Council Acts to Promote Clean Water
The Snohomish County Council voted 4-1 to adopt a series of ordinances that increase protections for water quality and drinking water. The regulations, known as the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), implement tougher federal standards to prevent pollution from entering rivers, streams, and other waterways.
"Protecting Puget Sound for our children and grandchildren is not only important for our environment but for our economy as well," said Councilmember Gossett. "Puget Sound is an economic driver for our region."
NPDES permits were initially developed in the 1990s to regulate sewage treatment plants and industrial discharges. While much pollution was prevented through those regulations, many studies found that significant pollution is picked up in stormwater, the water that flows over the ground after it rains or snows.
The new regulations are designed to reduce stormwater related pollution. Clearing, grading, and other construction activities that create pollution will be more tightly regulated. New commercial and residential developments must include larger and more effective stormwater detention and drainage facilities or include other measures for reducing or eliminating runoff and pollution.
"Keeping our water clean is much less expensive than cleaning it after it's already dirty," said Gossett. "Reducing runoff and providing for on-site detention and treatment is a key step in keeping our streams, rivers, and the Sound clean."
Low-impact development techniques are required when possible by the new regulations. These techniques include using pervious concrete for roads and walkways, rain gardens, and other landscaping so that rainwater will infiltrate back into the earth instead of entering the drainage system.
The process of negotiating the regulations with state and federal agencies was long and challenging. Numerous changes were made to accommodate local conditions. Particular care was taken to regarding the regulation of agricultural activities.
"Farming is a vital industry in Snohomish County and a key part of our way of life," said Gossett. "The new regulations do not prevent plowing and other traditional farming activities."
The new regulations will become effective on September 30, 2010. For more information on these regulations and their impacts go to www.snoco.org and search "NPDES".
