On July 21, 2026, the Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology) joined Lummi Nation, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Lummi Indian Business Council members, and other partners to celebrate the Gooseberry Point Wastewater Treatment Plant improvements. This Ecology-funded project was 1 of 5 “Exceptional Projects” chosen from around the country in 2026 to receive the EPA’s PISCES Award, according to Ecology.
The Lummi Tribal Sewer & Water District received about $15 million from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund, according to Ecology. For years, the Gooseberry Point WWTP was not treating wastewater adequately and the infrastructure caused permit exceedances, according to the EPA.
The project upgraded the plant to an activated sludge process and added an effluent pump station. These improvements ensured permit-compliant discharges through the outfall, even during high tides and storms, according to the EPA.
The George F. Ames Performance and Innovation in the SRF Creating Environmental Success (PISCES) program recognizes Clean Water State Revolving Fund assistance recipients for projects.
The EPA selects an “Exceptional Project” from the nominations every year for each of the 5 evaluation criteria categories.
- Environmental and Public Health Protection
- Community Engagement
- System Partnerships
- Innovative Financing
- Problem Solving
The remaining nominated PISCES projects receive Honorable Mention recognition, according to the EPA.
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