingStewardsofAmericasWatersAwardinthecategoryofRecreaonalEnvironmentalandHistoricalEnhancementforworkdonein2007intheEndangeredFishSpeciesRecoveryImplementaonProgramontheSkagitPartnersinRiverStewardshiprecognionforhelpingtoprotectandrestoretheoutstandingresourcesoftheSkagitRiversystem2007OutstandingWastewaterTreatmentPlantAwardforDiablo201320122011201020092008WashingtonStateDepartmentofEcologyTheClimateRegistryArborDayFoundaonWashingtonStateDepartmentofEcologyWashingtonStateDepartmentofEcologyInterstateRenewableEnergyCouncilAmericanFisheriesSocietySkagitWatershedCouncilWashingtonStateDepartmentofEcologyWashingtonStateDepartmentofEcologyKingCountyWashingtonStateDepartmentofEcologyWashingtonStateDepartmentofEcologyGreenFleetMagazineU.S.DepartmentofEnergyWindandHydropowerTechnologiesandtheAmericanPublicPowerAssociaonDemonstraonofEnergy-EcientDevelopmentsWashingtonStateDepartmentofEcologyWashingtonStateDepartmentofFishandWildlifeU.S.GreenBuildingCouncilNaonalHydroAssociaonU.S.ForestServiceWashingtonStateDepartmentofEcology Frontcoverbackcoverandpage15photosbyKeithLazelle.Fishphotoonpage4courtesyofDavidBatchelder.Wolverinephotoonpage6courtesyofU.S.ForestService.Ospreyphotoonpage7courtesyofNealChism.SonicBloomphotosonpages12and13courtesyofDanCorson.EnvironmentalLearningCenterphotoonpage14courtesyofNorthCascadesInstute.IllabotCreekprovidesimportantspawninghabitatforsalmon.CityLightremovedanoldleveefromthecreeknearitsconuencewiththeSkagitRivertoimproveconditionsforthesh.Learnmoreaboutourprogramschallengessuccessesandplansforthefuture.BoundaryHydroelectricProjecthpwww.seale.govlightgeneraonboundaryConservaonhpwww.seale.govlightconserveEnvironmentalAairshpwww.seale.govlightenvironmentGreenFleetsCityofSealehpwww.seale.goveetsPastEnvironmentalReporthpwww.seale.govlightenvironmentenvstewrpt_02_2009.pdfSkagitEnvironmentalEndowmentCommissionhpskagiteec.orgSkagitHydroelectricProjecthpwww.seale.govlighttoursskagitFollowCityLighttokeepupwiththelatestnewstrendschallengesandimpactsofourwork.Facebookhpswww.facebook.comSealeCityLightTwierhpstwier.comSEACityLightYouTubehpwww.youtube.comchannelUCXpqQ2CoMECyL2HEkR5_ydg ExecuveOce700FihAvenueSuite3200P.O.Box34023SealeWA98124-4023www.seale.govlight206.684.3200SealeCityLightisdedicatedtoexceedingourcustomersexpectaonsinproducinganddeliveringenvironmentallyresponsiblesafelow-costandreliablepower.Thisreportwasprintedon100percentpost-consumerrecycledpaperthatisfreeofchlorinechemistry.ThepaperisGreenSealandForestStewardshipCouncilcered.Itwasmanufacturedwith100percentrenewableenergyandmadeCarbonNeutralPluswhichensuresareduconincarbonemissionsplusacommitmenttoconservetheenvironment.ThereportwasprintedbyMcCallumPrintGroupwhichisceredbytheForestStewardshipCouncilandreceivedaEnvirostarFiveStarrangforitscommitmenttoprevenngpolluonandreducinghazardouswaste.McCallumalsoinvestsinrenewableenergythroughSealeCityLightsGreenUpprogramasagoldlevelparcipant.