SNAP moves on to East Fork Lewis River and Lower Salmon Creek

This fall and winter, Clark County’s Clean Water Program is assessing conditions in streams draining to the lower East Fork Lewis River and lower Salmon Creek watersheds as part of its Stormwater Needs Assessment Program (SNAP). To assist with this effort, staff is requesting information from citizens and local agencies about potential water quality and stormwater-related problems in these watersheds.

“Observations and experiences from people who live or work around these tributaries are an important part of our data gathering process,” said Clean Water Program Senior Planner Rod Swanson. “The information we receive will be used to help supplement and inform our work in the field.”

For this project, Clean Water Program staff are focusing on tributaries of the East Fork Lewis River watershed near La Center and on smaller tributaries to lower Salmon Creek near Interstate 5, such as Cougar Creek, Tenny Creek and LaLonde Creek.

People living or working around these tributaries are encouraged to contact the county with concerns about water quality, erosion, stormwater, drainage, habitat or noxious weed problems in these watershed areas by calling (360) 397-6118 ext. 4345.

More information on the SNAP Program >>

2007 SNAP Reports completed and on the Web

Stormwater Needs Assessments are completed for eight Clark County creeks:

• Allen Canyon Creek
• Curtin Creek
• Gee Creek
• Gibbons Creek
• Lockwood Creek
• Mason Creek
• Mill Creek
• Mill Creek East Fork

2007 Stormwater Needs Assessment Executive Summaries (PDF - 783K)

Full copies of the 2007 SNAP reports for individual watersheds>>

Low Impact Development

Neighborhood curb extensions and parking lot rain garden projects in progress

Two Clean Water Program construction projects demonstrating low impact development techniques were completed his fall.

In September, county crews transformed a poorly functioning swale in the parking lot of the county's Public Service Center into a rain garden. A rain garden uses plants, microbes, and soil to remove pollutants from stormwater. The rain garden, planted in November, will help treat stormwater runoff from 1.3 acres of surrounding parking lots.

County crews break ground in September on the Clark County Public Service Center parking lot rain garden project

Planting the NE 113th Avenue curb extension

A curb extension project at NE 113th Avenue and NE 96th Street was completed in November. A curb extension is similar to a rain garden in that it captures stormwater runoff from nearby streets and driveways. Plants and soil slow the water down and help to filter contaminants.

The Clark County Clean Water program recently launched the new Canines for Clean Water outreach campaign encouraging dog owners to "scoop the poop". Estimates indicate there are over 100,000 dogs in Clark County - that's a lot of poo potentially finding it's way to Clark County streams.

Dog owners can visit CleanWaterDogs.com to pledge to pick up after their dog and receive a free doggie bandanna.

Owners who send in a picture of their pooch wearing the new bandanna will have the picture posted on the web and be entered into a monthly drawing for a free dog bone poo bag carrier.

More information on Canines for Clean Water>>

Watch a CVTV Canines for Clean Water public service announcement video (1:20 minutes)>>

Solve a gift-giving dilemma for that someone who has everything and help the planet at the same time. Come learn how to save money and the environment by making your own cleaning products. Leave with a green cleaning kit to give away or keep for yourself!

When: Thursday, December 11, 2008, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Location: Three Creeks Library, 800C NE Tenny Road

Cost: The lecture is free but there is an optional $15.00 paid-in-advance charge for supplies if you want to make a kit during the class.

PREREGISTRATION REQUIRED: (360) 397-6060 ext. 0 or email jenifer.naas@clark.wa.gov for more information.