Environment & Water

Phase II NPDES Municipal Stormwater Update

Close to 100 cities on both sides of the Cascades are required under the Federal Clean Water Act to implement local stormwater management programs. For a number of years, the Department of Ecology (DOE) has been working towards adoption of permits applicable to cities on both sides of the mountains. DRAFT permits have been developed that require different approaches on the “wet” and “dry” sides – something AWC and member cities appreciate.

DOE is moving towards first adopting a permit on the “wet” side that is applicable to the most cities. Their intent is to adopt permit conditions in the early summer of 2006. Stormwater managers from a number of these cities have been actively engaged in reviewing and commenting on the draft permit. They agree with many of the conditions, but not with those stipulating how programs they implement are monitored or, more fundamentally, how to regulate land that is proposed for redevelopment. These concerns have been expressed in writing and in person to DOE. Discussions continue in attempt to resolve these differences.

DOE is also moving towards adopting a permit on the “dry” side and has been working cooperatively with those cities and counties. Issues have arisen over proposed use of a stormwater manual for these areas. AWC staff has been sharing cities’ concerns with a number of legislators. We have requested that Rep. Kelli Linville, Chair of the House Economic Development, Agriculture and Trade Committee hold a worksession on this topic early in the upcoming session for the purpose of hearing about the status of finalizing these permits and issues surrounding their completion.

For more information about Municipal Stormwater issues, please contact Dave Williams at 1-800-562-8981,or check out DOE’s website at www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wq/stormwater/municipal/index.html.

 
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