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Rain falling on streets, roofs and parking lots flows off these hard surfaces and picks up a number of different contaminants, including dirt, oil, fertilizers, pesticides, pet waste, litter and assorted chemicals and metals. Polluted storm water runoff often flows into storm drains and ditches and eventually to streams, lakes, rivers and wetlands.
What is a stormwater facility?
Stormwater facilities capture rain runoff through a series of features that could include inlets, basins, ponds and piping. These features exist in developed areas that include residential neighborhoods, commercial areas and industrial sites. The property owners are required to maintain these facilities to control stormwater runoff flow and treat water quality.
Maintenance standards
Properly designed and maintained stormwater facilities help reduce flooding, slow down water flow, reduce erosion and remove pollutants. Storm drains, pipes, and ditches must be periodically cleared so water can flow. Detention ponds, dry wells and bioswales also need to be inspected and maintained. A small amount of regular or routine maintenance can prevent expensive repairs and retrofits.
Stormwater Facility Operations and Maintenance (Book 4) of the Clark County Stormwater Manual (2015) (PDF) - Standards and practices for maintaining public and private facilities, including erosion control and vegetation management.
Stormwater Partners - Guidelines for private property owners and Homeowners Associations
Each year, county crews maintain 700 bioswales, 870 stormwater facilities, 11,400 catch basins, 1,500 dry wells, and 400 miles of storm pipe. Crews also sweep major roads and neighborhood streets to remove debris before it can wash into storm drains.
Facilities annual inspections
Maintenance of privately-owned stormwater facilities is the responsibility of the facility owner. Owners can be homeowners associations, individual property owners, developers or commercial property owners.
The county inspects privately-owned facilities annually. If the inspector finds maintenance defects, you will be notified. A stormwater facility inspector will provide information on how to bring your stormwater facility into compliance with maintenance standards. For more information, please call Cary Armstrong at 564.397.4392 or e-mail Cary.Armstrong@clark.wa.gov.
Pollution control - stopping pollution at its source
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Clark County works with local property owners and businesses to stop stormwater pollution at its source. Sources such as leaking dumpsters, illegal dumping of materials, fuel spills, and other waste has the potential to pollute and damage our local waterways. Staff working under the requirements from the Department of Ecology works with local businesses to develop strategies to minimize spill risks and meet local regulatory requirements. Clark County's Stormwater Manual 2015, Book 3 provides regulations for pollution source control.
Find tools and resources to stop pollution at your business or property at our page What You Can Do For Clean Water.
Fueling Station Spill Management - Case Study 2015 - Per the 2013 National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Phase I Municipal Permit, Clark County identified an audience to help educate about water quality protection. In January 2016, Clark County completed a study of local fueling stations to determine their risk to have fuel spills reach the storm management system. Staff worked with owners/operators to educate about the need to have spill kits, use proper labeling of materials, and conduct training of staff in the event of a spill. Here is the final report - Fueling Station Spill Management Report (January 2016).
Business technical assistance
Clark County provides support to property managers and local businesses to ensure their stormwater system is functioning properly. For more information, contact Bob Patterson at 564.397.4493.
Want to take your business to the next level of sustainable practices? Check out the Green Business program. Cut costs, earn recognition and conserve resources. Contact Sarah Keirns for more information at 564.397.7319.
- Spill prevention plan - inventory your business to reduce the risk of spills.
- Vehicle leak prevention - if you see dark spots on the pavement, your vehicles may be leaking. Fix it!
Report A Spill or Environmental Concern
To report spills, dumping into surface water or storm drains, and illicit sewer and waste water connections to the stormwater drainage system, call: Washington Department of Ecology 24-Hour Spill SW Region Response Hotline at 360.407.6300.