Education & Involvement
ES Maintenance Division Business Plan
MAJOR ACCOMPLISHMENTS
• Commencement Bay cleanup & restoration
Environmental Services contributed more than $92 million to clean up and restore Commencement Bay, which now boasts robust aquatic habitat and economic vitality.
Superfund: Completed the planning, construction, clean up and restoration of the Thea Foss, Middle and Hylebos waterways.
Other Bay restoration (NRDA): Completed planning, cleanup and restoration of Middle Waterway, Swan Creek, Olympic View Resource Area, Tahoma Salt Marsh and Hylebos Marsh (in progress), which restored almost 38 acres of freshwater and saltwater habitat.
• Global warming
Initiated adoption of Kyoto resolution by the City Council. Evaluated emissions, identified measures and created implementation plan for the City’s efforts in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Assisted in establishing the Mayor’s Commission on Global Warming. Achieved 7% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
• Fully automated collection
Implemented full automation collection of yard waste and recycling (in progress), which led to consolidated collection routes, saving time and money. Tacoma was among the first nationwide to use fully automated garbage trucks beginning in 1978.
• Energy recovery system
Harnessing methane gas generated by the wastewater treatment process to create heat and electricity. (Electricity generation in progress.)
• EnviroHouse
Created a green building and natural landscape exhibit featuring environmentally friendly materials to create a healthy home and planet.
RESEARCH
• Stormwater treatment device study
Evaluating the effectiveness of two stormwater treatment devices that might provide benefits in preventing recontamination of the Thea Foss Waterway.
• Phthalate study
Active participant in a phthalate work group that focuses on phthalate sources, levels in sediment and prevention. (Phthalates, a chemical used to make plastic, are contaminates of concern in the Thea Foss Waterway and come from many different sources – “non-point sources”.)
• Pervious pavement study
Surface water and solid waste utilities are monitoring flow control and water quality performance of three pervious pavements (concrete, asphalt, block pavers) installed at the Tacoma Landfill. Results will be used to support future permitting of pervious pavement projects throughout the City.
PROGRAMS
• TAGRO
TAGRO premium soil products (EPA-rated “exceptional quality”) made from Tacoma’s recycled biosolids. Recognized nationwide as the best biosolids program, innovation in product development and research and technology.
Developed new products – Potting Soil and Mulch. Piloting sale of bagged potting soil at a local nursery to gauge retail interest and possible expanded distribution.
• Conservation Loan Program
First and only wastewater utility in the nation to develop and implement a special low-interest loan to help residents and businesses pay for side sewer repair and pollution control costs.
• Septic Amnesty Program
First in the state to create a program offering a 50% discount to homeowners on septic to hook up to the City’s sewer system.
• Northwest Natural Yard Days
Regional program promoting natural yard care with discounts on earth-friendly products in stores and nurseries. Tacoma is the only partner annually sponsoring a free gas mower recycling event in conjunction with the program.
• 2good2toss.com
Web site offering reusable items for free or up to $100 that are too good to go into the landfill. Since its inception in 2003, the Tacoma-Pierce County page has led other jurisdictions with the most members and exchanges.
• Waste Free Holidays
Regional program offering discounts on “experience gifts” (museums, theater, restaurants, spas, etc.) to promote less holiday waste, such as wrapping paper, bags and bows.
OPERATIONS
• Curbside recycling
One of the early adopters of community-wide curbside recycling, Tacoma now offers one of the widest varieties of materials recyclable curbside. Tacoma was the first large curbside program in the state to offer plastic bag recycling and, along with Seattle, the first to offer plastic container recycling at the curb.
• Methane gas/groundwater extraction
Systems extract gas and groundwater resulting from landfilled garbage. The Tacoma Landfill was the second in the state to implement the production of electricity from landfill gas, but later discontinued the project due to low quality and quantity of gas. An innovative and cost-efficient freezing method is used to maintain the groundwater wells.
• Household hazardous waste diversion
Tacoma was the first among only a handful of entities nationwide to develop a permanent collection facility by 1990.
• Fleet
First in the Pacific Northwest to use biodiesel in entire Solid Waste Management collection fleet. Retrofitted mufflers to reduce emissions by 50%.
• Separated sewer systems
Tacoma was one of the first (in the late 1950s) to separate its sanitary and storm sewers, which reduce flooding, pollution and health risks.
• Ballasted sedimentation
Tacoma is one of only a few wastewater plants in the nation to use ballasted sedimentation, an innovative chemical treatment process that will drastically reduce or eliminate sewage overflows during heavy rains at the Central Wastewater Treatment Plant (in progress).
• Low impact development
Incorporating innovative techniques, such as swales and rain gardens, to collect and treat runoff during housing and street system redevelopment.
• Restoration
Restoration activities and creek daylighting projects at various natural areas throughout the City.
COMMUNITY
Outreach / Education
• EnviroChallenger, EnviroKids website, EnviroTalk newsletter, event booth
Award-winning, interactive, hands-on environmental education year-round in schools, homes and community events.
Community Involvement / Volunteer
• Make-A-Splash Grant Program
Up to $50,000 a year in environmental grants awarded for projects that help educate residents and protect and restore Tacoma’s surface water resources.
• Resource Conservation Stewardship Program
Free resource conservation training to volunteers who will teach Tacoma residents what they have learned through lectures, field trips and hands-on demonstrations.
• Environmental Services Sponsorship Program
Supports community activities that protect, enhance or restore Tacoma's environment through monetary, material goods and in-kind services.
• Clean Bay Car Wash Kits
Free kits provided to fundraising groups to divert soapy wash water from entering storm drains and Commencement Bay.
• Tree Planting Program
Trees are provided to residents and local neighborhood groups to enhance the City’s urban forest. The City provides the trees for planting along city streets and in open spaces, then the neighbors/volunteers plant and maintain the trees.
Partnerships
• Northwest Product Stewardship Council
Government agencies working with businesses and nonprofit groups to integrate product stewardship principles into the policy and economic structures of the Pacific Northwest.
• Goodwill / Habitat for Humanity
Diverting hundreds of tons of reusable household items and building materials from the landfill, which are resold or reused for charitable, community purposes. The Goodwill partnership was the second of its kind in Washington.
• Citizens for a Healthy Bay
City resources used for joint education and volunteer programs and events that help clean up, restore and protect Commencement Bay.
• Public natural areas
The City of Tacoma is working with Cascade Land Conservancy, Tahoma Audubon Society and the Green Tacoma Partnership to develop an Open Space Plan for all public natural areas that will help map out a city-wide restoration plan for all public natural areas, and prioritize additional natural areas for acquisition.