King County’s major sewer upgrade in Bellevue is the first infrastructure project of its kind to earn Salmon-Safe certification, simultaneously modernizing essential wastewater infrastructure for a growing population, improving habitat for fish and wildlife, and increasing access to nature for people of all abilities.  

Salmon-Safe, one of the nation’s leading eco-labels, reviewed the stream design developed by the King County Wastewater Treatment Division as part of their performance-based certification process. Replacing nearly 2 miles of sewer pipeline will better serve growing populations in Bellevue and Newcastle.  

Designing capital projects that produce multiple benefits for people, fish, and wildlife is a fundamental principle of Clean Water Healthy Habitat, an initiative former King County Executive Dow Constantine launched in 2019.

“Modernizing critical infrastructure, improving salmon habitat, and enhancing popular trails is a lasting legacy of Executive Constantine’s approach to public investments,” said Executive Braddock. “We will build on that solid foundation to continue producing benefits for people, fish, and wildlife.”