Ronald Wastewater District, General Manager's Blog

Possible Assumption of Ronald Wastewater District by City of Shoreline.

2011-12-30T09:22:00.001-08:00

Possible Assumption of Ronald Wastewater District by City of Shoreline. FAQ's - Learn More>>>

2011-12-28T14:36:00.000-08:00

Senator Maralyn Chase has been presented with the "Legislator of the Year Award" by the Washington Association of Water and Sewer Districts. Read More>>>

Shoreline Water District Announces New District Manager

2011-12-28T14:19:00.000-08:00

Shoreline Water District Announces New District Manager Diane Pottinger, P.E. Read More>>>

District awards North City 1 Capital Improvement Project to Budget Sewer

2011-11-15T15:27:00.001-08:00

District awards North City 1 Capital Improvement Project to Budget Sewer.

North City 1 Capital Improvement Project (CIP)
Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation being done in the area of NE 172nd St from 15th Ave NE to 1833 172nd and NE 170th St from 18th Ave NE to 1863 NE 170th St.

Six bids were received: Kamins Construction, $668,399.96; Interwest Construction, Inc., $649,723; Buno Construction, LLC, $669,355; Strider Construction Co., $790,200; Award Construction Inc, $740,666; and Budget Sewer, $472,822. The engineer's estimate was $600,000 to $700,000. Budget Sewer was awarded the contract for the North City 1 Capital Improvement Project. A preconstruction meeting will be held at the District office on November 17th. Construction will start soon thereafter.

If you have any questions regarding District projects please call the Planning & Development Dept. at (206) 546-2494.

Briarcrest Capital Improvement Project No. 2

2011-08-18T09:19:00.000-07:00

Ronald Wastewater District - Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation Project Summary Report : Briarcrest Capital Improvement Project No. 2 (View PDF)>>>

2011-05-25T14:33:00.000-07:00

Letter from the Echo Lake Neighborhood Association regarding the Echo Lake Truck Line Replacement Project and Echo Cove Bypass Projects.
Read Letter (PDF)>>>

Ronald Wastewater District completes Echo Lake Sewer Trunk Line Replacement Project

2011-04-26T10:22:00.000-07:00

Echo Lake is environmentally safer now that a large capacity, high density polyethylene (HDPE) sanitary sewer pipe has been installed around the west and north sides of the lake by Ronald Wastewater District (RWD).

In anticipation of future growth and higher densities in the south Echo Lake area, and in keeping with the District’s role as an environmental steward, RWD decided in 2010 to increase the carrying capacity and reliability of the aged sanitary sewer lines around the lake. The new, larger lines will ensure environmental protection for Echo Lake, provide sanitary sewage carrying capacity for future development and growth, and thereby help to create an economically vibrant community in the Echo Lake area.

CHS Engineers, LLC presented multiple options to increase the carrying capacity of the sanitary sewer lines as part of the pre-design work. Other options included the installation of a new sewage lift station and forcemain or the installation of new sanitary sewer lines on adjacent streets. Variations of these two basic plans were explored. Adding to the complexity of the project was the fact that the Echo Cove Condominiums were built over portions of the sanitary sewer line. These portions of line were sliplined, thereby significantly extending the lines’ useful lives. In addition, a new 18 inch diameter sanitary sewer line was installed around the Echo Cove Condominiums. Because of the excessive depth of parts of this line, ductile iron pipe was installed in addition to polyvinylchloride (PVC) pipe which is normally used. The least expensive option to replace the remainder of the existing Echo Lake Trunk line was to pipeburst and replace it with HDPE 18 inch pipe.

In the summer of 2010, Buno Construction was awarded a contract to replace the 14 inch diameter asbestos-cement sanitary sewer line around Echo Lake. Buno’s total bid price plus change requests was $902,450. Buno Construction was also the low bidder on the Echo Cove Bypass Line at $490,800. The developer of the new apartments and YMCA at the south end of Echo Lake increased the size of the sanitary sewer lines on their site as part of their project.

The Echo Cove Bypass project was completed in January 2011 at a final cost of approximately $380,300 – $110,500 under bid! This was the result of superb engineering by CHS Engineers, LLC and expert construction by Buno Construction. In fact, the Echo Cove Bypass project has been submitted to the Seattle Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers as a “2010-11 Local Outstanding Civil Engineering Achievement Award” candidate!

The Echo Lake Trunk Replacement project was recently completed at a cost of $817,117 – $85,333 below bid amounts! Thoughtful engineering from the start of the project, precise and efficient construction during the project, and a sharp eye for potential savings by both the engineer and contractor produced and excellent sanitary sewer line project along with remarkable savings.

The Board of Commissioners is proud of the success of this project. Good cooperation and communication between the District, its consulting engineer, and contractor resulted in a success for the ratepayers of RWD. For 60 years, Ronald Wastewater District has been your partner in environmental stewardship. With your support, we’ll continue to provide you with the best sanitary sewer service possible, now and into the future.

Ronald Wastewater District Board of Commissioners put the ratepayers first.

2011-03-15T12:19:00.000-07:00

How many elected Commissioners sit on the Board of Ronald Wastewater District?
There are three elected commissioners on the Board.
Each serves a staggered six-year term.

How do they put you, the ratepayer, first?

You have a voice in the setting of the rate. Board meetings are open to all. They are held at 6:00 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month at the District’s office, 17505 Linden Ave N. Occasionally they are offered at a different time. Please see our website for current meeting times. Express yourself!
You can have a say in how your utility is operated. If you are a registered voter residing in the District, you too can run for the position of Commissioner. If you’d rather have a say in another way, please contact your elected Commissioners or the District’s General Manager. Our emails are on our web site: www.ronaldwastewater.org
Your Commissioners serve the ratepayers. The Commissioners annually review the rate to determine if a rate increase is necessary. Two of your elected Commissioners are on a fixed income; one has experienced a pay cut. All three know that right now times are tough.
Ronald Wastewater District Board of Commissioners – Working for you and with you for 60 years or environmental stewardship.

AWC Issues "State of the Cities, 2011 Report, An update on city infrastructure systems."

2011-02-02T15:05:00.000-08:00

The Association of Washington Cities (AWC) has released its 2011 Report on city owned infrastructure, and the situation is dire.

http://www.awcnet.org/Portals/0/Documents/Research/10SOCReport.pdf

Ronald Wastewater District is in excellent financial health with a well maintained and functioning sanitary sewer system. We are using our financial reserves now when use of that money gets more work done for less and puts people to work.

Special purpose water/sewer district's are weathering the storm of this economic downturn. They are focused on providing water and wastewater services. While cities can and do tax their sewer and water utilities to raise money for their general fund, special purpose districts do not have the authority to tax. We must set our rates to pay the cost to provide the service.

The ratepayers of Ronald Wastewater District can be confident that their elected Board of Commissioners put the ratepayers' interests first by using ratepayer money wisely and for its intended purpose: to own, build, and maintain a sanitary sewer system that contributes to a clean environment and a vibrant and growing community.

RWD Once Again Has Clean Audit from Wash State.

2011-02-01T12:49:00.000-08:00

The State Auditor's Office once again reported Ronald Wastewater District to be financial sound and strong. The Auditor's reports can be found on our website or on the State Auditor's Website

Ronald Wastewater District saves money by paying off debt

2011-01-24T15:51:00.000-08:00

Shoreline Area News - Ronald Wastewater District saves money by paying off debt

Echo Cove Bypass Project Completed at Less Than Contract Amount

2011-01-24T15:07:00.000-08:00

The Echo Cove Bypass Project is Construction Complete. The project was completed approximately $110,000 under the contract amount.

Ronald Wastewater District re-routed sewage flows around the Echo Cove Condominiums via a new 18” sewer main. This project involved installation of six (new) sewer manholes, two connections to the existing sewer system, and reconnecting a side sewer to this new sewer main north of N. 195th Street.
This project is located on Aurora Ave, N. 195th St. right of way and the Echo Cove Condominiums. The new sewer main begins at the north end of the Echo Cove Condominiums adjacent to Echo Lake and continues west along N. 195th St., then south through the Echo Cove parking lot, to the south entrance of Echo Cove. The sewer main continues south in Aurora Ave. to the southern edge of the YMCA property.

Shoreline Residents – What's Special to You?

2011-01-20T08:59:00.000-08:00

Many people, places, and things are special to us. A loved one or a favorite vacation spot. What's special to you here in Shoreline? How about the Special Districts that serve you in many different ways.

There is Shoreline School District that educates our young ones for a successful future.
There is Shoreline Water District that makes sure those young ones (and us older ones) have water to drink, to cook with, to clean with, and to enjoy life with.
There is Shoreline Fire Department that uses that water to put out fires.
There is Ronald Wastewater District that helps conserve our environmental resources by making sure the sewage from the schools, our homes, and all the other buildings in the city is transported to the treatment plants every day, all day without problems.

What makes these Special Districts more special is that they focus on performing one task and they do it well. The money we pay these Special Purpose Districts is used to educate our children, provide us clean water, keep us safe, and keep us healthy. What could be more special than that!

Ronald Wastewater District saves money by paying off debt

2011-01-19T09:05:00.000-08:00

The Ronald Wastewater District Commissioners have decided to use available cash to payoff the District’s 2001 Sewer Revenue Bonds. The 2001 Sewer Revenue Bonds had outstanding interest rates that ranged from 4.30% to 5.00%.

By paying off the debt, the District is saving $670,000 over the remaining ten years of the loan!

According to Board President Arthur Wadekamper, the District had considered refinancing the Bonds. “Right now the savings are much greater when debt can be paid off. Currently, the King County Investment Pool rates are very low, so it made more sense to payoff the higher interest cost debt with available cash.”

Board Vice President Brian Carroll, a CPA, explained that “the District now has little debt and is in a very strong financial position compared to other water and sewer districts and municipal utility systems.”

If the Commissioners decide to issue bonds in the future, the District will likely achieve a higher bond rating grade and obtain a lower interest rate as a result of paying off the 2001 Bonds. This will result in a lower interest cost to the ratepayers of Ronald Wastewater District. Any future money from a bond sale could be for the replacement of aging sewer pipes, to keep the District's financial reserves intact, or to fund other capital expenditures.

Ronald Wastewater District has been providing sewer service for 60 years.

We are your partner in environmental stewardship.

Low Income Senior Citizen or Disabled Citizen Discounts Available

2011-01-12T14:06:00.001-08:00

Ronald Wastewater District has a low income senior citizen or disabled citizen discount for qualified homeowners. Please call our office at (206) 546-2494 for more information or click here to download the application.

Special Purpose Districts

2010-12-30T14:27:00.000-08:00

Reprinted with permission from Public Works Online

Source: PUBLIC WORKS News Service
Publication Date: December 20, 2010

By PUBLIC WORKS Staff

Only 54 of 18,400 Municipal bond offerings from 1970 to 2009 defaulted, according to a Congressional Budget Office analysis of local government finances, and most were issued for housing or health care facilities rather than water or sewer utilities.

Although the number's increased recently, six cities, counties or towns defaulted during the four decades.

Declining property tax revenues are the main cause of fiscal stress that brought the 2010 value of defaults to $4 billion even though there were 241,000 fewer local government employees in November 2010 than there were at the start of the recession in December 2007.

Overall, local governments cut spending in real terms by 0.6% in 2008 and by 1.9% in 2009.

On average, budget allocations break down to:

38% for education
18% for social services, housing, and transportation
16% for administration, interest, and items like unemployment compensation and employee retirement
11% for water, gas, and electric utilities
9% for public safety
7% for parks and recreation, sewerage, solid waste management, and natural resources

As enterprise funds, water and sewer districts have fared better than cities and counties during the recession. Other local government revenue sources include:

36% from property, sales, and other taxes
30% from utility, sewer, hospital, and tuition fees
30% from the state
4% from federal aid

There are about 3,000 counties; 36,000 cities, towns, villages, and boroughs; 37,400 special districts; and 14,600 public school systems nationwide.

Proactive Vs. Reactive Government

2010-12-27T14:07:00.000-08:00

Proactive (adj): Acting in anticipation of future problems, needs or changes.
Reactive (adj): Reacting to the past rather than anticipating the future, not predictive.

As a Special Purpose District, Ronald Wastewater District has a unique understanding of the future challenges that face the sewer system.

As your local sewer agency, the District uses revenues wisely to invest in and improve the wastewater system and maintain affordable rates and charges. A portion of the fees collected by the District has been set aside for proactive maintenance of the system, including a comprehensive sewer capacity study to target areas for Capital Improvement Projects.

By recognizing how valuable the wastewater system is to the community's health, safety and prosperity, the District's aggressive, proactive maintenance program is designed to keep the existing sewer lines in the best condition possible and to identify problem areas before failures can occur, saving valuable resources. Overall, rehabilitation of an aging sewer system can cost 6 to 20 times more than routine maintenance would have cost.

Municipalities that take a reactive approach to the sewer system and place wastewater low on the priority list do so at the risk of property and environmental damage and significant increase in financial costs.

By working daily to protect Puget Sound and our community, we are helping those who benefit from the recreational, economic, and environmental opportunities a healthy community provides. For 60 years Ronald Wastewater District has served the community and with the community's continued support we will be prepared to face the challenges of the next 60 years.

Did You Know?

2010-12-27T13:38:00.000-08:00

Side Sewer "White Cards" showing the location of a homeowner's private side sewer location are available free of charge to our ratepayers.

In most cases these maps will show the location and other information such as depth, clean outs, easements with neighbors, and the connection point to the District's mainlines in the right of way. To get your copy of your side sewer map please contact the Planning and Development Dept. at (206) 546-2494 or visit our office at 17505 Linden Ave N in Shoreline.

(Sample "White Card" Above)

Cities and Utility Taxes

2010-12-15T11:21:00.000-08:00

Did you know that when a city in Washington State owns a utility, such as a sewer or water system, the city can impose a utility tax on the utility charge collected from the ratepayers to support their general fund activities? The cities can tax their own utilities!

For example, the City of Kent adds a 6% utility tax to the water/sewer rates, and Bremerton and Longview add a 9.5% utility tax. The residents of the City of Richland pay a utility tax 10.5% and the City of Seattle imposes a 12% utility tax on their wastewater utility. Spokane taxes their own utilities 20%!

Ronald Wastewater District is an independent Special Purpose District governed by three Commissioners elected by you, the ratepayers of the District. There is an Interlocal Operating Agreement between the District and the City of Shoreline, but the District is not subject to a utility tax by the City. However, the District does pay an interlocal operating fee that is approximately 6% of the District's gross revenues.

Sources:
http://www.ci.kent.wa.us/
http://www.ci.bremerton.wa.us/
http://www.ci.longview.wa.us/
http://www.ci.richland.wa.us/
http://www.seattle.gov/
http://www.spokanecity.org/

Briarcrest 2 Sewer Rahabilitation Project

2010-10-05T11:19:00.000-07:00

Landis and Landis Construction will begin work on the Briarcrest 2 project in late Oct, 2010.

Briarcrest 1 Sewer Rehabilitation Project

2010-10-05T11:13:00.000-07:00

The District obtained four bids:
Budget Sewer: $443,508
Buno Construction: $485,666
Landis & Landis: $603,237
Realm, Inc: $917,001

Budget Sewer will start the work in Oct, 2010

Echo Lake Trunk and Echo Cove Bypass Projects

2010-09-09T08:41:00.000-07:00

Hydraulic modeling and flow monitoring of the sewer main around the west and north shoreline and north of Echo Lake indicates sections of sewer main would be over capacity when the area tributary to the Echo Lake Trunk is fully developed to the extent allowed by current land use designations.

The sewer mains for both projects are located within 10-foot wide permanent sewer easements across the Echo Cove property.

The Echo Lake Trunk will be replaced to the maximum extent possible using a method known as pipebursting. Pipebursting involves moving a bursting head through an existing pipeline. As the bursting head moves through the pipeline, it breaks apart the existing pipe and compresses it into the surrounding soil. A new, larger diameter high-density polyethylene pipe is pulled into place at the same time. The primary advantage to pipebursting is it requires significantly less excavation than traditional open trench pipe installation, and thus minimizes the impact to existing surface features.

The Echo Cove Bypass is being constructed to route flow around the existing buildings on the Echo Cove property. The existing sewer main is located underneath the two buildings. This project is being constructed to avoid disrupting the buildings.

Buno Construction is the contractor for both projects.

A majority of the construction will occur over the next several weeks. We recognize there will be noise, vibration, access issues and possibly even utility interruptions that are unfortunately necessary to complete construction. In an effort to keep you informed, we will post schedules in various locations around the buildings and will update them every Friday, or more often as conditions change.

If you have any questions regarding this project contact Darrel Frame or Scott Christensen at CHS Engineers at (425) 637-3693. Also, please feel free to contact me, Michael Derrick, at 206-546-2494 if there are any additional questions or concerns.

Echo Cove Bypass Project Schedule

2010-08-30T13:10:00.000-07:00

The project start date was August 16, 2010.
The project completion date is scheduled for October 14, 2010.
Please call the District office, (206) 546-2494 for details.

Echo Lake Trunk Replacement Project Schedule

2010-08-30T13:08:00.001-07:00

The project start date was August 23, 2010.
The project completion date is scheduled to be February 18, 2011.
Please call the District office, (206) 546-2494 for details.

Briarcrest 1 Sewer Rehabilitation Project

2010-08-10T09:36:00.001-07:00

Bids for this project will be opened August 20 at the District office.

Briarcrest 2 Bid Results

2010-08-10T09:33:00.000-07:00

Three bids were received: Buno Construction, $524,236; Budget Sewers, $507,170; Landis & Landis Construction, $496,040. The engineer's estimate was $596,080. A preconstruction meeting is to be scheduled.

Echo Lake Trunk Replacement Project Bid Results

2010-08-10T09:20:00.000-07:00

Four bids were received: Titan Earthworks, $1,578,464; Murphy Pipeline Contractors, $973,560; Shoreline Construction, $908,280; Buno Construction, $812,539. The engineer's estimate was $1,067,055. A preconstruction meeting will be held at the District office on Aug 11. Construction will start soon thereafter.

Echo Cove Bypass Project Bid Results

2010-08-10T09:18:00.000-07:00

The Echo Cove Bypass Project was bid by two firms: Titan Earthworks ($560,980) and Buno Construction ($490,800). The engineer's estimate was $440,340. A preconstruction meeting will be held at the District's office on Aug 11. Construction will start soon after.

District's Projects Completed at Less Than Bid Price!

2010-07-08T12:38:00.000-07:00

Ronald Wastewater District has been taking advantage of the favorable and low construction prices to complete some maintenance projects. “Not only are the ratepayers getting a great big bang for their buck, the projects are being completed at less than the bid price,” says Board President Brian Carroll.

The District recently finished a complete rehabilitation on its largest sewage pumping station on the corner of 10 Ave NE and NE 185 St. The project was completed for $5,669 less than the bid price, a 1% savings.

Several Capital Improvement Projects have also been completed at less than the bid price. “We are pleased that our engineering firm has been thorough in their design work, which has prevented the need for project change orders,” says Carroll, “and this has kept construction costs down. Not only that, but we are also able to replace side sewers for our ratepayers in the project area at no additional cost to them.”

The project along NE 155 St between 12 Ave NE and 15 Ave NE came in under the bid price by $38,293, a 9% savings. The project that included work on N 185 St between Meridian Ave N and 1 Ave NE and portions of the Richmond Beach area came in under the bid price by $14,233, a 3.4% savings.

“During our last project,” said General Manager Michael Derrick, “when we replaced some sanitary sewer mainlines and side sewers in portions of the Briarcrest and Richmond Beach Neighborhoods, the contractor encountered very wet running sand in Richmond Beach Drive NW. This unexpected condition caused the project to go over the bid price by $38,036.” He said, “It was one of those unfortunate experiences that cannot be anticipated. One part of the soil under the road was dry, a few feet down the road the soil was wet and flowing.”

The Board of Commissioners has in good times and bad times kept a close eye on controlling costs here at Ronald Wastewater District. Especially now, during difficult economic times, are they particularly conscience of where the money goes.

For 60 years, Ronald Wastewater District has been working together with you, our ratepayers, to be excellent environmental stewards.

Echo Cove Condo Sewer Bypass Project

2010-06-24T09:25:00.001-07:00

Bids will be opened at 10:30 am, July 12, 2010 at the District office for the Echo Cove Condo Sewer Bypass Project.

Briercrest 2 Sewer Replacement Project

2010-06-24T09:22:00.000-07:00

Bids will be opened at 10 am, July 9, 2010 at the District office for the Briercrest 2 Sewer Replacement Project.

Echo Lake Trunk Line Replacement Project

2010-06-17T13:47:00.000-07:00

A project information meeting will be held on June 17, 2010 at 6:00 p.m. at the office of Ronald Wastewater District. Information regarding the Echo Cove Condo Project Bypass Project will also be presented.

Echo Cove Condo Sewer Bypass Project

2010-06-17T13:43:00.001-07:00

A project information meeting will be held on June 17, 2010 at 6:00 p.m. at the office of Ronald Wastewater District. Information regarding the Echo Lake Trunk Line Replacement Project will also be presented.