Major Enatai Sewer Project Moves Toward Public Comment Phase

BELLEVUE, WA - King County sent out an update this week on a plan to build a new sewer pipeline along the north shore of Mercer Island and through the Enatai neighborhood, and the public may get a chance to view proposals for the route as soon as this winter.

Right now, the King County Wastewater Division is testing soil near the I-90 bike path to find an ideal route for the new line. The existing sewer line, built in the 1970s, is located underneath Lake Washington after it leaves Mercer Island under Luther Burbank Park. The new pipe will mostly be located underground to avoid interfering with the environment.

Kristine Cramer, community relations lead, said that the county will present the project to the Mercer Island Utility Board on Nov. 29, and will hold a similar meeting in Bellevue in December. In the meantime, the county will analyze soil data, survey for rights of way and utilities, and plan for easements. They hope to have a proposed route finalized by the end of 2016.

Cramer said the county expects to hold public discussions about the project in Mercer Island and Bellevue by the end of January. And in the meantime the county will stay in touch with stakeholders like cities and community groups.

The project could create some above-ground benefits, Cramer said. Users of the I-90 bike trail have asked the county to make upgrades to the bike path as they construct the new pipeline.

Residents with questions about the project can contact Cramer at kristine.cramer@kingcounty.gov. Or, visit the project homepage.

Photo via Flickr