The issue of stormwater controls affects even the smallest construction projects in Clark County. Any contractor wishing to obtain a building permit for a construction project that has the potential to disturb topsoil is required to have someone who is a Certified Erosion and Sediment Control Lead (CESCL) to sign off on the application.
With the recent decline in the number of permits for construction being issued, the new guidelines have been slow to circulate among builders. But as the economy picks up, look for stormwater control to become an even bigger issue in the development community.
Five years ago, a contractor had to disturb at least five acres of soil to trigger state-regulated stormwater permits and management controls. No more. In November 2005, the size was reduced to one acre – a rule change that caused anyone with a tractor or a back-hoe, even the handyman, to get a lesson in stormwater permits called the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System, a program created by the Clean Water Act.
These state-regulated permits require public notice, detailed site-specific stormwater plans, monitoring and monthly reporting requirements.
Starting in 2009, Clark County began enforcing stormwater controls in order to maintain compliance with NPDES standards. The County's NPDES permit requires officials to limit the amount of turbidity, or cloudiness, in our local stormwater discharge systems. During the rainy season, uncovered soils are easily eroded into the storm drains. So, limiting the amount of soil-contaminated stormwater reaching street drains is a logical place to start.
Clark County now requires all small projects, such as home additions and retaining walls to have stormwater oversight provided by a certified CESCL contractor. When the home owner or contractor fills out the building permit, there is a section for the designated CESCL to sign off. The CESCL will be required to inspect the property weekly to ensure that proper sediment controls are not only in place, but are working properly. There is also a logbook that needs to be maintained and be available for agency inspection.
So what's the big deal about a little dirt getting into the storm drain? Believe it or not, it's really about drinking water. Fresh water supplies – thought of as an abundant and renewable resource for decades, especially in Pacific Northwest – are becoming more strained with the effects of population growth and climate change. And development in many places happens right alongside streams feeding our drinking supply.
Stormwater carries pollutants, including chemical-laden silts and clays, into our reservoirs. And then there are the fish. The Pacific Northwest is home to several species of Threatened and Endangered (T&E) salmonids. Clear water reflects the suns energy keeping the water cool, but when particulates are introduced, the sun heats up the particles – and in turn, heats up the water. Salmon do best in clear, cold water.
So, as you can see, there are many logical and healthy reasons for stormwater controls. If you are interested in doing even more to keep our streams cool and clear, visit the Washington Department of Ecology's website at www.ecy.wa.gov and click on the "Water" tab.
Kimberly Lane is an environment consultant with Laness Environmental Advanced Design, LLC, a Vancouver-based company providing comprehensive environmental compliance support for private-sector clients.
