The district has been doing a lot of construction recently and that has placed a burden on the very community we serve. We have been busy completing the new higher capacity sewer outfall. This construction, which was tidal dependant, made noise that kept people up after normal work hours and had temporarily compromised the public use of the very beautiful Des Moines Beach Park.

While this construction may have been inconvenient, one thing I have noticed is how understanding and cooperative most people have been. I think it is a reflection of the people who make up this community. Our inspector, Ole Olson, and I have met a lot of nice, patient and friendly people who have taken the imposition of this construction in stride. In general people understand that the work being done is important infrastructure improvements that are being built to serve the community.

The Board of Commissioners and staff at the Midway Sewer District apologize for the inconvenience. It is our intention to leave our work area in better condition than before we started construction in order to show our appreciation.

Now that the barge and other construction equipment are gone and the marine mitigation work is complete, the District will declare the old trunk sewer and outfall as surplus and will transfer these assets to the cities of SeaTac and Des Moines, and the Port of Seattle. They plan on using these pipelines as a high flow partial bypass for Des Moines Creek. During storms excessive flows will be stored in a regional pond that will discharge through the pipelines we donate. This should help to prevent erosion, flooding and harm to the stream environment. It is expected that the overall habitat of the Creek will improve allowing for a more productive ecosystem.

Thanks to the City of Des Moines, including the Parks Department and the Marina, together with the local community, for helping to make our project a success. We could not have done it without you!

Ken Kase

Midway Sewer District