The Stormwater Strategic Initiative has just released its third Investment Plan, a pivotal document driving the recovery of Puget Sound through innovative and strategic stormwater-related investments.
Key Highlights of the Investment Plan:
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Climate Resilience in Stormwater Management:
- We’re thrilled to announce a Request for Proposals (RFP) with a budget of $2.5 million, dedicated to enhancing climate resilience in stormwater management. This funding aims to support cutting-edge projects that will fortify our stormwater systems against the impacts of climate change.
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Aligning MS4 Permits and the Growth Management Act:
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The team has been hard at work integrating more stormwater interventions into land use planning. This critical analysis and guidance align Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permits with the Growth Management Act, providing a comprehensive approach to stormwater integration in urban planning. We encourage you to consult the existing guidance supporting this vital initiative.
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Behavior Change Strategies:
- Implementing effective stormwater management practices requires changing behaviors. The plan includes behavior change strategies such as social marketing to promote good practices and encourage community involvement in stormwater management.
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Neighborhood Stormwater Education & Assistance Programs:
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To accelerate private property stormwater actions, the plan makes substantial investments in educational and assistance programs at the neighborhood level. These programs aim to empower residents with the knowledge and resources needed to manage stormwater effectively on their properties.
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Enhanced Stormwater System Maintenance:
- Addressing the critical issue of stormwater system maintenance, the team is developing a model policy or template to ensure robust and consistent upkeep across regions.
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Watershed Integrated Planning:
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The investment plan emphasizes the importance of integrated watershed planning, promoting a holistic approach to managing water resources and stormwater runoff.
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Chemical Action Plan Implementation and CEC Research:
- Continuing a commitment to addressing contaminants of emerging concern (CECs), the team is investing in the implementation of chemical action plans and ongoing research.
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Toxic Hotspot Impact on Juvenile Chinook:
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Focusing on areas where juvenile Chinook salmon are disproportionately impacted by toxic substances like PBDEs (flame retardants) and PCBs, funding is dedicated to mitigating these harmful effects and protecting vital aquatic life.
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Wastewater Treatment Innovations:
- With a new emphasis on local pretreatment standards and piloting solutions to CECs in wastewater, the plan aims to advance wastewater treatment practices, ensuring cleaner water for our communities.
Reinvestments and Workshops:
The Investment Plan also includes extended reinvestments in previously funded areas, such as regional facilities and stormwater parks. To shape this comprehensive plan, the Stormwater Strategic Initiative Team hosted multiple workshops between December 2023 and February 2024. These workshops focused on integrated water and land planning, compliance and incentive approaches on private lands, and wastewater treatment. Gathering insights from on-the-ground experiences, these recommendations have been instrumental in crafting a well-informed and impactful Investment Plan.
Explore the full Investment Plan and be a part of the innovative solutions driving environmental resilience and sustainable stormwater management.
Please direct any questions to Heidi Siegelbaum. We look forward to hearing from you.
