King County wants the public’s help in finalizing its 2009 stormwater management program as part of its ongoing commitment to protect public health and improve environmental conditions.
Three public meetings have been scheduled for early March – the first set for March 3 in Issaquah – where King County residents can provide feedback on local stormwater management practices and learn more about the planned updates.
The March 3 meeting will be in the Eagle Room at Issaquah City Hall South, 135 E. Sunset Way.
Participants will be able to review and discuss a draft of the new stormwater management program that has been prepared by King County in response to the 2007 Phase I Municipal Stormwater Permit issued by the Washington State Department of Ecology (DOE).
Subsequent meetings are scheduled on March 5 at Covington Library, 27100 164th Ave S.E., Covington and on March 9 at Redmond City Hall in the Council Chambers, 15670 NE 85th St., Redmond. All meetings run from 6-8 p.m.
Interested citizens can ask stormwater management experts questions, learn more about stormwater management in King County, and provide feedback on the new program. The public comment period runs through March 13.
The draft program, DOE's permit and other materials are available online at http://www.kingcounty.gov/environment/WLR/stormwaterprogram.aspx.
DOE has identified stormwater as a significant contributor to reduced water quality in Puget Sound, which is targeted for cleanup by the Puget Sound Partnership. King County is a member of the Partnership.
Under delegated authority from the Clean Water Act, DOE uses its National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System to permit and set standards for all municipal stormwater discharges from facilities and operations in unincorporated King County.
King County is developing a stormwater management program to meet these requirements. The program is reviewed and updated annually, providing the public with an ongoing opportunity to help shape the program's development and implementation.
For more information and to review the draft Stormwater Management Program, visit the King County Stormwater Management Web site at http://www.kingcounty.gov/environment/WLR/stormwaterprogram.aspx.
Members of the public can provide comment on the program at the public meetings, via e-mail at stormwater@kingcounty.gov, or through the U.S. mail by sending comments to the Stormwater Management Team, King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks, 201 S. Jackson St., Suite 600, Seattle, WA 98104.
Related Information
King County Water and Land Resources