The Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA), the Port of Tacoma, SSA Terminals, LLC and Puget Soundkeeper have reached a final settlement in a long-running federal Clean Water Act case.
The dispute centred on stormwater management at the West Sitcum Terminal in Tacoma.
The agreement resolves litigation pending since 2017 and will be formalised in a consent decree subject to approval by the federal court and the US Department of Justice.
The settlement carries no admission of liability by any party and remains in effect through 1 January 2030.
At the centre of the dispute were stormwater compliance obligations under the Industrial Stormwater General Permit issued by the Washington Department of Ecology, a case that drew in multiple NWSA tenants and raised significant legal questions about terminal operator responsibilities under federal environmental law.
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The settlement includes three concrete commitments. The NWSA will contribute $500,000 to the Washington Stormwater Center to fund research and education focused on stormwater management.
It will also procure a Triverus Sweeper, described as one of the most advanced sweeping systems available for port and terminal environments, with potential deployment across other Tacoma harbour properties. SSA Terminals (Tacoma), LLC (SSATT) will implement operational enhancements at West Sitcum Terminal.
These measures build on the NWSA’s prior $13.5 million investment in a stormwater treatment system at the terminal, completed in 2019.
Dick Marzano, NWSA Co-Chair and Port of Tacoma Commission President, said: “Resolving litigation of this complexity and duration is never simple. There were significant legal questions on both sides, and this case reflects that. We’re pleased to have reached an agreement that brings closure and delivers real environmental investments in our Tacoma Harbor.”
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Ryan Calkins, NWSA Co-Chair and Port of Seattle Commission President, stated: “The stormwater improvements at West Sitcum, combined with the funding we’re directing to the WSU Stormwater Center, reflect our ongoing commitment to responsible stewardship of the public assets in our care. We are glad to have this matter resolved and for the resolution to produce lasting benefits for our waterways and the communities around them.”
Nicolas Gauthier, President of SSA Marine’s Global Container Division, added: “SSA Terminals (Tacoma), LLC and its affiliates are committed to advancing a more sustainable and resilient global supply chain and to enhancing environmental performance across our operations. We believe this resolution reflects that commitment.”
For more information:
The Northwest Seaport Alliance – https://www.nwseaportalliance.com/
