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Brightwater Wastewater Treatment System
The Brightwater wastewater treatment system was constructed to meet the capacity needs outlined in the Regional Wastewater Services Plan at an investment of approximately $1.8 billion. The new treatment plant north of Woodinville is designed to provide 36-million gallons per day capacity, and the conveyance system includes an influent pump station and 14 miles of large diameter tunnel connecting the plant to a marine outfall. The plant has been operating since October 2012.
Our final report published in September 2014 provides the County Council with a final independent review and forecast of the Brightwater Program total cost. The updated forecast is $1,850.8 million, slightly lower than last year’s forecast, and the Wastewater Treatment Division’s (WTD) 2014 Close Out Report cost estimate of $1,859.9 million is unchanged from its 2013 Trend Report. WTD intends for all construction work and closeout activities to be completed by the end of 2015. There remain a few areas of cost uncertainty, most significantly the outcome of litigation related to the Central Tunnel delay, final resolution of which could take longer. Recognizing that the final cost of this important project will not be known for some time, we note that our previous recommendation made on July 3, 2013, to keep the County Council informed of major cost developments is still relevant.
REPORTS
- Significant performance issues at Brightwater and West Point, costs to increase considerably
Jun 25, 2020 - Third Follow-up on Capital Projects Oversight of the 2014 Review of Brightwater Close Out Report
Dec 27, 2017 - Second Follow-up on Capital Projects Oversight 2014 Review of Brightwater Close Out Report
Dec 16, 2016 - Follow-up on Capital Projects Oversight 2014 Review of Brightwater Close Out
Aug 6, 2015 - Oversight Monitoring Consultant Report - Review of Brightwater Close Out Report
Sep 29, 2014
Oversight
SAIC's (R.W. Beck) Brightwater project quarterly oversight reports recognize steps the Wastewater Treatment Division is taking to successfully manage the Brightwater Project and deal with the changing construction environment. The reports also respond to the County Council's goal of strengthening the Brightwater Project's performance and accountability through independent, expert oversight. The May 2007 report is the first issued under the mandated Capital Project Oversight Pilot Program established in the County Auditor’s Office. The reports are found below in chronological order starting with 2013.
Reports Issued in 2013
Oversight Monitoring Consultant Report - Review of Brightwater Cost Update, Current Conditions, and Trends, January 2013, July 3, 2013
Reports issued in 2012
Oversight Monitoring Consultant Report - Review of Brightwater Cost Update, Current Conditions, and Trends, January 2012, June 21, 2012
Brightwater Project Quarterly Oversight Report, August 24, 2012
Reports issued in 2011
Brightwater Project Quarterly Oversight Report, June 30, 2011
Brightwater Project Quarterly Oversight Report, September 30, 2011
Brightwater Project Quarterly Oversight Report, December 31, 2011
Reports issued in 2010
R.W. Beck's consultant report on the proposed JDC contract for completing the BT-3 tunnel, April 7, 2010
Oversight Monitoring Consultant Report - Review of Brightwater Cost Update, Current Conditions, and Trends, January 2010, June 8, 2010
Brightwater Project Quarterly Oversight Report, July 2, 2010
Reports issued in 2009
Brightwater Project Quarterly Oversight Report, March 31, 2009
Brightwater Project Quarterly Oversight Report, June 30, 2009
Brightwater Project Quarterly Oversight Report, September 30, 2009
Reports issued in 2008
Oversight Monitoring Consultant Report - Review of Brightwater Cost Update, Current Conditions, and Trends, January 2008, May 2, 2008
Brightwater Project Quarterly Oversight Report, June 16, 2008
Brightwater Project Quarterly Oversight Report, June 30, 2008
Brightwater Project Quarterly Oversight Report, September 30, 2008
Brightwater Project Quarterly Oversight Report, December 31, 2008
Reports issued in 2007
Brightwater Project Quarterly Oversight Report, May 16, 2007
Brightwater Project Quarterly Oversight Report, September 18, 2007
Brightwater Project Quarterly Oversight Report, December 31, 2007
Status
Of the 2 recommendations:
| DONE | 2 | Recommendations have been fully implemented. Auditor will no longer monitor. |
|---|---|---|
| PROGRESS | 0 | Recommendations are in progress or partially implemented. Auditor will continue to monitor. |
| OPEN | 0 | Recommendations remain unresolved. Auditor will continue to monitor. |
| CLOSED | 0 | Recommendation is no longer applicable. Auditor will no longer monitor. |
Audit team
If you have any questions or would like more information, please call the King County Auditor's Office at 206-477-1033 or contact us by email KCAO@kingcounty.gov.