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Loan offer to the City of Sequim for West Sequim Bay Corridor Sewer Extension and Lift Station Construction

Agency
Ecology, Department of
Title of action
Loan offer to the City of Sequim for West Sequim Bay Corridor Sewer Extension and Lift Station Construction
Date significant agency action was initiated
Friday, February 2, 2024
Category
Capital project, grant, or loan award of at least $12 million
Brief description of significant agency actions for which the agency is initiating an environmental justice assessment.
The purpose of this action is to provide the City of Sequim with $14,726,274 in standard loan and $1,273,726 in forgivable loan to expand the sewer service area into eastern Sequim, which eliminates eastern Sequim commercial and residential on-site septic systems. The project location includes several areas of the City of Sequim on the Olympic Peninsula. The city is located along the Dungeness River and Sequim Bay of the Salish Sea. • A sewer lift station located at Forrest Rd. • Approximately 5,100 feet of sewer pipe extending from a pump station along W Sequim Bay Rd. • Approximately 1,800 feet of gravity sewer main extending along W. Sequim Bay Rd. from Independence Dr. west to Washington Harbor Rd. • Approximately 5,100 feet of gravity sewer main extending along W. Sequim Bay Rd. from the west Pacific Northwest National Laboratory property line to Forrest Rd. • Right-of-way and pavement repair (from utility work) for W. Sequim Bay Rd. from Washington Harbor Rd. to Forrest Rd. Anticipated benefits from the project funded by this proposed loan include: This project transitions on-site septic systems to the utility’s sewer service area. This transition brings significant environmental and public health benefits . Residential households, developers, shellfish industry and consumers, and Tribes may experience these benefits. Failing on-site sewage systems (OSS) threaten Sequim’s drinking water supply, which primarily comes from groundwater. They also negatively affect Sequim Bay shellfish industry, treaty rights, recreational opportunities, harm marine life such as salmon and orcas, and can create public health hazards. Increasing access to sewer service supports anticipated residential and commercial development. • 50 – 75 current residential households • 375 – 533 undeveloped parcels • The John Wayne Marina with 300 boat slips, a restaurant, a banquet hall, and public restrooms. • The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory campus-expansion.
Methods for providing public comment for agency consideration as part of the environmental justice assessment.
Ecology plans to conduct engagement focused on connecting with overburdened communities and vulnerable populations for the environmental justice assessment of this loan offer beginning in April 2024. Ecology conducted public engagement in February and March of 2024, with an online webinar and public comment period. We will respond to comments regarding overburdened communities or populations with vulnerabilities and will seek further involvement as needed to address concerns. Through methods yet to be determined, Ecology will identify additional opportunities to engage overburdened communities in Clallam County and provide opportunities for their involvement in this funding decision. Ecology will also invite Tribal consultation and conduct staff outreach with impacted Tribes, including, but not limited to, the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe, Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe, and Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe. Please contact Faith Wimberley at faith.wimberley@ecy.wa.gov with any comments or questions.
Status