When it rains, stormwater rushes over roads and other hard surfaces, picking up everything from sediment to oil and pesticides. These pollutants make their way into our creeks, rivers, lakes, and groundwater, either directly or via our storm sewer system--roadside ditches, culverts, and ponds. To meet state and federal clean water standards and to improve water for drinking, recreation, and for fish, Clark County is taking extra steps to clean our stormwater. Under the Clean Water Act/NPDES permit that was issued in July 1999, the county is taking better care of stormwater ponds, storm sewers, ditches, and other drainage facilities; improving measures to control erosion and increase inspections to enforce development regulations; involving citizens and businesses in reducing pollution; and monitoring and evaluating water quality and volumes of water flow.
Clark County's Stormwater Pollution Control Manual (PDF - 634K) was created to help businesses comply with the county's Water Quality Ordinance, adopted to protect rivers and streams from stormwater runoff. For more information about stormwater programs, contact Earl Rowell at (360) 397-6118 ext. 4580 or earl.rowell@clark.wa.gov. Also see the Water Resources and Clean Water Program.
