Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center Sewage System Rehabilitation Project

Project Timeline: Late June 2020 through August 2020

Why is this project necessary?

This project is critical to safeguard public health and ensure resource protection by replacing a wastewater system that was not designed to handle current visitation levels. Access to Hurricane Ridge depends on a functioning sewage system.

The original septic system for the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center was constructed in 1951. Modifying this sewage system to increase capacity and meet current regulatory requirements will protect both public health and the environment while ensuring visitors can continue to enjoy the unique resources Hurricane Ridge has to offer.

 

Construction staging area to the west of the Visitor Center for heavy equipment and sand storage.

NPS Photo

Project Updates

September - The project was completed ahead of schedule. The parking lot is now clear from the construction activity, equipment, and materials. Revegetation work will continue this season, but without impacts to the parking lot.

August The gravity sewer line will be re-routed to the new system following final inspection by the Washington State Department of Health. Demolition of obsolete components from the existing septic system will begin. (complete)

Mid to Late July: Septic and pump tanks will be delivered to the site and installed downslope of the access road. Drainfield construction is anticipated to be complete by the end of July/early August. (complete)

 

View of impacts to parking lot to the east of the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center. Parking spaces are coned off and being used to store and maintain sod from the sewage system project for revegetation.

NPS Photo

How will the construction impact my visit?

Update 9/2 - This project is now complete

Parking

Expect parking to be limited. The parking area will be reduced by roughly 40%. This reduction is necessary to accommodate the equipment, sand, and sod for this project as well as vehicle turnaround at the western end of the parking lot.

Vehicles up to 25 feet in length can park in a regular parking space. Designated parking for buses, RVs larger than 25 feet in length, and vehicles with trailers is limited.

Summer visitation at Hurricane Ridge is busiest mid-day and on weekends. Try to plan your visit to Hurricane Ridge early or later in the day to avoid the busiest times and a long wait at the entrance station.

Once the parking area fills up, the entrance station will allow vehicles up as other vehicles leave. You can check twitter.com/OlympicNP for any updates. The Hurricane Ridge webcams can also give you a view of the parking area and an idea of how busy it is.

Noise

Expect noise from the heavy equipment that will be in operation to construct the drainfield; remove and replace sod; and haul and line the trenches with sand.

The View

This project will occur in the area to the southwest of the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center. Expect to see equipment during the construction project. Please remember that this project is critical to ensuring public health and protection of the resources. Access to Hurricane Ridge depends on a functioning sewage system.