FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

County Seeks Comment on Stormwater Permit

(Port Orchard, WA)– Stormwater runoff flowing through Kitsap County ’s pipes, ponds, and ditches is managed by the requirements of a new permit issued by the Washington State Department of Ecology in January of 2007. The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Western Washington Phase II Municipal Stormwater Permit requires the County to take action to educate the public and encourage non-polluting behaviors, look for illegal dumping and cross-connections, enforce erosion and sediment control at construction sites, and use best practices for land management and stormwater system maintenance.

Staff and advisory committee members have recently drafted the Stormwater Management Program for NPDES. The current permit, and the draft Stormwater Management Program for NPDES, is available online at http://www.kitsapgov.com/sswm/npdes.htm. Hard copies are available by calling The Open Line at 360-337-5777. Residents are encouraged to review the draft program plan, and submit comments to the Surface and Stormwater Management staff. Comments are being accepted through January 25, 2008 . You can submit your comments online, or mail them to:

Kitsap County Public Works

ATTN: NPDES Comments

614 Division Street (MS-26)

Port Orchard , WA   98366

Comments are accepted through January 25, 2008.

Other Related Links:
Washington State Department of Ecology-Water Quality

Kitsap County Public Works
The Open Line
(360) 337-5777 or (800) 825-4940
openline@co.kitsap.wa.us