Drafter
Clerk 10/08/2026
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AN ORDINANCE relating to the production, sale, and use of biosolids and biosolids products; and amending Ordinance 13680, Section 9, and K.C.C. 28.86.090 and Ordinance 13680, Section 18, as amended, and K.C.C. 28.86.180.
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STATEMENT OF FACTS:
1. King County's wastewater treatment facilities have produced and beneficially used class B biosolids as a soil amendment for more than forty years. Class B biosolids have permit limitations on customer use and are typically used for activities such as commercial agriculture and forestry.
2. The King County Code currently limits King County to the production of class B biosolids.
3. King County's biosolids program would greatly benefit from diversifying its product lines and customer base to continue to beneficially use its biosolids.
4. King County's class B markets have limited capacity for expansion and regulatory restrictions on use.
5. King County's class B biosolids are branded as Loop®. Public perception and awareness of King County's biosolids has increased significantly since the brand was launched in 2012. Research has shown there is significant market potential for class A Loop products.
6. The adopted 2021-22 King County biennial budget authorized funding for a biosolids class A compost pilot facility to be constructed at south treatment plant, which has been operational since late 2025. Class A products are retail garden products with no regulatory restrictions on customer use.
7. Direct sale of class A products would allow the county to maximize market potential. Moneys from the sale of class A products would provide an alternative revenue source to help offset operational costs in an environment of increasing sewer rates and affordability challenges.
8. King County is currently undertaking a comprehensive update to the Regional Wastewater Services Plan (RWSP), which will include an update to the biosolids policies in the King County Code. The compost pilot woul...
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