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Department of Ecology News Release - Sept. 21, 2000
00-188
OLYMPIA - The Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) wants to hear from local governments, businesses, Indian tribes and citizens on how best to manage stormwater runoff, one of the state's most prevalent and elusive water-quality problems.
Ecology is asking for public comments on its final draft of the Stormwater Management Manual for Western Washington, a guidance manual to help municipalities, industries and construction companies manage stormwater runoff and prevent water pollution.
Decades of paving roads, constructing houses and buildings, and cutting down trees have resulted in a significant challenge to manage storm water, or polluted runoff.
"Our state's growth and building explosion has made storm water one of the chief water quality problems facing our state today," said Megan White, manager of Ecology's Water Quality Program. "Rain and snow runoff is carrying pollution, including bacteria, chemicals and dirt, into our water and making it unhealthy for people and fish."
Stormwater runoff in urban areas drastically changes streams and wetlands and causes flooding. In addition, because land has been paved for business centers and neighborhoods, less storm water seeps into ground water and streams, which results in less water in lakes and rivers for salmon.
Ecology worked with technical staff from governments, businesses, environmental groups and other organizations to revise the manual, which has gone through several drafts and public reviews during the past few years. The public now has an opportunity to review and comment on the final draft at one of the following workshops:
EVERETT Sept. 26, 1:30-5 p.m., Howard Johnson Hotel, 3105 Pine St.
VANCOUVER Oct. 3, 1-4:30 p.m., Water Resources Education Ctr., 4600 S.E.
Columbia Way
RENTON Oct. 4, 1-4:30 p.m., Renton Community Ctr., 1715 Maple Valley Hwy.
LACEY Oct. 17, 1:30-5 p.m., Department of Ecology, 300 Desmond Dr.
The revised manual has more-current technical information and techniques, is easier to use and is applicable to all of Western Washington. The manual is not an enforceable document, but its requirements and best management practices are frequently required through ordinances and rules established by local governments and through permits and issued by local, state, and federal authorities.
Ecology hopes to have a final Western Washington manual available by January 2001. The agency also is working with people in Eastern Washington to develop a manual specific to managing storm water in rural, drier areas. That version should be completed in December 2002.
For a copy of the manual, visit: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wq/stormwater/manual.html
CONTACT: Mary Getchell, Public Information Manager, (360) 407-6157;
pager, (360) 534-8590
Tony Barrett, Stormwater Planner, (360) 407-6467
Copyright © Washington State Department of Ecology. See http://www.ecy.wa.gov/copyright.html.
