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North Henderson Basins

The North Henderson area projects will reduce the amount of untreated sewage and polluted stormwater that is overflowing into Lake Washington at combined sewer overflow (CSO) outfalls near Seward Park (Basin 44) and Martha Washington Park (Basin 45).

The North Henderson area CSO-reduction projects incorporate additional storage, conveyance pipeline and system upgrades to control about 10.5 million gallons that currently overflow into Lake Washington during rainstorms. The projects are planned for completion in 2018.

Because of topography and other factors, Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) opportunities are limited in North Henderson Basins. Some opportunity may exist for small-scale projects, such as RainWise.

Selecting a Preferred Alternative

After nearly two years of study and discussions with residents, Seattle Public Utilities has decided to address the neighborhood’s ongoing stormwater and sewage storage issue by pursuing construction of an underground storage tank across the street from Martha Washington Park, at 5560 S. Holly St.

To reach a decision, the SPU project team weighed community impacts, environmental considerations, technical feasibility and cost. At the onset of the siting process in 2010, storage options included Seward Park and Martha Washington Park, under streets (the right-of-way option), and on private property. 

Since May 2010, SPU has held six public meetings, four briefings and two drop-in events at Martha Washington Park, in addition to one-on-one meetings with immediate neighbors of the park.

In response to community feedback, SPU separated the review processes for Basin 44, which drains toward Seward Park, and Basin 45, which drains to a pump station on the south side of Martha Washington Park. By mid-2011, siting alternatives for the project in the Martha Washington Park vicinity were narrowed to storage under 57th Avenue South, private property and the park itself.

As the project team evaluated these three options, a property owner offered to sell the parcel at 5560 S. Holly St. This property ranked the highest when scored against the storage options in Martha Washington Park and under 57th Avenue South.

Frequently Asked Questions

North Henderson - Frequently Asked Questions - October 2010 (pdf)

Meeting Materials

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Về dịch vụ phiên dịch xin gọi (206) 826-4767
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Project Updates

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In response to community feedback, SPU is conducting separate siting and environmental processes for Basin 44, which drains to Seward Park, and Basin 45, which drains to Martha Washington Park. Public comments received at meetings in late 2010 and early 2011 supported managing CSOs for Basins 44 and 45 separately, rather than combined solutions (e.g. a large storage tunnel to convey and store).

Seward Park Area (Basin 44) Project Alternatives

SPU proposes to build an underground storage facility in Seward Park to temporarily hold combined sewage and stormwater runoff. SPU is currently developing a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) under the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) to document how the project could impact people and the environment. SPU anticipates releasing the Draft EIS in late 2011.SPU is currently studying two project locations in Seward Park.

View the Community Guide to the Project to learn more about the Seward Park (Basin 44) alternatives.

Martha Washington Park Vicinity (Basin 45) Project Alternatives

After nearly two years of study and discussions with residents, Seattle Public Utilities has decided to address the neighborhood’s ongoing stormwater and sewage storage issue by pursuing construction of an underground storage tank across the street from Martha Washington Park, at 5560 S. Holly St. In mid-January 2012, SPU will hold an informal open house near the intersection of 57th and South Holly Street to provide the most up-to-date project and schedule information. Please sign up for a listserv message with the exact date, time and location.

SPU will prepare an Environmental Checklist under the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) to document how the project could impact people and the environment. SPU anticipates issuing a determination of findings (threshold determination) in late 2012.

There will be two opportunities to provide public input about the recommended alternative. As part of the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), SPU is moving ahead with the environmental review process for Basin 45. The SEPA environmental review documents will be available in early March/April 2012 for the public’s review and comment.

In May, the Seattle City Council will hold a public hearing prior to finalizing purchase of the property. Construction is tentatively scheduled to begin in 2015. Additional opportunities for input on site restoration and construction impacts will take place during the design phase. We hope to see you in January to talk further about the project.

View the Alternatives Summary to learn more.

We Want to Hear From You

Public input is an important part of our decision process. Email SPU_HCSO@seattle.gov to share your thoughts on the project alternatives:

To help the project team best understand your concerns and interests, please specify the project (Basin 44 or Basin 45) and alternative(s) your comments address.

Project Schedules

Seward Park Area (Basin 44)

timeline_basin_44

 Martha Washington Park Vicinity (Basin 45)

timeline_basin_45

Final Reports