Sequim, Battelle find way to expand utilities
By Diane Urbani de la Paz, Peninsula Daily News
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Battelle and the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory have run their Marine Research Operations campus northeast of Sequim since the mid-1970s, raising annual contracts to $15 million last year.
In labs along Sequim Bay, scientists conduct research on chemicals' effects on the environment, how mollusks can be used to detect bioterrorism and how algae can generate hydrogen fuel.
But Battelle's buildings, which occupy 7.5 of the 140-acre campus, need Sequim's sewer and water service.
For the past year, Sequim and Clallam County planners have searched for a way to extend those utilities to the labs — without violating the state Growth Management Act.
During Monday's council study session, Sequim Planning Director Dennis Lefevre told the council they've settled on an avenue: expanding the urban growth area, or UGA.
Then he turned the microphone over to Battelle's Sequim operations manager Van Briggs.
'Invest in growth'
"We have to invest in growth," Briggs began.
The Olympic Peninsula "used to export lumber. Now one of our biggest exports is our children."
Battelle has already brought in Peninsula College students to work with researchers on a range of environmental problems, Briggs added.
And last October, Battelle and the college were named one of the state's innovation partnership zones.
The label didn't come with any money — only encouragement to continue research and development projects that will create and retain jobs.
The labs now have 80 people on staff.
"We hope to increase that to 150 to 300 by 2015," Briggs said, adding that Battelle also wants to raise its annual business volume to $25 million within the next eight years.
Battelle is an innovator, he added.
Water research
Researchers at Battelle study coastal restoration, coastal security and marine biotechnology, in which they develop systems that could solve myriad problems plaguing the world's waters.
Expansion of the Sequim labs will attract "highly paid, highly motivated staff, with their families," Briggs said, "to help this community prosper."
And Battelle could install its own septic system, Briggs said, adding, "We have enough land to build our own little city."
But septic tanks don't belong on Sequim Bay; Battelle chose this location for its relative cleanliness.
"A septic system does not fit our green requirements," Briggs said.
"We want to be part of your city," with its wastewater system.
Mayor Laura Dubois responded with enthusiasm.
"I can't think of a greener company," she said.
"The city should take the lead on this," added Councilman Paul McHugh.
The council then asked Lefevre to research the costs and staff time needed to extend sewer and water lines to the labs, which are off West Sequim Bay Road just beyond the Maple View dairy farm.
The planning director said he will deliver a report at the next study session at 9 a.m. May 19 in the Transit Center, 190 W. Cedar St.
Once Battelle and Sequim officials come to a development agreement, they will look to Clallam County, the final authority on UGA expansion, said county Planning Director Steve Gray.
"We need to do everything we can," said Councilman Walt Schubert, "to make sure this will happen."
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Sequim-Dungeness Valley Editor Diane Urbani de la Paz can be reached at 360-681-2391 or diane.urbani@peninsuladailynews.com.
Last modified: May 06. 2008 9:00PM