SoundGuardian launched - new King County environmental research vessel

Executive Constantine and members of Soundgarden, Matt Cameron and Kim Thayil,
dedicate the SoundGuardian, King County’s new environmental research vessel.

King County Executive Dow Constantine was joined by members of the iconic Seattle band Soundgarden to launch the SoundGuardian, King County's new environmental research vessel named in a public contest.

The new 48-foot vessel will be used by field scientists at the King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks to collect samples in Puget Sound, Lake Washington, and the Duwamish River.

It will also be used to respond to environmental emergencies, such as illegal spills and dumping, toxic algae bloom, fish kills and beach erosion.

"We're providing King County scientists with the equipment they need to monitor the quality of our water, quickly respond to emergencies, and study the effects of climate change," said Executive Constantine. 

"The work our researchers do in the field and on the water is critical to our quality of life, so it's important that they have the right tools to get the job done."

The SoundGuardian will replace The Liberty, an outdated vessel that has been in service since 1977.

In addition to monitoring local bodies of water for pollution, field scientists collect and analyze data to study trends in water temperature, which contributes to King County’s effort to confront climate change.

The twin-hull vessel – built by local shipbuilders – is more fuel efficient and easier to navigate in choppy waters, which is critical during environmental emergencies. It will also increase productivity by enabling field scientists to conduct more research in the same amount of time.