Fall City septic project turns a corner
The King County Department of Local Services is halfway through building a new on-site septic system in the Fall City business district. The new system will allow local businesses to safely flush more and wash more dishes and laundry. After decades of economic stagnation, those businesses will be able to expand without risking environmental problems. And once it's complete, the project will be all but invisible.
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Now that the large treatment tanks and drain field are in place, the project will begin installing 46 new septic systems and connections that will convert solid waste to liquid waste and pump it to the state-of-the-art treatment plant near Bernard Park.
► Visit the project page on the King County website
► Read more and see a photo essay on the King County Local Blog
Road Services
Road work ahead
It's that time of year. When the rain (mostly) stops and temperatures are (mostly) warmer, Road Services crews swing into action to keep county roads—and the infrastructure that supports them—safe for all to use. Here are some upcoming projects you may notice.
White Center pedestrian safety and traffic calming improvements
King County will add safer street crossings, clearer signs and other improvements to help reduce speeding on 16th Avenue SW between SW 100th Street and SW 107th Street. The road will be restriped to have one lane for vehicles in each direction, a center turn lane, and bike lanes on both sides. Night paving work (between 7 p.m. and 4 a.m.) will be done in June and July, and new temporary lane markings will be added.
Later this summer, Road Services will add curb extensions at 16th Avenue SW and SW 104th Street, and at 16th Avenue SW and SW 106th Street. Crews will also install permanent lane markings, high-visibility signs, and several pedestrian safety improvements between SW 100th Street and SW 107th Street.
► Learn more on the project website
► Sign up for email or text Road Alerts to learn more about projects in your community
Sahalee Way NE (near Sammamish)
Joints in the metal culvert under the 4600 and 4800 blocks of Sahalee Way NE are failing and water is seeping into the ground, making the soil soft and increasing the danger of slides. Road Services will replace one pipe and rehabilitate another under the road between NE 50th Street and NE 37th Way. This work will require full closure of Sahalee Way NE for five days (June 28 to July 2). All traffic, including emergency vehicles, Metro buses, bicycles, and pedestrians, must use a detour route during the closure. Find updates and details on the project website.
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Permitting
Fire marshal offers a reminder: consumer fireworks are banned in unincorporated King County
As you make plans to celebrate the Fourth of July, keep in mind that the use and sale of consumer fireworks are prohibited in unincorporated parts of King County, including the rural areas and urban communities like White Center, Skyway, East Federal Way, Fairwood, and East Renton.
“King County, along with many other communities in the region, recognizes that consumer fireworks present an unacceptable level of risk and harm,” said King County Fire Marshal Eric Urban. He explained that the ban was enacted to help protect loved ones, first responders, pets, property, and neighborhoods, and he encourages residents to “celebrate safely by attending a permitted public fireworks show, joining a local community event, or exploring the many other fun and festive ways to enjoy the Fourth of July.”
Enforcement of the ban is managed by the county's Code Enforcement team in the Permitting Division. Much like reporting a building safety or nuisance issue, reporting a fireworks violation requires giving a specific property address. If a complaint is made anonymously or the person making the complaint is not willing to testify, the county will send a letter with information about the fireworks ban to the owner of the property where the use of illegal fireworks has been reported. If the person reporting the violation wants King County to take enforcement action, they must be willing to testify in person or by written declaration at a hearing.
► Read more on the King County Local Blog
► Report illegal fireworks in unincorporated King County
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Photo: King County Fire Marshall Eric Urban
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Natural Resources and Parks
Upcoming weekend closure on West Valley Highway S as construction continues on new South County Recycling and Transfer Station
Work continues on the new recycling and transfer station just north of the existing Algona Transfer Station. The new station is scheduled to open as soon as next summer, and nearby businesses remain open during construction.
West Valley Highway South will be fully closed from 7 p.m. on Friday, June 20, to 5 a.m. on Monday, June 23, as crews install a new culvert. Expect construction during the day with some night work possible. Plan for extra travel time and follow posted detours along SR 167 or local roads as required.
Before and after installing the culvert, crews will begin sidewalk and utility work along West Valley Highway. Travelers should plan for intermittent one-lane closures while this work is being done.
► Learn more on the project website
► Sign up to receive email updates about the project and construction
Solid Waste Division is offering to help businesses meet state organic waste requirements
As part of the 2022 Washington Organics Management Law, many businesses in King County are now required to divert organic waste, such as food scraps and yard waste, away from the landfill.
Businesses can subscribe to curbside service or use another solution, such as on-site composting. King County's Solid Waste Division created the Commercial Organics Resource program to help businesses comply with the new law, access opportunities to conserve resources, and save money. The program is currently offering in-person technical assistance and resources to businesses in unincorporated King County.
► Visit their website to learn more
► Email [email protected] with requests
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Friend or foe? Learn to tell at a free hands-on workshop for identifying aquatic plants
Learn how to identify 20+ freshwater weeds and their native look-alikes with live samples. This free annual training is hosted by the King County Noxious Weed Control Program.
When: Wednesday June 25, 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Where: Ross Playfield Shelterhouse in Seattle's Ballard/Fremont area
Cost: Free
Registration: Space is limited, so please register ASAP
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Photo: attendees at a previous class use guides and live specimens to learn aquatic plants.
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King County Parks seeks public input about future Skyway Community Center
King County Parks would like to hear from community members about the future Skyway Community Center. Here are two ways to participate:
1. Join a virtual community meeting on June 10 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Attendees will be able to view live captions in Chinese (both Simplified and Traditional), Filipino, Spanish, Thai, Vietnamese, or English. Register at SkywayCCMeeting3.eventbrite.com
2. Submit comments online at publicinput.com/SkywayCC from June 10 through July 16.
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Public Health
Is your home on septic? Sign up for the Septic Matters newsletter
Septic Matters provides guidance and tips for people with septic systems in King County—straight to your email inbox every season. It covers common topics and maintenance tips like what to consider when buying or selling a property with a septic system, preparing for power outages, financial resources, and more.
Proper septic system maintenance helps you avoid costly repairs, extend your system’s lifetime, and protect your family’s health and the environment.
► Sign up at kingcounty.gov/oss/alerts
► Visit the King County on-site sewage/septic system program website
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Animal services
Hot deals on cool pets at Regional Animal Services
What better way to spend long, summer days than with a new pet from Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC)?
Now through July 31, RASKC will have daily pet adoption specials, with a theme for each day of the week. Enjoy these pawsitively awesome discounts on dogs, cats, and all adoptable pets.
► Senior Sundays: $30 adoption fee for all pets over five years old, or for pet adopters 65+
► Mixed Breed Mondays: $30 adoption fee for all mixed breed dogs
► Toe Bean Tuesdays: $30 adoption fee for all cats
► Black and Gray Wednesdays: $30 adoption fee for all pets with black or gray coats
► Thirty-Buck Thursdays: Every cat or dog, one adoption fee: $30
► Feline Fridays: $50 adoption fee for kittens under six months
► Staff Pick Saturdays: $30 adoption fee for select dogs
“Adopting a pet from RASKC is always a great value, with all pets being microchipped, spayed or neutered, and having received initial vaccines, dewormer, and flea treatment,” said RASKC Animal Shelter Manager Alex Ropes. “No matter what kind of companion you're looking for, we want to help you meet your match at RASKC this summer.”
Adopted pets also come with coupons for local pet stores, discounts for training, and 30 days of free pet insurance, among other benefits. All pets also come with an adoption guarantee. If a pet isn't a good match, adopters have 90 days to return the pet to RASKC for a full refund of the adoption fee. No refund is available if a pet is returned after 90 days.
The King County Pet Adoption Center is at 21615 64th Avenue S in Kent. Pet adoption hours are weekdays from noon to 5 p.m. and weekends from noon to 4 p.m.
► Learn more on the Tails from RASKC blog
► See all pets available for adoption from RASKC at kingcounty.gov/AdoptAPet
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Washington State University Extension
Upcoming learning opportunities for King County forest and woodland owners
► Puget Sound Forest Owners’ Field Day – June 28 in Redmond. This out-in-the-woods education event allows you to attend a variety of workshops all in the same day. The field day will help you address challenges on your property, foster healthy and resilient forest conditions, pursue fun new projects, and achieve your goals. Cost: $25 per individual or $40 per couple. Space is limited and pre-registration required.
► Forest Stewardship Coached Planning Course for King County property owners – Tuesdays starting September 23 in Preston. Learn everything you need to know about caring for your wooded property, including how to write your own personalized forest stewardship plan that could help qualifying landowners save money on property taxes through King County's PBRS program. Participants will receive a site visit to their property by a professional forester. Cost: $160. Space is limited and pre-registration required.
Skyway / White Center news
Minor home repair program available at no cost to income-qualified homeowners in White Center and Skyway
Habitat for Humanity’s Minor Home Repair Program is currently offering no-cost services to income-qualified home owners in White Center, Skyway, and Glendale. To apply, submit an intake form on their website or call their office at 206-866-7617. Note: the website says the minor repair program charges a $50 fee, but that fee is currently being waived in White Center and Skyway.
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Reminders
► Get information about pet licensing and more at local events this month: PawFest – Saturday, June 7, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at accesso ShoWare Center (625 W James Street, Kent) and Duvall Days – Saturday, June 7, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Duvall (look for Regional Animal Services of King County/RASKC at the King County Department of Local Services table). Find details on these and other pet-related events on RASKC’s new online Calendar of Events.
► Catch the Wastemobile at a location near you! Bring your old batteries, oil‑based paint, antifreeze, pesticides, and more to the Wastemobile for safe, no‑cost disposal. Check the website for accepted items, quantity limits, and the complete 2025 schedule — which continues through October 26.
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Unincorporated urban and rural councils/associations
Local Services department leaders attend forum on Permitting Division budget and priorities
On May 1 the Joint Team of Unincorporated Urban and Rural Councils/Associations organized a Forum with Local Services Director Leon Richardson, Permitting Division Director Jim Chan, and others to discuss permitting funding allocations, priorities, and tradeoffs in a budget-constrained environment.
Ten community organizations were represented. Questions covered permitting costs and recovery; code enforcement and abatement; and coordination with the Prosecuting Attorney’s office. The meeting minutes include a list of attendees and a report on the question-and-answer discussion.
—Submitted by Peter Rimbos, Joint Team Coordinator
:: Community Alliance to Reach Out and Engage
Lord of Life Lutheran Church
12819 160th Avenue SE, Renton
See blog for the latest information and to confirm meetings.
:: Enumclaw Plateau Community Association
Third Tuesdays at 6 p.m.
Muckleshoot Library (King County Library branch)
39917 Auburn Enumclaw Road SE, Auburn
Monthly board meetings are open to the public, and often feature guest speakers in addition to community reports and information from a variety of local organizations. For more information email Nancy Merrill.
:: Fall City Community Association
First Tuesdays – Hybrid meeting (virtual and in-person, 7-8:30 p.m.)
Fall City Fire Department meeting room
4301 334th Place SE, Fall City
The Fall City Community Association promotes building of community, proactively communicates on local issues, and takes action on selected issues that affect the Fall City community. Meetings are held the first Tuesday of every month, and are open to the public. For more information, visit fallcity.org or email send email.
:: Four Creeks Unincorporated Area Council
Second Tuesdays – Virtual meeting via Zoom
Visit the website for the latest information and to confirm meeting dates and locations.
:: Greater Maple Valley Unincorporated Area Council
Monday, June 2, 7-9:30 p.m. – in person or via Zoom
Maple Valley Fire Station
22225 SE 231st Street (across from King County Sheriff’s Precinct #3)
Visit the website for meeting agendas and Zoom information, which are posted a few days before each meeting.
:: Green Valley/Lake Holm Association
The Green Valley/Lake Holm Association advocates for those who live in unincorporated southeast King County. Primary goals are to maintain the community’s unique historic, agricultural, and rural character; protect the environment; and sustain quality of life in the area. They engage regularly with local government agencies to address concerns and influence policies on topics of mutual interest, such as growth and development, transportation, public safety, and flood control. Stay connected by visiting their Facebook page.
:: North Highline Unincorporated Area Council
Monthly board meetings are open to the public and often feature guest speakers in addition to community reports and information from local organizations. For more information, email Liz Giba.
:: Skyway Coalition
See the coalition's website.
:: Upper Bear Creek Community Council
For information about the council, email Patricia Gustafson or visit the Facebook page and/or website.
:: Vashon-Maury Community Council
Meetings are open to all and are held on the third Thursday of each month, both online and in-person. Topics include affordable housing, ferries, election candidates, transportation, aviation noise, and more. The council sets up committees and passes resolutions to King County and other organizations as needed. Voting membership is free and open to residents 18 and older. To learn more, visit the website.
:: West Hill Community Association
Meetings are in person or via Zoom
Skyway Fire District 20 Admin Building
12424 76th Avenue S, Seattle
Monthly board meetings are open to the public, and often feature guest speakers in addition to community reports and information from a variety of local organizations. For more information, send email or visit the website.
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