Sound off on stormwater regulations May 7
Published 5:29 pm Thursday, April 30, 2009
The City of Kirkland is among over 100 jurisdictions in Western Washington that are updating stormwater regulations in response to State requirements. The most notable changes are increased water holding capacity for redevelopment sites with a large amount of impervious area, enhanced water quality treatment for multi-family and commercial projects and the addition of compost to soils for most projects. Kirkland’s proposed regulations will be equivalent to Ecology’s 2005 Stormwater Management Manual for Western Washington.
The City is hosting two Open Houses to help homeowners and developers understand and comment on the proposed changes. Homeowners are encouraged to attend the May 7 Open House, 5-7 p.m.; developers, engineers and others in technical fields are encouraged to attend the May 13 Open House, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Both events will be held at Kirkland City Hall, 123-5th Avenue, Peter Kirk Room.
Information about proposed changes can be viewed on the City’s Web site. Public comment received on the proposed changes will be presented to the City Council in June.
Stormwater runoff is the result of rain and melted snow that flows over surfaces such as rooftops, paved streets, parking lots and other impervious surfaces. As the water runs off these surfaces, it picks up pollutants such as oil, fertilizers, and pesticides. The polluted water may flow directly into a local stream, wetland, lake or other waterway or may flow into the storm drain and continue through pipes until it is released untreated into a local waterway. High flows of stormwater can cause flooding and can damage stream channels. Kirkland’s current and proposed stormwater regulations help to protect streams and water quality, and reduce flooding. For more information contact Stacey Rush, Stormwater Utility Engineer, Public Works Department at 425-587-3854 or srush@ci.kirkland.wa.us.
