City of Snohomish Storm Water Management Home Page

Muddy or polluted stormwater run-off can cause sediment increases and can alter the water chemistry in local streams, rivers, wetlands, and lakes. Muddy water is considered pollution because it harms the uses that humans, fish, and wildlife rely upon. Mud can cover spawning areas and suffocate salmon eggs. It also can clog gills, making it hard for salmon, trout, and other fish to breathe. Stormwater pollution can also affect deer, waterfowl and other wildlife by introducing contaminants into their water. This can reduce food sources and diminishes the quality of necessary habitat.

What do the municipal stormwater permits require?

The City of Snohomish is a NPDES Phase II municipality. The permits require Phase II permittees to develop and implement a public education and outreach program. The goal of these programs is to reduce or eliminate behaviors and practices that cause or contribute to stormwater pollution. Generally, the permits require the City to:

• Target outreach efforts to specific audiences listed in the permit. These include the general public, homeowners, property managers, businesses (including home-based and mobile businesses), contractors, developers, and engineers. The permit identifies specific subject areas of focus for these audiences.

• Work to achieve measurable improvements in the target audience’s understanding of the problem and what they can do to solve it.

The City of Snohomish must also develop an Illicit Discharge Detection & Elimination (IDDE) program. This portion of the permit is aimed at removing illicit connections to the storm sewer system as well as eliminating illicit discharges of pollutants into the system. Illicit discharges can be sediment laden water, chemicals, paint or other substances which harm water quality.

The City of Snohomish must develop a program to control and eliminate stormwater runoff from construction, development and municipal activities. As part of this program, construction sites must develop and implement a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP). A SWPPP is a plan which includes engineering controls as well as field practices to reduce or prevent stormwater pollution impacts from construction.  The permit will also require establishment of long term post-construction stormwater facilities O&M. The maintenance responsibilities and standards will be established during the permitting process.

Because we contribute water to the Snohomish River, there are additional requirements the City must fulfill. This includes a monthly monitoring program of municipal stormwater flowing into the river. The Snohomish River has had a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) restriction placed on it for fecal coliform bacteria. The monitoring program undertaken by the City seeks to reduce or eliminate fecal coliform bacteria sources within the City’s jurisdiction.

If you have questions regarding the City of Snohomish's Stormwater Management Program, please contact Clayton Stewart or Karen Latimer with Public Works. If you see or suspect an illicit discharge to City stormwater facilities please contact Clayton Stewart at: (360) 568-7070 or (425) 244-5807.