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Department of Ecology News Release - September 27, 2001
01-169
OLYMPIA - Local governments, industries and construction companies in Western Washington now have a valuable set of tools to help them reduce, prevent and stop stormwater pollution.
The Department of Ecology (Ecology), with assistance from local governments, industries, environmental organizations and tribes, has published the Stormwater Management Manual for Western Washington to better manage storm water and prevent water pollution.
"Contaminants that get picked up in storm water are a significant source of pollution for our rivers and lakes," said Tom Fitzsimmons, Ecology's director. "The manual offers tools and choices, from low-tech to high-tech, to manage stormwater runoff at industries, construction sites and in urban areas."
Stormwater runoff becomes a problem when rain and snow sweep dirt, bacteria, chemicals and other contaminants into streams, lakes, estuaries and underground water and make the waters unhealthy for drinking, swimming, boating and fish habitat.
The use of the manual is triggered through required ordinances and rules established by local governments and permits issued by local, state and federal agencies. The manual will be used by hazardous-waste treatment facilities, storage or disposal operations, transportation facilities, some manufacturers and other businesses.
"Washington businesses are interested in assistance with complying with stormwater regulations, said David Welsh, executive director for the Northwest Environmental Business Council. "They want to know what is expected and how to get there. The manual provides this assistance."
Major urban areas -- including Seattle, Tacoma, and Clark, King, Pierce and Snohomish counties -- and the state Department of Transportation will use the manual to make sure the roads and areas in their jurisdiction do not cause water pollution. Approximately 90 other communities in the state will use the manual in the next couple of years.
"King County was very involved with putting the manual together because we see it as a blueprint of choices and tools for efficiently managing stormwater," said King County Executive Ron Sims. "The new manual reflects new and better ways to prevent and reduce stormwater pollution problems, while providing developers and regulators with a more complete toolbox to achieve this goal."
Construction sites involving five or more acres, such as housing developments and retail centers, and local governments in urban areas have been managing stormwater runoff for years. The manual will help them do it more efficiently, with the latest technology tools and choices.
"The manual helps contractors focus resources on preventing erosion on their construction sites and saves them money in the long run. It sets a training standard for erosion control that will apply throughout Western Washington," said David Hymel, continuing education director, with the Associated General Contractors of Washington Education Foundation.
Ecology expects to publish a similar manual for Eastern Washington in December 2002.
CONTACT: Mary Getchell, Public Information Manager, (360) 407-6157; pager, (360) 534-8590Ecology's Stormwater Web site: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wq/stormwater
Copyright © Washington State Department of Ecology. See http://www.ecy.wa.gov/copyright.html.
