New facility sought for Coupeville Wharf
By NATHAN WHALEN
Whidbey News Times Reporter
Oct 30 2009
If a grant is approved, boaters in Penn Cove will have a new place to dump their wastewater.
The Port of Coupeville is trying to get funding that will pay for the installation of a pump out station at the end of the pier. That station will provide boaters a place to safely dispose of their sewage water.
Jim Patton, executive director for the port, said it will cost about $20,000 to install the new station and he’s looking to a state agency to foot most of the bill. The port is seeking a State Parks Commission grant through the Clean Water Act. The port can get back 75 percent of its investment if it gets the grant money.
To pay for the remainder, Ian Jefferds, owner of Penn Cove Shellfish, has volunteered to foot the bill.
Patton said Penn Cove Shellfish is the principal user at the wharf and it would be efficient if work boats could refuel and dispose of their waste water at the same time.
The port recently received all of the permits needed to allow for the station installation. Most recently, the Coupeville Town Council approved a Shoreline Development Permit. With the permits in hand, Patton has to fill out a 10-page application and send it to the Parks Commission for approval.
He said that the port isn’t legally required to install a pump out station, but having such a facility available could benefit the cleanliness of Penn Cove.
The Port of Coupeville doesn’t have a lot of revenue for extra projects. When the commissioners signed vouchers at the end of their monthly meeting, Patton said there was $17,000 left in the bank.
He added there is another project that has to be completed, which is a project to re-shingle the wharf building at the end of the pier. The estimated cost to repair the building is $16,000.
Whidbey News Times Reporter Nathan Whalen can be reached at nwhalen@whidbeynewstimes.com or 360.675.6611.So keep your comments:
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