Federal Way is pursuing two state grants to research and address an abundance of algae blooms that routinely cause a stench in Dumas Bay during the summer months.

The grants are offered through the Washington State Department of Ecology. They total up to $70,000, with a required match of $17,500 from the city. If secured, one of the grants can be used to research the causes of the extreme growth of algae blooms in Dumas Bay. The other grant can be used toward the planning of a Beach Management District, to provide education, public outreach, algae removal and address permitting issues concerning the algae.

The stench is caused when the algae, also known as sea lettuce or seaweed, builds up and begins to decay, then breaks apart, releasing hydrogen sulfide. The city has worked to overcome and remove the lea weed since 2006.