During development of Implementation Strategies, participants identify uncertainties that limit understanding of problems and potential solutions related to regional recovery targets. These uncertainties are catalogued by Puget Sound Institute (PSI).
PSI researchers conduct analyses relating to critical uncertainties hampering the implementation and/or development of Implementation Strategies. These “Critical Analyses” focus on key questions with a targeted data collection and analysis effort. PSI researchers sometimes collaborate with researchers and students from other University of Washington departments, other academic institutions, regional recovery partners, or Puget Sound Partnership contractors to complete Critical Analyses.
Current projects
Completed projects
The project team compiled rate data then estimated annual single family residential sewer service costs for 80 wastewater utilities affected by the Puget Sound Nutrient General Permit. The financial impact of sewer bills on households was determined by using these data to calculate sewer service costs as a percentage of Median Household Income and Lowest Quintile Income. This critical analysis supports the Marine Water Quality Implementation Strategy.
Burke. S., A. Kinney, K. Bogue, A. Barber, and N. Jo. 2023. Puget Sound Wastewater Service Affordability Analysis: Implications for Implementation Strategies: 2022 Critical Analysis Summary Report. ECO Resource Group and Puget Sound Institute, UW Tacoma.
Barber, A., K. Bogue, S. Burke, N. Jo, and A. Kinney. 2022. Puget Sound Wastewater Service Affordability Analysis Data Collection [Data files]. ECO Resource Group; Puget Sound Institute, UW Tacoma; and College of Business and Economics, Western Washington University. Distributed by ResearchWorks, University of Washington Libraries.
Stormwater Utility Fees (SUFs) are a key funding mechanism for local stormwater management programs. The project team compiled data on use of SUFs by the 124 local jurisdictions in the Puget Sound region; evaluated the contributions SUFs make to overall stormwater program budgets; and analyzed how SUF rate structure affects equity outcomes. This critical analysis supports the Freshwater Quality/Benthic Index of Biotic Integrity (B-IBI) Implementation Strategy.
Kinney, A., R. Evrard, K. Bogue, and C.A. James. 2023. Filling the gap: A comparative analysis of stormwater utility fees and stormwater program budgets in the Puget Sound Watershed. Journal of American Water Resources Association. 59(5): 1128-1145.
Evrard, R., C.A. James, K. Bogue, and A. Kinney. 2022. Puget Sound Stormwater Utility Fee and Stormwater Program Budget Dataset 2019-2020. [Data files]. Puget Sound Institute, UW Tacoma. Distributed by ResearchWorks, University of Washington Libraries.
Kinney, A, C.A. James, R. Evrard, and K. Bogue. 2021. Use of Stormwater Utility Fees in Puget Sound: Summary of Implications for Implementation Strategies. Puget Sound Institute, UW Tacoma.
Limiting growth outside of Urban Growth Areas (UGAs) is a key strategy for Puget Sound recovery. This analysis investigated patterns of residential housing development just outside of UGA boundaries. This critical analysis supports the Land Development and Cover Implementation Strategy.
Sayler, M. and T. Roberts. 2018. exUGA Residential Housing Growth in the Puget Sound Region, 2011-2016. Puget Sound Institute, UW Tacoma.
Our scientific understanding and ability to forecast habitat and species shifts due to changes in oxygen demand and supply are limited by a lack of knowledge on Salish
Sea species’ vulnerability to the synergistic impacts of low DO and warming waters. This research analyzed Salish Sea fish surveys that had concurrent oxygen and temperature measurements to identify critical oxygen and temperature ranges. This critical analysis supports the Marine Water Quality Implementation Strategy.
Sullaway, G., Essington, T., Mazzilli, S., & Kanojia, M. (2025, February). Biological sensitivity of Salish Sea taxa to low oxygen levels: Determining observed metabolic demand thresholds of key taxa based on concomitantly measuring abundance, oxygen, and temperature (Critical analysis report). University of Washington Puget Sound Institute. https://www.pugetsoundinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/2025-Biological_Sensitivy_DO_Final_Report.docx.pdf
Contact
Andy James (jamesca @ uw.edu)
PSI contributors
Kevin Bogue
Raye Evrard
Maya Faber
Andy James
Aimee Kinney
Stefano Mazzilli
Dwaine Trummert
Veronika Polushina
Chris Wally Wright
Partner organizations
University of Washington School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences
ECO Resource Group
Western Washington University College of Business and Economics
King County