The pond will replace a temporary one the city installed that came under the scrutiny of the state Department of Ecology. After inspection, state investigators determined that the temporary pond wasn't a threat to the environment, and didn't issue any citations because, in part, they knew the city would build a permanent storage area. The permanent pond will be built in an industrial area owned by the city in the area of 36th Street NE, 127th Avenue NE and Old Hartford Road. The existing pond is too small, city administrator Dave O'Leary said. The city dug the pond shortly after buying a used street sweeper and a Vactor truck, essentially a large vacuum on wheels that sucks potentially polluted waste from storm water catch basins.
Pollutants find their way to the catch basins in runoff that picks up oils and sand from streets.
If not cleaned, the basins increase the chance for pollutants to seep into streams and the town's namesake lake. The temporary pond, which isn't lined but has a hard-pan bottom, became necessary once the Vactor truck was put in service. Wash. If you have questions or comments, please contact us .