News and Current Events

Review the most recent information about LOTT capital projects, permitting, public hearings and special events, new publications, and community updates.

Changes Coming to RV Dump Station Access

Access to the dump station at the Budd Inlet Treatment Plant will be limited for recreational vehicle users. Access will change in stages:

• Currently, the site is open 6 am to midnight every day.


• After October 1, 2013, the site will only be open:

- 8 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday

- Closed weekends and holidays

2013 State of the Utility Report

The annual State of the Utility report is now available. This report summarizes LOTT’s performance in 2012 and includes highlights from the past year. In 2012, LOTT’s accomplishments included treating over 4.6 billion gallons of wastewater, producing over 300 million gallons of Class A Reclaimed Water, and managing over $750 million worth of facilities. At the same time, LOTT was actively involved in several large-scale capital projects – most notably the Primary Sedimentation Basins project at the Budd Inlet Treatment Plant and the Membrane Replacement project at the Martin Way Reclaimed Water Plant. Overall, LOTT continued its history of performing extremely well.

Environmental Documents for Public Review
Tumwater Reclaimed Water Storage and T Street Park Project

In January 2013 the LOTT Clean Water Alliance issued a SEPA Environmental Checklist and Determination of Non-Significance (DNS) for the proposed reclaimed water storage tank project located near the Tumwater Valley Golf Course on a parcel owned by the City of Tumwater. Noted in that document was the eventual co-location of the reclaimed water storage facility with a City of Tumwater neighborhood park (T Street Park). Since the publication of the DNS, the City of Tumwater has accelerated plans for construction of the park facility to coincide with construction of the reclaimed water storage facility. The original Checklist did not analyze the environmental impacts associated with both the reclaimed water storage facility and the neighborhood park projects.

A new SEPA Checklist Addendum has been prepared in accordance with WAC 197-11-625 that analyzes the combined reclaimed water storage facility and the neighborhood park. Since the new information provided in the Addendum does not change the Determination of Non-Significance issued January 14, 2013, no new threshold determination is being issued.

To review the new Addendum, the January 2013 DNS, and the original SEPA Checklist, click on the icons above. Printed copies may be requested from LOTT by calling Karla Fowler at (360) 528-5712.

LOTT and the City of Tumwater will accept comments on the Addendum through 5:00 p.m., Friday, April 19, 2013. Comments should be sent by mail to Karla Fowler, LOTT Clean Water Alliance, 500 Adams Street NE, Olympia, WA 98501, or sent by email by clicking here.

Groundwater Recharge Scientific Study

The LOTT Clean Water Alliance is beginning a multi-year scientific study to help insure we are making the best reclaimed water management choices for protecting local water resources, public health, and the environment. A Community Advisory Group has been formed to assist the LOTT Alliance Board of Directors and study team gain an understanding of community perspectives and questions and ensure the study is designed to address community concerns. Click here for more information.

Approved 2013 Budget and Capital Improvements Plan

The 2013 Budget and Capital Improvements Plan was approved by the LOTT Board of Directors at the November 14, 2012, business meeting. The LOTT Clean Water Alliance functions under two budgets – the Capital Budget and the Operating Budget. The Capital Budget includes costs necessary to construct new facilities and upgrade, replace, and rehabilitate existing facilities. These projects are all developed and scheduled as part of LOTT’s Capital Improvements Plan, which accounts for short- and long-term facilities needs. Updated annually, LOTT’s Capital Improvements Plan (CIP) identifies $108 million in projects anticipated through 2018. The 2013 Capital Budget is about 35% of that total, at $38.3 million.

The Operating Budget contains all the costs necessary to operate LOTT’s various facilities and administrative functions. The 2013 Operating Budget includes $16.3 million for expenses associated with LOTT’s operations and debt service. This figure is up slightly from 2012, which projected expenses of $16.2 million for operations and debt service. More information about the 2013 Budget and associated rate increases is available by clicking here.

East Bay Public Plaza is Open

The East Bay Public Plaza, with its many educational elements and sustainable features, serves as the heart of the East Bay District. The plaza features a water theme, celebrated through artwork, interpretive elements, a wetland pond, and a flowing stream.

The stream and wetland are the real stars of the East Bay Public Plaza. They are special, not only because they were designed with lots of features that mimic a natural stream and wetland, but because the water that feeds them mimics nature's recycling processes, too. Both the stream and the wetland pond are fed by Class A Reclaimed Water – water that has been used, cleaned, disinfected, and is ready to be used again, just like the natural water cycle! The stream is the first reclaimed water feature in the state of Washington officially approved for play – so kick off your shoes and socks and wade into this new water resource!

This project was a joint effort of the LOTT Clean Water Alliance, Port of Olympia, City of Olympia, and the Hands On Children's Museum. The East Bay Public Plaza is located at 325 Marine Drive in Olympia, Washington. The plaza is open every day from dawn to dusk.

Explore the WET Science Center

The WET Science Center is open to the public Monday through Saturday from 10am to 4pm, except on observed holidays. We offer interactive exhibits, weekend family activities, and environmental presentations. The WET Center is located in LOTT's Regional Services Center, at 500 Adams Street NE, in downtown Olympia, just two blocks northeast of the Olympia Transit Station. For directions and printable map, click here. We hope you will come visit us soon!

Get a Free FOG Kit

Fats, oils, and greases (FOG) aren't just bad for your arteries; they're also bad for your home's plumbing, city sewer pipes, LOTT's sewer system, and home septics. When poured down sink drains, FOG hardens and sticks to pipe walls, where they can cause clogs. Use LOTT's FOG Kit to police the grease and protect your pipes. The FOG Kit includes:

• A reusable lid that fits most tuna, pet food, or other standard-size cans
• A scraper to transfer grease from the pan to the can

Don't have a kit? Lacey, Olympia, and Tumwater sewer customers can call (360) 664-2333 to receive a free kit by mail.