Stormwater Policy Objective-Source Control

Where stormwater is already being generated, its impacts can be reduced by removing pollutants (both toxic materials and pathogens) from the environment.

1.    Source Control of Toxic Materials

•    Require Manufacturers to Develop Products and Processes Which do Not Pollute Stormwater.  All levels of government should pursue legislative solutions to this problem as appropriate.  High priority should be given to altering or eliminating those products that contain or generate toxins that are commonly found in stormwater (e.g.-phthalates, zinc, and copper)).  These compounds originate from such products as building materials, galvanized fences, brake pads, and garden hoses.

•    Air Controls.  Significantly reduce mobile and point sources of air pollutants, including such sources as marine vessels and cement factories.  Reduce pollutants generated by moving to green chemistry.

•    Industrial Sites. Certain industrial sites in Puget Sound, such as boatyards and auto recycling yards, generate major loads of toxic chemicals.  These sites should be required to change their operating procedures so that toxic chemicals are either not released or greatly reduced.

•    Encourage Alternatives to Pesticide Usage.  Many non-toxic alternatives to pesticides exist.  These approaches should be encouraged or required. 

2.     Source Control of Pathogens and Nutrients

•    Enhanced on-site septic system programs are needed in many areas.  These programs would, among other things, include expanded sanitary surveys to identify and correct failing systems.

•    Enhanced Programs to Control Agricultural Runoff.  Among other things, farms should be required to develop farm plans which utilize BMP’s designed to meet water quality objectives.

•    Programs to Reduce Pet Waste Impacts.  Pet owners need to be encouraged to manage pet waste properly.

•    Discourage improper residential use of fertilizer.

Click on the links below for further discussions of individual objectives:

Preserve Natural Hydrological Processes on a Landscape or Watershed Level

Prevent Impacts from New Development on a Site-Specific Scale

Restore Hydrologic Processes and Water Quality in areas Where Development has Caused Harm

Mitigate Fully for Any Loss of Hydrologic Functions which Result from New Development

After Maximizing Prevention and Source Control Strategies, Use Best Management Practices to Reduce Impacts Until Restoration is Possible

Overarching Mechanisms to Achieve Objectives

To comment or for more information, contact Bruce Wishart, (360) 754-9177.