As water quality in our lakes, rivers and streams becomes an increasingly visible issue, the community is continuing to come together to collaborate on solutions to protect clean water. To this end, the Clark County Clean Water Commission is hosting the Nonpoint Source Pollution Symposium from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 28 at the Clark County Event Center. 

Nonpoint source pollution significantly contributes to poor water quality in many watersheds in Clark County. Unlike point source pollution from a single location, nonpoint source pollution originates from many different sources, such as agricultural runoff, reduction in tree canopy, erosion, and faulty septic systems. Stormwater that runs off of streets, parking lots, and buildings when it rains is the number one way that nonpoint source pollution enters local waterways. The symposium will include multiple presentations to foster a shared understanding of water quality challenges and to foster discussion of actions needed to reduce this type of pollution. 

“Addressing the impacts of stormwater runoff is the last frontier to protect and restore our urban streams,” said Clark County Council Chair Sue Marshall. 

Speakers include representatives from: 

• City of Vancouver
• Clark Conservation District
• Clark County Community Planning
• Clark County Public Health
• Clark County Public Works
• Clark Regional Wastewater District
• Cowlitz Indian Tribe
• Friends of Trees
• Kailash Ecovillage
• King County
• Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership
• Lower Columbia Fish Recovery Board
• Washington State Conservation Commission
• Washington State Department of Ecology
• Washington State University

“Improving water quality in Clark County takes all of us working together,” said Clark Conservation District’s Executive Director, Zorah Oppenheimer. “With resources and support, residents can make meaningful progress in reducing nonpoint source pollution through actions such as planting streamside areas, maintaining their septic systems, and managing their livestock. Even picking up dog poop at home and on walks can improve the health of our streams, particularly in high-traffic recreational areas such as Lacamas and Vancouver Lakes.”

Residents interested in learning about resources for implementing water quality solutions at home are encouraged to attend the symposium. “When people think of the Pacific Northwest, they think of stunning nature and abundant waters, but it takes intention and deep commitment for us to keep those waters clean for future generations,” said Clean Water Commissioner Tracy Ceravolo.

Those interested in attending in person must register by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 21, via web form posted on the Clean Water Commission webpage. The event will also be streamed live via Webex. Registration is not required to view the livestream. Information and instructions on viewing the livestream will be posted on the Clean Water Commission webpage prior to the event. 

Meeting interpretation, additional translation and other accommodations can be requested by contacting the Clean Water division at cleanwater@clark.wa.gov or 564.397.4345. 

The Clean Water Commission is a nine-member volunteer advisory board comprised of Clark County residents. The commission reports to the Clark County Council and county manager on program opportunities and priorities for the Clean Water division of Public Works. Previous symposiums hosted by the commission focused on Lacamas and Vancouver lakes. Past symposium presentations are available on the Clean Water Commission webpage.

For information about road and park projects, closures, opportunities for community input, and more, residents can follow Public Works on X (formerly known as Twitter), Facebook and Instagram and view information on Nextdoor. Residents can also visit clark.wa.gov/public-works to sign up for email notifications.