PORT HADLOCK — Although it wasn’t the preferred alternative in the initial study, Indian Island could soon be heading the list of potential sites for treatment of sewage from the Tri-Area urban growth area.
The U.S Navy, which owns the island that houses an ammunition base, has been studying privatizing its water and sewage systems, including the sewage treatment plant on the island.
Officials from the county and Jefferson County Public Utility District No. 1 have expressed interest in the island’s water and sewerage operations.
A possible change in direction for sewage disposal follows a county Planning Commission meeting earlier this week where neighbors spoke out against installing a wetland disposal system near their homes.
“I’m worried about the smell when the southerly winds blow and living next to a sewer treatment pond,” said Marianne Raines, who lives in Chimacum Creek Estates, which is directly north of the proposed wetlands disposal area.
Petition circulated
Raines collected more than 20 names on a petition urging the county to look elsewhere to site whatever type of sewage treatment is decided on.
“What happens if the pumps fail?” Raines said. “Will Port Hadlock be flooded?”