A Call For Action To Test Industrial District For Toxic Chemicals

Filthy stormwater treatment pond at All Wood Recycling 60 feet
from salmon-bearing Evans Creek. B. Yoder/2006

The Following is Dr. David Morton's public comment to the Planning Commission for Items from the Audience.  David Morton, PhD is a Redmond resident who regularly speaks at government meetings about ways to improve our environment.  

I’d like to discuss a critical land use issue that affects Redmond's drinking water aquifer, and may cause PFAS contamination in Wells 1 and 2. PFAS is a man-made toxic chemical that never breaks down.  

Last week, I testified before City Council about PFOS levels exceeding EPA's 4 ppt standard in these wells. Tonight, I want to focus on the land use aspect of this problem—specifically, the Evans Creek Relocation Project and the DTG Recycle site, formerly All Wood Recycling.

The DTG site sits within Redmond’s Critical Aquifer Recharge Area I (where groundwater contamination can reach municipal supply wells in under five years. In August 2013, a massive fire at All Wood Recycling required multi-day firefighting efforts. (See here, here, here, and here.) A former Redmond Natural Resources Manager informed the City Council that firefighting foam was used to extinguish that blaze and that about 1900 fish in Evans Creek were killed. *

The concern is straightforward: the foam likely contained PFAS, and those "forever chemicals" may have infiltrated Redmond’s aquifer. Bob Yoder's research suggests additional historic contamination sources at this industrial site—oil spills into Evans Creek, failing detention ponds, and septic systems that may have channeled PFAS-contaminated water underground.

Here's the land use policy problem: the Evans Creek Relocation Project will disturb soil on the DTG property. When the Department of Ecology sampled soil there in 2022, they did not test for PFAS. This is a significant gap in the environmental review process, especially given the site's MTCA contaminated cleanup status and location in Redmond’s CARA I (see the image below).

Since the Planning Commission advises the Mayor and City Council on land use policies, I urge you to recommend that the City require PFAS testing at the DTG site before any ground disturbance occurs. Identifying and remediating contamination sources is essential to prevent ongoing pollution of Redmond's drinking water.

With a 2029 EPA compliance deadline and costs for treatment of Wells 1 & 2 potentially in the tens of millions, Redmond cannot afford to overlook potential contamination sources in its CARAs. Sound land use policy demands testing before digging.

I ask that you advise Council to strengthen Redmond’s critical area protections by requiring PFAS assessment before approving projects in CARA zones, particularly on properties with known environmental violations or firefighting foam use.

* See the archived video of the Aug. 27, 2013, City Council Study Session beginning at 1:30:12. The comments about the fish kill and the firefighting foam use begin at 1:31:47.

-- David Morton, PhD, 2/11/2026

The Story Of Redmond's Well Water Contamination

     

Industrial district abused stormwater run-off pond 70 feet from Evans Creek
Photo, Bob Yoder / 2006

Devices to filter toxic PFAS from well water may be purchased online.

Forty percent of Redmond drinking water comes from five wells, the remainder from surface waters like the Tolt River. At a recent Council meeting, the Director of Public Works Aaron Bert, announced Wells 1 & 2 in Anderson Park were contaminated with a man-made chemical called PFAS, coined a "forever chemical." It doesn't break down and can compromise immunity, lead to cancer, affect pregnancy and other health problems if consumed over a long period of time.

Council hired Hazon consultant ($284,000) to plan a pre-design of filtering infrastructure for Wells 1 & 2. Bert says the estimated cost will be $25-$30 million with projected completion by 2029.

Bert's scientist said in a February 11 year council meeting they know the source was "historic." but do not know where. Extensive community research concludes the source is likely from fire foam used in 2013 to extinguish a huge debris fire in the neglected SE Redmond industrial district. Jon Spangler, the Redmond Natural Resource manager saw fire foam floating in nearby Evans Creek and 1900 dead fish. Fire Captain John Stockman remembers fire foam was used.

Fire foam is highly concentrated with PFAS; and according to "aquifer hydrology" the contaminated water reached our Education Hill water supply at Wells 1 & 2 by 2018, in the very least. We ordered a "reverse osmosis" water filter from an online merchant and are VERY happy with the clarity and smooth taste of our water; and knowing it's PFAS free!

-- Bob Yoder

2/11/2026

UPDATED 2/7/26: Sandwich Boards Are Proliferating

 

TWO (not one) "Massage," "Head Spa" and a "Handyman" sandwich board signs are "tented" on 85th St. near 166th Ave. NE.  Across the street are two others.  They are  distracting drivers and proliferating almost daily.  If this keeps up, our city will be tacky and visually polluted, yet small businesses need to advertise -- maybe not this way.  

According to Code Enforcement Officer Rob Lewis, the city attorney is working on a sign code amendment.  "We want to ensure the city is clean and presentable but also must ensure we're not infringing of constitutional free Speech rights while doing so."  

A good start in the amendment process would be limiting the businesses to one sign on a street and give fines to those who don't.    

Our right to free Speech is violated during elections when only candidates may post their signs.  During elections, almost always ugly signs from one or two business are staked everywhere.  

 

 Above, seven sandwich board signs are massed on one short block of 85th Street and they wrap around the corner. In "bunches" they are unsightly, distracting, and unfitting for our City.

Bob Yoder, opinion / photographs 2/5/2026 

UPDATED 1/30/2026: Police Search for Suspect Who Stabbed Woman On Bear Creek Trail

The suspect is described as a Hispanic male, approximately 5 feet 9 inches tall with a medium build. He is described as having a wide face and bumpy, textured skin. At the time of the assault, he was wearing a green hoodie, jeans, and a black hat.

Redmond detectives are actively investigating the assault. Anyone who was on or near Bear Creek Trail between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. on Jan. 24, has dash-cam footage, or recalls seeing someone matching the suspect’s description is encouraged to please call 425-556-2500 and ask to speak with a detective.

--RPD. 1/3/2025

UPDATED 1/28/26: Redmond's Water Supply Wells Contaminated

Forty - five percent of our clean potable water is supplied by five water supply wells; and they are compromised.   Very recent sampling efforts have detected "PFAS" contaminating Anderson Park's two water supply wells (#1 and #2.)  PFAS - are found in paint, cleansers, fire extinguisher foam, other man-made chemicals and *historic spills.  Public Works Director Aaron Bert said in a staff report, "the City doesn't know the source."  

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalyl subs) are a group of soluble human-made chemicals that can adversely affect human health and the environment.   Higher cholesterol, blood pressure problems during pregnancy. lower birth weights and increased risk of some cancers may occur over an extended period of time.

The sooner the city reaches out to the community to reassure us the better. The estimated cost of mitigation is $25 - $30 million.  On February 3, 4:30 PM in City Hall, Council's consultant will explain how to remove and replace these "forever chemicals."  You are invited or LIVE stream on Comcast Channel 21.   

 HISTORY

2006 photo of the district's stormwater treatment pond
connected to Evans Creek / Bob Yoder

Southeast Redmond's industrial district was historically the city "dump site" with abused 50-foot creek buffers and untreated stormwater *spilling into nearby Evans Creek.  (It's been somewhat environmentally rehabilitated.) In 2013, a massive debris fire started in the district at All Wood Recycling - located in the infiltration zone where potable water is drawn from the aquifer.  It took days and volumes of water with *PFAS-laced fire foam to extinguish it. In my opinion, the industrial site is the source.  

Evans Creek runs through Redmond's Industrial District
 and over a shallow aquifer 

Special thanks to Dr. David Morton for his contributions and collaboration on this source-finding adventure.  

-- Bob Yoder, 1/26/2026, updated 1/28/2026

   Education Hill, Redmond

City News Now | January 12, 2026

LOTS OF GOOD NEWS HERE!  I'm going to sign up for the Community Police Academy.  "Talk Sporty To Me" looks good too!

-- Bob Yoder, 1/15/26

Redmond Fire Department Recruitment Video 2021

Excellent video!  Even more so, is John Oftebro's article: "Fire! Fire! Fire! History and Evolution of the Redmond Fire Department.” (from which this video came.)  John is the President of the Redmond Historical Society and his article can be found in their recent newsletter.  

-- Yoder, 1/7/26

King County Launches New "Stop Hate Hotline"

 

Seattle/ Internet

Summary King County announced today the launch of the Stop Hate Hotline. The hotline is operated by the non-profit Crisis Connections. It is now live and can be used to provide an immediate confidential reporting system for victims of hate crimes and bias incidents, while connecting them to vital community resources and support services. Story Today, King County Executive Shannon Braddock, in partnership with King County Councilmember Reagan Dunn and non-profit Crisis Connections, announced the launch of the new Stop Hate Hotline, marking a significant milestone in the county's efforts to combat hate crimes and support affected communities. The hotline can be reached at 833-786-7481 or 833-STOP-H81. "The launch of the Stop Hate Hotline represents King County's unwavering commitment to creating a community where every resident feels safe, valued, and protected from hate and bias. This hotline provides crime victims and survivors support, resources, and assistance in reporting the crime to law enforcement if they choose," said Executive Braddock. "We recognize that hate crimes don't just harm individual victims; they stoke fear in whole communities. By partnering with Crisis Connections, we're ensuring that when someone reaches out in need, they'll find compassionate, trauma-informed care that honors their experience and focuses on their healing."

Redmond Police Host Firearm Exchange Event

 

Redmond Police Department to Host Firearm Exchange Event on September 20

REDMOND, WA - The Redmond Police Department is hosting its second free and voluntary firearm exchange event from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 20, at the Redmond Police Department North Lot, located at 8707 160th Ave. NE, Redmond. This initiative offers Redmond residents, Redmond Ridge community members, and City of Redmond employees a safe way to turn in unwanted firearms in exchange for gift cards. Proof of residency is required. 

Participants must ensure all firearms are unloaded, with the safety on, and stored in the trunk or rear area of the vehicle, out of reach of passengers. When possible, firearms should be placed in a gun case or box to allow for safe examination by officers. No ammunition will be accepted at the event. Firearms collected during the exchange will be safely and permanently destroyed. 

Gift card values offered in exchange for firearms are as follows:

• $0 – Replicas, toy guns, BB-guns, pellet guns, airsoft guns
• $100 – Muzzleloaders, antiques, shotguns, rifles (non-assault style)
• $200 – Handguns (pistols and revolvers)
• $300 – AR-style rifles, AK-style rifles, and automatic rifles

“This event is about giving our community members a safe and anonymous way to remove unwanted firearms from their homes. Whether someone no longer needs a firearm, inherited one, or simply wants to reduce the risk of theft or misuse, this is an opportunity to do so responsibly,” said Police Chief Darrell Lowe. “Our goal is to enhance community safety by preventing firearms from falling into the wrong hands.” 

For information about the event, visit redmond.gov/FirearmExchange2025. 

Automated License Plate Readers To Enhance Public Safety

 

CONTACT

Jill Green, Redmond Police Department Public Information Officer
jgreen@redmond.gov
425-556-2627

Redmond Police Deploy Automated License Plate Readers to Enhance Public Safety

 

REDMOND, WA - The Redmond Police Department has taken another step forward in integrating advanced public safety technology into its daily operations by deploying Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs) in strategic areas across the city.

The ALPR system enhances the department’s ability to respond swiftly and effectively to crimes, missing persons, and public safety threats. These cameras automatically alert officers and analysts when a vehicle linked to a crime, missing person, stolen vehicle, or other critical incident is detected.  Before any action is taken, every alert is verified and confirmed to ensure the information is accurate and valid.

"With tools like ALPR, we are able to act faster and more precisely to protect our community," said Chief Darrell Lowe. "It's important to note that these technologies are not intended for general surveillance. We use them solely to track vehicles involved in crimes or emergencies, ensuring that privacy and individual rights are always respected."

Updated: Overlake Bellwether Housing Development, Affordable

Overlake Bellwether Housing 
2027 - 2028 completion date

The City of Redmond is seeking to enter into a 2.4 acre purchase and sale agreement with Bellwether Housing for the acquisition of a commercial property on the ground floor of an affordable housing project. This project is located adjacent to the Overlake light rail station and will contain two additional commercial spaces and 328 affordable housing units. 

Approval of the purchase and sale of Bellwether allows the City of Redmond to acquire 1600 sf of coveted commercial space in the Overlake Neighborhood right next to light rail.  The development will include a six-story, mixed-use building housing small businesses, “mini town hall,” and nonprofit services. · 

Most importantly, affordable housing for ~328 homes include studios, 1, 2, and 3-bedrooms will be available at 30% to 80% Area Median Income (AMI) however, families will qualify only for 50% AMI. 

Below are outlined some other potential benefits: 

 City services: Potential for increased access to city services, such as customer service, translation services, bill pay, mobile integrated health, Police desk, and other city services, along with rotating art.  

 Co-location of  1,600 sq commercial condo adjacent to a planned multicultural small business hub. The City envisions the use of the parcel as a dedicated to open space, suitable for small-scale community use. 

Multicultural services:  In the Overlake Intercultural District more than 42% of the residents are foreign born and 46.5% speak a language other than English at home. 

Multi-modal transportation on sidewalks and streets close to the Overlake Station.  

The Mayor has approved allocating $1 million in funds budgeted for Bellwether's housing development.  King County staff have proposed a matching contribution with an additional $1.15 million. City staff has applied for federal and state grants to support the acquisition and tenant improvements. The City was successful in receiving a state grant earmark and Department of Commerce grant. 

Source:  Council Committee of the Whole, 8/5/2025  (Election Day) 

City of Redmond Design Review agenda

Redmond Code Enforcement Officers

If you have concerns to report like campaign sign placement, commercial signs, and tree removal, please use this link.  Request for Service - Redmond, WA 

­Elena McKee Code Enforcement Officer, City of Redmond
425-448-0964  (cell phone)  425-556-2412 (land line)  emckee@redmond.gov (email)   The Code Enforcement system is used to report non-emergency concerns and is only monitored during City business hours. Our Code Enforcement Team addresses concerns regarding potential code violations on private property like tree removal.  We collaborate with other City departments and Redmond residents to develop and implement solutions for issues related to health and safety codes in our community. Our primary goal is to inform and educate you while promoting voluntary compliance. Please note that the City does not intervene in civil disputes, such as disagreements over property lines, hazardous trees on neighboring properties, or tenant-landlord issues. Please include the following information: Detailed description of the concern Complete details of the location Your contact information Please note this request system is public domain. Any correspondence from, to, or contained in this system is a public record. Accordingly, this request, in whole or in part, may be subject to disclosure pursuant to RCW 42.56, regardless of any claim of confidentiality or privilege asserted by an external party. -- Redmond.gov  6/30/2025

City To Partner With County On Crisis Response

 

City Plans to Partner with King County's Mobile Rapid Response Crisis Team.

• In 2018, the Police Department launched their co-response model, utilizing a mental health professional on police calls. In 2021, the City expanded to a tiered community health model called THRIVE including homeless outreach, mobile integrated health, and community care coordinators.
•  As an addition to the current program, the Redmond may partner with King County’s Mobile Rapid Response Crisis Team (MRRCT) to provide the city with 24/7 mental health response.
• OUTCOMES: Staff has recommended partnering with MRRCT to provide de-escalation services 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. MRRCT is equipped with two-person units, staffed by behavioral health professionals and peer counselors. The teams respond to incidents involving adults aged 18 and older experiencing mental health crises. 
• King County placed a team in Redmond, stationed at the Together Center  "SOUND," office. although there are other Crisis Teams countywide. All teams are a part of King County’s Behavioral Health Program and the teams are dispatched through 911, 988, or their direct line. 
• Utilizing King County’s services comes at no additional cost to Redmond as it is funded through the King County Crisis Care Levy. 
•  SOURCE:  Committee of the Whole - Public Safety and Human Services (Tuesday, June 17, 2025, 4:30 p.m.)

City PRIDE Month Celebration Goes Dark

As you know, it's PRIDE month with many celebrations around town.  However, in Council's June 3 Businees meeting during the public comment period, PRIDE went dark.

It all started with the first 3-minute testimony by Aeron H.  He's a Redmond transgender and gave an horrific story of humiliation and death threats. He reported it to the police "with a picture, message, and name and the police did nothing, they did NOTHING!"  Fearful, "I stayed locked in my apartment for two months. No wonder PRIDE doesn't trust the police."  

At this point pro tem mayor, President Kritzer stated "in conclusion," signifying that Aeron's allowable 3-mintute speaking time was up.  Councilmember Fields made a motion to suspend the rules and extend the time.  It was seconded by CM Forsythe. 

After 13 minutes of  Council rules discussion and advice from the city attorney, they decided to suspend the 3-minute rule for this one meeting and allow 4-minute testimonies. Councilmember Stuart thanked Aeron for his patience.  Aeron was annoyed, and then went on for over a minute about "targeted hate crimes" and his distrust for the police. 

-- Bob Yoder, 8/13.25 

Source:  6/3/25 Business meeting video of testimonies  (Aeron's testimony starts at 8:00 min.)

(Historically, the comment period at Business meetings had been 4- minutes but the present council reduced it to 3-minutes; Councilmember David Carson had strong objections to this limitation.) 

Redmond, A Welcoming City / Immigration Enforcement

Redmond is a welcoming city, with a strong commitment to cultivating an inclusive community, where everyone feels valued, supported, and connected. The City actively creates an environment where all residents can fully access city services, influence local policy, and feel a sense of belonging and safety. In 2017 and 2020, the City Council passed resolutions No. 1465 and No. 1534, respectively, affirming its commitment towards a culturally inclusive community, as well declaring Redmond as a hate free zone. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

The Redmond Police Department would like to provide some clarification after recent inquiries from residents concerned about immigration enforcement and possible future interaction with immigration officials.

What is the Redmond Police Department’s role in immigration enforcement?
The Police Department does not enforce immigration violations. State law and department policy prohibit Redmond Police officers from asking or collecting information about a person’s immigration or citizenship status, unless there is a connection with a state or local criminal investigation, and officers may not detain a person solely to determine immigration status.

Will the police report me or give my information to immigration authorities?
Under state law and policy, the Department is restricted from sharing information with immigration officials, except under certain circumstances as required by law, such as a valid court order.

Will the police help immigration officials with raids or other operations?
The Redmond Police Department would not typically be involved in federal immigration operations at all. If requested, the Department would provide only support services, such as traffic control or peacekeeping efforts for public safety reasons.

What should I do if immigration officials approach me or knock on my door and want to talk to me?
Review these Northwest Immigrant Rights Project materials.

Redmond Police Celebrates 'Monumental' FAA Drone Decision

Redmond Police Drone Center

Redmond Police celebrates 'monumental' decision by FAA that approves drone use on more 911 calls. 

Below, is a link to King 5 video story on the Redmond Police Department's innovative drone program ... leading the way within western Washington State: 

https://www.king5.com/video/tech/redmond-police-celebrating-monumental-decision-by-faa-that-approves-drone-use-on-more-911-calls/281-6fefce2c-e35d-4851-84dc-51838ff6c66f

-- King 5, 11/26/24

Police Chief Lowe Named To Brown's Transition Committee

 

Redmond Police Chief Named to Attorney General-Elect Brown’s Transition Committee

REDMOND, WA - Attorney General-Elect Nick Brown announced on Tuesday, Dec. 3, the advisors who will serve on his transition committee. The 30-person team will assist Brown as he prepares to take office.

Brown’s transition team will include Redmond Police Chief Darrell Lowe, who is also president of the WA Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs.

“I’m honored to be part of Attorney General-Elect Brown’s transition team and to provide law enforcement and leadership insights and perspectives he might find useful in setting up his new administration,” said Chief Lowe. 

Comprised of civic leaders from every part of the state, transition committee members will lend expertise from law enforcement, state government, business, non-profits, labor, and tribal affairs.

According to the announcement, the committee will be tasked with establishing Brown’s office and sharpening his agenda and key priorities.   

CITY WATCH: Updated Community Notes

NOTES ON THE STORM:    

Lots of comments at tonight's Council meeting on the severe cyclone wind storm.  

One lady complained that the warming stations closed at 8pm.  The community center closed at 8pm.  There was no place to go; no plan.  

Redmond AM 1650 emergency radio wasn't updated or current.  (It's available only in vehicles.) 

I'm a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) volunteer and saw no others during my trek outside.  I had to wave a woman with her toddler away from a downed power line.  She couldn't speak English. 

I was shocked to hear from a reader the City discontinued the CERT program.  He thought Councilmember Forsythe might know why.  Over 35 - 8 week CERT classes were held, now unorganized and unrefreshed.  When the next "Big One" comes our neighborhoods we will be unprepared. 

NOTES ON PLYMOUTH HOUSING and SILVER CLOUD:  

Plymouth Permanent Supportive Housing is expected to open late 2026.  Evan Sexton, the Plymouth marketing employee said Plymouth will hold open public office hours at the Together Center the second Wednesday of each month, 11am-2pm.  He said they've already had one Advisory Committee meeting. 

The county's Silver Cloud permanent housing staff are looking for community volunteers for the 15 residents housed there. 12 staff members work there!  Staff leaders give me the go-around when I try to help.  

ELECTRIC FIRE ENGINES:   Council President Kritzer prided the city about including the e-fire engine equipment on the budget.  Redmond is the first city on the west coast to pay for one. It was a race with Bellevue.     

CITY ISSUES $100 GIFT CARDS for select citizens participating in a 2-hour workshop on EV infrastructure and EV experiences.  The workshop will be held at the Senior & Community Center where charging stations are located.    

The Mayor purchased 5 new gas-powered snow plows and gave them names.  

-- Bob Yoder, 12/3/24

Updated: Bomb Cyclone Hits Anderson Park

Four Anderson Park landmark trees were blown down in the same western direction by the eastern winds of the "bomb cyclone.".  

This landmark fir crashed into the well pump station and snapped in half.  Amazingly, it was the only park structure hit by a tree.  Power lines down.  No CERT volunteers present.

This park cottonwood fell in a western direction like all the rest.  The large root

balls will be saved and used in rivers, streams, mitigation banks, for erosion control, soil preservation and salmon habitat.  The city does a great job of installing them in Bear Creek, the Sammamish River. and their flood plains.  These 70-year+ old trees are irreplaceable.  

Photos by Yoder, day after the November 21 "bomb cyclone" 

Posted 11/22/24, updated 11/23

License Plate Readers, 22 Camera Readers To Be Installed

License Plate Reader / Flock

In a 8/5/24 regular meeting Council approved funds to implement the "Flock" license plate reader program.  Installation of 22 cameras and subscription cost for two years are priced at $93,534.40.  It's likely the Mayor will finance the balance through the General Fund or Capital Investment Program.      

THE PROGRAM:   Strategically located intersections are identified within the City to place the "Flock" cameras to capture the most license plates entering and leaving the City limits. 

Councilmember Steve Fields made a point to say the program will not infringe on people's privacy. 

The concept of this approach is for officers and dispatchers to be alerted whenever a “Wanted” or “Hot List” vehicle or vehicle used in the commission of a crime is captured on a Flock camera. Officers will respond to the area and look for the vehicle based on the last known location. Vehicles typically placed on “Hot Lists” include stolen vehicles, wanted persons connected to vehicles, and missing persons. 

-- Re-posted by Yoder, 10/17/24 

   Source 8/5/24 Council meeting