Published September 2003

Kudos to outfall project

A commendable cooperative effort between Kimberly-Clark and the cities of Everett and Marysville is under way.

The three parties will build a state-of-the-art outfall that will remove substantial wastewater discharges that now flow into the Snohomish River and Port Gardner Bay. The $18 million pipeline project will improve water quality and protect wetlands and fish and wildlife habitat. But city ratepayers and the paper mill will save more than $10 million on the project by sharing the construction costs.

By next spring, a new land pipeline, shallow underwater pipeline and deep-water diffuser will be linked together to carry the wastewater from municipal and mill sources deep into Puget Sound waters, replacing fragile, 50-year-old wooden pipes.

Mayor Frank Anderson praised the project cooperation, which began with planning in 1997, saying, “This project not only creates a healthier environment for our fish in the Snohomish River estuary, it represents a great collaboration between government and Kimberly-Clark.”

This is the kind of public-private, joint-venture effort that should be encouraged for the benefit of our economy, our environment and our residents. It’s rewarding to see this kind of cooperation. All of the parties deserve congratulations for their hard work and innovative thinking.

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