King County and regulators agree on consent decree modification to protect water quality under worsening climate conditions

Clean water is essential for a healthy and thriving Puget Sound region. That’s why King County is committed to making the best investments to improve water quality, protect public health and the environment, and deliver reliable benefits for local communities and ratepayers.

 

A pair of legs inside a kayak in the foreground with another kayaker floating on water in the background.

Our ongoing work to control sources of pollution into local water bodies during heavy rains is required by law and documented in consent decrees with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Washington State Department of Ecology.

Conditions have changed since the 2013 Consent Decree and we have now successfully negotiated modifications with our regulators.

The changes will ensure that our remaining investments in combined sewer overflow (CSO) infrastructure can be adapted for climate change, support sustainable sewer rates for the communities we serve, and prioritize work in historically underserved neighborhoods.

King County is committed to finishing this work and creating the best outcomes for water quality that will last for generations to come.

Question title

What is your biggest concern about climate change in our region?
(Select all that apply.)

Select a response

Contact

If you have any questions about King County’s work to control sources of water pollution into local waterways including the Duwamish River or the proposed modifications to the consent decree, please contact: 

Caryn Sengupta, King County Community Relations
Email: Caryn.Sengupta@kingcounty.gov
Phone: 206-477-2514


CSO Outfall Status

Check the status map of a combined sewer overflow (CSO) outfall on our website.


CSO Consent Decree Timeline

complete
complete
2013

King County signed a consent decree with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology).

complete
complete
2019

King County asked to begin negotiations to modify the agreement.

complete
complete
June 2024

King County, EPA, Ecology, and the U.S. Department of Justice have successfully negotiated proposed changes to King County's consent decree.

complete
complete
July 2024

King County Council reviews the modification and takes action to approve. 

live
live
2024/2025

The U.S. Department of Justice transmits the modification to the federal court for approval. This process also involves publication in the Federal Register and an additional public comment period.

planned
planned
TBD

The modification is complete when the court gives final approval.

planned
planned
2037

New deadline for the CSO consent decree.