Senator Hawkins prepares legislation to address Tolt Dam false alarms

Sen. Brad Hawkins sent this bulletin at 04/11/2024 03:07 PM PDT

April 11, 2024

Dear Carnation residents,

I have kept close communication with your city officials since the March 27^th false alarms of the Tolt River Dam Emergency System operated by Seattle Public Utilities. These false notifications were the latest in multiple false alarms your community has endured. Many of you have contacted me to share your concerns as well. I am very disappointed in these latest alarms because they apparently involved the recently implemented and “upgraded” alarm system. This is unacceptable.

Communications with Carnation officials

I’m grateful for the strong working relationship I share with your city. During a recent visit to the State Capitol, I met with council members to discuss the Tolt Dam emergency notification system, State Route 203/Tolt Hill Road roundabout, and other issues. In the Senate chambers (shown above) are Mayor Jim Ribail (left) and Councilmembers Ryan Burrell (center) and Adair Hawkins (right).

Legislation includes financial penalties

I have prepared legislation related to the Tolt Dam false alarms, including a financial penalty to Seattle Public Utilities of $1 million per occurrence, payable to the City of Carnation.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. A new section is added to chapter 35.92 RCW to read as follows:

(1) In the event of a false alarm from the advanced dam failure warning system for the dam on the South Fork Tolt River operated by the city of Seattle and that provides water for the water supply system managed by Seattle Public Utilities, the city of Seattle and Seattle Public Utilities must pay a penalty of one million dollars to the city of Carnation for each false alarm that occurs from the advanced dam failure warning system.

(2) The city of Carnation must use funds from the penalties described in subsection (1) of this section for infrastructure improvements for emergency evacuations, including road improvements, signage, community preparedness, emergency management planning, as well as mental health counseling for residents impacted by the false alarms from the advanced dam failure warning system.

For a full version of the bill, click here.

Response from Seattle Public Utilities

Here is the April 3 letter from Seattle Public Utilities in response to my March 27 letter. In my letter, I stated, “Residents and businesses in the region deserve a reliable, adequate, and prompt warning system” and urged Seattle to prioritize it.

I sent a letter on March 27^th to the City of Seattle. I stated that any additional false alarms related to a catastrophic event would create more unnecessary trauma for residents of Carnation. These false alarms will continue to erode trust in the notification system, if there is any left. I urged the City of Seattle to prioritize its dam warning system. I stated, “Do everything possible to ensure it is fully operational and functioning properly. Residents and businesses in the region deserve a reliable, adequate, and prompt warning system.” I also stated, “Please continue to work closely with the community to implement planned road signage and communication systems. You should also strengthen accommodations for the hard of hearing and disabled populations.”

I appreciated the opportunity to attend the Community Forum at Tolt Middle School last September. Your community packed into this school and offered heartfelt and compelling comments to Seattle Public Utilities about improving the Tolt Dam emergency notification system.

Thank you, City of Carnation!

As the State Senator representing Carnation, I hope the City of Seattle will do everything possible to assist your community. You have every right to be disappointed and to demand better results. The Seattle Public Utilities Customer Service is (206) 684-3000. Please get in touch with them to share your concerns.

Your feedback about Tolt Dam and state legislative issues is also very important to me. If you have thoughts, don't hesitate to get in touch with me at senatorbradhawkins.org. If you need immediate assistance with legislative matters, please call our Legislative Hotline at 1-800-562-6000. Please like and follow me on Facebook for my latest updates.

I am so sorry to hear about these false alarms continuing to impact your community.

Sincerely,

Brad Hawkins

State Senator Brad Hawkins
12th Legislative District

Website: senatorbradhawkins.org

P.O. Box 40412 | Olympia, WA 98504-0412
(360) 786-7622 or Toll-free: (800) 562-6000

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