Public comment on Kirkland’s stormwater plan due March 1

February 10, 2017 1:30 am
City of Kirkland - Contributed art
City of Kirkland - Contributed art

Kirkland residents and business owners are encouraged to review the draft 2017 Stormwater Management Program Plan and submit comments or suggestions by March 1.

The draft plan describes actions that the City of Kirkland takes to reduce stormwater pollution. Examples of these actions include public education around natural yard care and vehicle maintenance, tracing and halting spills or dumping of pollutants to the municipal stormwater system, reviewing development plans to control stormwater pollution at construction sites and maintaining the city’s network of stormwater pipes, ditches and ponds.

Stormwater pollution is a leading type of pollution reaching Kirkland creeks, lakes and wetlands. This pollution comes from everyday activities such as driving, yard care, pet waste management, car washing, and land development. Preventing stormwater pollution involves reducing the amount of pollution that we put onto the landscape (source control) and removing contaminants from runoff before it reaches local waters (treatment).

Kirkland operates under a state-issued permit that allows the city to discharge stormwater from its public drainage system into rivers, lakes and streams as long as the city implements programs and works with its residents and businesses to reduce pollutants in stormwater. The city’s draft plan describes actions that the city will lead in 2017 and beyond to maintain compliance with the permit and protect our lakes and streams.

The draft 2017 Stormwater Management Program Plan is available online at kirklandwa.gov. Comments can be provided via e-mail to Stormwater@kirklandwa.gov or via mail addressed to the City of Kirkland Public Works Department, 123 Fifth Avenue, Kirkland, WA 98033.

More information about the city’s storm and surface water management programs is available on the City of Kirkland website or by contacting Jenny Gaus of the Kirkland Public Works Department at 425-587-3850 or jgaus@kirklandwa.gov.

To learn more about the State Department of Ecology stormwater permit, search “Phase II Western WA Stormwater Permit” at www.ecy.wa.gov.