LYNNWOOD—Earlier this month, the Washington Department of Ecology notified the City of Lynnwood that it will receive the Wastewater Treatment Plant Outstanding Performance Award for 2025. The award’s criteria are based on meeting specific permit conditions, including regularly meeting numeric effluent limits, monitoring water quality as required, and submitting reports on time.
Originally constructed in 1962, the Wastewater Treatment Plant collects and treats wastewater from a sewer service area of approximately 6,000 acres, which includes all of Lynnwood and roughly 16% of the population of Edmonds, along with a fifth of its geographic area. The City’s goal is to protect public health and the environment by effectively treating sewage before it is discharged back into natural water bodies. In 2025, the wastewater treatment plant was in full compliance with zero violations, a rare feat for wastewater treatment plants.
“This award exemplifies the commitment of our wastewater employees to providing excellent service while keeping our environment safe,” said Lynnwood Mayor George Hurst. “They provide an essential service that is sometimes overlooked, but one that our community utilizes every day.”
In 2020, the City began the planning stages to upgrade the wastewater treatment plant. This long-term, phased initiative is planned through approximately 2034 to modernize the aging infrastructure and prepare the facility for future community and environmental needs. The project is currently in the Basis of Design phase, where the Public Works team is refining key design decisions and confirming the recommended approach before advancing into detailed design, permitting and phased construction.
“It’s an honor to receive this award from the Department of Ecology. More importantly, it reflects the dedication of the team working behind the scenes to protect public health and our environment every day,” said Wastewater Treatment Plant Project Manager Ehsan Shirkahni. “Receiving this recognition during a transformative time for our wastewater treatment plant reinforces our commitment to building a resilient and sustainable system that will serve our community for decades to come.”
To learn more about the Wastewater Treatment Program and the Upgrade Project, visit www.lynnwoodwa.gov/WWTP.
Source: City of Lynnwood
Author: Mario Lotmore
