"Foss Shipyard was the first shipyard in the Puget Sound area to design and install a storm water system that eliminates the discharge of storm water to the ship canal. The underground system captures stormwater over the six acre drainage area and pumps it to large above ground retention tanks. The discharge (by gravity) from the retention tanks to King County Industrial Waste is controlled by a flow limiting orifice at the discharge line. The system is designed with sufficient capacity and storage volume to accommodate a 10-year, 24-hour storm. Water samples are regularly tested by an accredited laboratory to ensure compliance with permit conditions.

Foss Maritime has received the " Gold Award " from The King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks Industrial Waste Program every year since the system was installed. The award recognizes full compliance with the terms and conditions of the wastewater discharge permit and the efforts by Foss to protect the King County treatment works and the water quality of the Puget Sound region."