Wastewater Source Control Program

The City of Sequim to Develop Wastewater Source Control Program 

The City of Sequim is developing a Wastewater Source Control Program to ensure waste sent to the City’s wastewater collection system can be adequately treated and the City is in compliance with State and Federal permits in addition to the local practices of reusing all the highly treated water and solids generated at the City’s Water Reclamation Facility.

Wastewater collected by the City of Sequim collection system is treated to the highest standards on the Olympic Peninsula. The treated water is used for recreation and enjoyment including fishing and remote-control sailing on the pond at the Reuse Demonstration Site, and for other uses. A portion of the treated water is also discharged into the Strait of Juan de Fuca during times of low need. The biosolids, which are also treated to a very high standard, are reused on hay fields.

The collection, treatment, and reuse of wastewater in the City are regulated by the City’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System and Reclaimed Water Permit, issued by the Washington State Department of Ecology, consistent with federal and State regulations. Because the treated water (Reclaimed Water) generated by the City is reused, the City is especially interested in making sure that toxic pollutants and other deleterious substances are minimized in the reclaimed water.

The Wastewater Source Control Program includes an update to the City’s current Sewer Use Ordinance, which restricts discharges from commercial and industrial facilities that differ in composition, or have higher concentrations of pollutants than domestic (household) wastewater. In addition to restrictions for toxic pollutants, the ordinance is expected to include restrictions on the amount of fats, oils, and greases allowed to be discharged by restaurants and other food service establishments. It is expected that all commercial/industrial dischargers from both inside and outside the City limits will be subject to these restrictions.

Please contact Pete Tjemsland, City of Sequim Utilities Manager at 683-4908 or email Pete Tjemsland for these inquiries.