Snohomish County surface water management (SWM) has a source control inspection program designed to help business owners and managers control surface water pollution and comply with Snohomish County Water Pollution Control Code SCC 7.53. The recent revisions in SCC 7.53 reflect enhanced water quality and pollution control measures outlined in the current National Pollution Discharge Elimination (NPDES) Permit issued to Snohomish County by the Department of Ecology in 2007.
Best Management Practices
The NPDES permit requires businesses located in unincorporated Snohomish County to implement best management practices (BMPs). The specific BMP requirements are identified in Snohomish County Drainage Manual Volume IV. These measures will help prevent discharge of pollutants to municipal storm systems, streams, rivers, lakes, and Puget Sound.
Provisions
The provisions of the Snohomish County Phase I NPDES Permit require SWM staff to annually inspect 20% of business sites that have a potential to pollute stormwater. SWM personnel work with the business community to assess pollution management strategies, offer program literature, and recommend effective solutions to achieve compliance.
Depending on business type, there are a variety of ways to become compliant - from work place education and awareness to structural BMP implementation, SWM staff will provide recommendations upon conclusion of our initial visit.