Environmental Services

Contact Us

Customer Service

Please call Customer Service for any of the following:

• wastewater, surface water and solid waste billing inquires
• to request a change of service
• to request replacement containers
• to schedule a Call-2-Haul appointment
• to report missed pick-ups
• questions regarding drop-off boxes

Customer Service is available Monday - Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Phone: (253) 502-8600

Tacoma Public Utilities (Power and Water)

For power/electricity inquiries or water inquiries please call the number below. For information about payment options, starting, and stopping service, credit and deposit policies, utility bill assistance and business hours for Tacoma Power and Tacoma Water, visit Tacoma Public Utilities online.

Tacoma Public Utilities

Phone: (253) 502-8600

24-Hour Emergency Lines

For life-threatening emergencies, please dial 911. For other urgent issues related to sewer backups, storm drain flooding, or pollution concerns, contact our 24-hour emergency lines listed below.

• Sewer Backups: (253) 591-5585
• Storm Drain Flooding: (253) 591-5585
• Pollution Hotline: (253) 383-2429 (Leave a confidential message 24 hours/day)
• 24-Hour Emergency Line: (253) 591-5585

24-Hour Emergency Line

Phone: (253) 591-5585

Environmental Services Department Director's Office

The Environmental Services Director oversees the City’s Wastewater, Stormwater, and Solid Waste utilities and is located in the Center for Urban Waters building. For power or water inquiries, please contact TPU directly.

Environmental Services Director's Office

Phone: (253) 591-5588

Fax: (253) 591-5300

Environmental and Sustainability Management Systems (ESMS)

The City of Tacoma’s Environmental Services Department has implemented Environmental and Sustainability Management Systems (ESMS) at the Central Wastewater Treatment Plant and Solid Waste Management to enhance environmental performance and sustainability.

What is an ESMS?

An Environmental and Sustainability Management System (ESMS) is a structured approach designed to help organizations:

• Reduce environmental impacts
• Increase sustainability
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations
• Integrate environmental considerations into daily operations

Tacoma’s Environmental Services Department developed its ESMS framework using the International Organization of Standardization (ISO) 14001 Standard, a globally recognized model for effective environmental management.

To reinforce our commitment, Environmental Services has issued an Environmental Policy outlining our goals for continuous improvement.

Significant Environmental Aspects & Goals

The ESMS requires a thorough evaluation of facility operations to identify key environmental impacts. The following significant environmental aspects were identified at the Central Wastewater Treatment Plant and North End Treatment Plant, with goals set for improvement:

• Greenhouse Gas Emissions – Convert 40% of biogas emissions to fuel
• Greenhouse Gas Emissions – Optimize digester gas system
• Greenhouse Gas Emissions – Reduce air emissions and improve aerobic digester (quad) operations
• Raw Materials – Upgrade North End Treatment Plant trickling filter and chlorine system

At the Solid Waste Management Division, additional environmental aspects were identified, with specific goals to reduce impacts:

• Air Emissions – Reduce greenhouse gas emissions
• Potential Spills – Reduce the number of spills
• Fire Potential – Decrease solid waste trailer fires and reduce firefighting discharges into the storm system
• Resource Consumption – Minimize contamination in the residential recycling stream

Through the ESMS, Tacoma continues to advance environmental stewardship, sustainability, and operational excellence.

For more information, contact:

Judith Scott, Assistant Division Manager at jscott5@tacoma.gov.

Meet the Director

Ramiro A. Chavez, P.E. PgMP

Environmental Services Director & City Engineer

Ramiro A. Chavez, P.E. PgMP

Ramiro Chavez currently serves as the Director of Environmental Services and City Engineer for the City of Tacoma, a role he assumed in June 2025. Director Chavez oversees the Wastewater, Surface Water, and Solid Waste utilities, which collectively employ nearly 550 staff and operate with a biennial budget exceeding $450 million. Prior to this, he served as the City’s Public Works Director. With more than 30 years of experience in public service, Director Chavez has built a distinguished career in utility services, public works, architecture, public administration, and project management.

Prior to joining the City of Tacoma, Ramiro served as the County Manager for Thurston County, where he oversaw the Public Works, Public Health, Social Services, and Economic Development departments. Ramiro began serving as County Manager for Thurston County in an interim capacity, starting in June 2016, and in a permanent capacity starting in February 2017. Ramiro joined the City of Tacoma as a part of his return to his passion for public works.

Ramiro’s background in public infrastructure and municipal management is extensive. As Public Works Director for Thurston County, he was responsible for utility services – including sewer, water, stormwater, and solid waste – as well as the development and maintenance of public spaces, transportation systems, and parks. Earlier in his career, he served as Transportation Division Manager for Pierce County’s Public Works Department, where he led major transportation initiatives and planning efforts.

 

Education

Architecture Degree, Central University of Ecuador

Professional Affiliations

• American Public Works Association (APWA)
• American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
• Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE)
• International City/County Management Association (ICMA)
• Project Management Institute (PMI)

Professional Licensing/Registrations

• Licensed Professional Engineer (Washington)
• Program Management Professional (PMI)