To Reduce Nonpoint Water Pollution in WashingtonTaking Action

Text: Annie PhillipsEditor: David RobertsLayout Design: Jill WilliamsTechnical Support: Ecology Shoreland andEnvironmental Assistance ProgramPhotos: Rollin Geppert, Brian Walsh, ChrisCoffin, Puget Sound Water Quality Action Team,David Roberts, Department of Fish and Wildlife,and Department of Natural Resources

The Washington Department of Ecology is an equalopportunity agency and does not discriminate on the basisof race, creed, color, disability, age, religion, national origin,sex, marital status, disabled veteran�s status, Vietnamveteran�s status, or sexual orientation.

If you have special accommodation needs or require thisdocument in an alternative format, please call Donna Lynchat (360) 407-7529. The TDD number is (306) 407-6006.E-mail may be sent to dlyn461@ecy.wa.gov

Information in this document comes

from Washington�s Water Quality

Management Plan to Control Nonpoint

Sources of Pollution. To read the

complete plan, please go to Ecology�s

website, http://www.wa.gov/ecology/

biblio/9926.html

For more information about nonpoint

source programs in Washington, contact

William Green at (360) 407-6795 or

email: wgre461@ecy.wa.gov

The US Environmental Protection

Agency partly funded this publication.

Table of ContentsSSuummmmaarryy ....................................................................1

NNoonnppooiinntt CCoonncceerrnnss ..................................................2Rivers & Streams ..............................................2-3Lakes ....................................................................3Estuaries ..............................................................4Ground Water ......................................................5

TThhrreeaatteenneedd RReessoouurrcceess ..............................................6Fish ......................................................................6Shellfish ................................................................7Drinking Water ....................................................8Wetlands & Riparian Areas ..................................9

MMaannaaggiinngg NNoonnppooiinntt ................................................10Agriculture ........................................................11Forests ................................................................12Stormwater Control ..........................................13Septic Systems....................................................14Hazardous Materials ..........................................15Roads..................................................................16Marinas and Boats ..............................................17Off-Road Vehicles ..............................................18Working in the Water ........................................18

BBuuiillddiinngg SStteewwaarrddsshhiipp ..............................................19

CCaarrrroottss aanndd SSttiicckkss ..............................................20-21

MMoonniittoorriinngg CChhaannggee ............................................22-23

PPaarrttnneerrsshhiippss aanndd RRoolleess........................................24-25

SSuussttaaiinniinngg MMoommeennttuumm ........................................26-27

LLiisstt ooff AAccrroonnyymmss ......................................................27

Taking ActionTo Reduce Nonpoint Water Pollution in Washington

Washington Land Covers from Space

Land without trees

Land covered with trees

Land covered with water

Land covered with snow

Nonpoint pollution is complicated and elusive.Sometimes it can be traced to several sources;sometimes it cannot be traced at all. Nonpointwater pollution is a growing threat to theenvironment and public health.

Nonpoint water pollution is the accumulation ofsediment, chemicals, toxics, nutrients, debris, andpathogens that get washed into the nearest body ofwater by runoff from rainstorms, snow melt, orhuman practices. It comes from water-based andland-use activities; surface water runoff fromagricultural lands, urban areas, and forest lands;subsurface or underground sources; anddischarges from marine vessels.

Washington State has been a leader inaddressing nonpoint source pollution for manyyears. Many tools already exist to achieve cleanerwater. Some programs are regulatory andrequired, but most are voluntary. We havenumerous examples of innovative approaches tomanagement and funding of these programs.

In spite of all the work accomplished to date,salmon recovery and water quality protectionrequire more urgent efforts to control nonpointsource pollution. Calling for rigorous managementof nonpoint pollution, the President�s Clean WaterAction Plan required each state to update itsnonpoint plan in 1999. The idea was to encouragestates to take a fresh look at ways to improve andfocus efforts to address nonpoint pollution.

The development of this plan is timely for ourstate. Washington�s Strategy for Salmon Recoveryidentifies nonpoint source pollution as a primarytarget for recovering salmon. Most of the morethan 600 water bodies currently on Washington�slist of impaired and threatened waters (the 303(d)list) have nonpoint pollution problems. These listedwater bodies are scheduled for Total MaximumDaily Load (TMDL or Water Cleanup Plan)development by 2013.

Washington has developed a statewide plan forprotecting our natural resources from nonpointpollution.

This is a collaborative effort of a wide range ofentities. It identifies gaps in existing programs, setsa strategy for improving those programs,recommends timelines, and outlines methods forevaluating our progress.

�Taking Action� is a compilation from the officialdocument �Washington�s Water QualityManagement Plan to Control Nonpoint SourcePollution,� approved and published in the year2000. It reflects current efforts and creative,practical new ideas from all interested partners.

These actions focus on how to improve existingefforts through stronger implementation,increasing funding, or making fundamentalchanges to programs.

Summary

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Nonpoint ConcernsStatewide, more than half the streams

have fair to poor water quality and do

not support the complete range of

uses. This condition results mostly

from surface or stormwater runoff,

flow alteration, loss of riparian cover,

and animal access. Most of these are

nonpoint source problems.

River and StreamsMore than 70,400 miles of streams flow through

Washington�s complex landscapes. By far, most are smallstreams, many with only seasonal flows. Their condition ishighly variable, directly dependent on the surrounding landuses. Statewide, more than half the streams have fair to poorwater quality and do not support the complete range of uses.This condition results mostly from surface or stormwaterrunoff, flow alteration, loss of riparian cover, and animalaccess. Most of these are nonpoint source problems.

The primary causes of water quality problems in riversand streams are fecal contamination, metals, temperature,pH, dissolved oxygen, and toxic chemicals. Siltation andother habitat modifications are significant issues as well.With the exception of metals pollution, these are allindicators of nonpoint source pollution. These problemsaffect the use of rivers and streams for swimming, supportof aquatic life, and wildlife habitat.

Impacts from various land uses are slowly decreasing,but cumulative impacts are still a problem. In the forested

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Good, fair, and poor refer to the overall condition ofstreams in Washington as measured by a variety of factors.

environment, forest practices rules focusing onpreventing water quality problems have been inplace since the early 1980s. These rules have beenmodified over time to provide what is generallyrecognized as the most restrictive protection found inany state in the country. Forested areas have beenthe site of many restoration efforts, but changeoccurs slowly in the forest.

In agricultural areas, practices are also improving.Educational efforts by the Natural ResourcesConservation Service (NRCS), conservation districts,and WSU Cooperative Extension (CE) have raisedawareness of producers and increased the numberof acres managed under best management practices(BMPs). Nutrient management on dairy farmscontinues to be a tough issue, along with soilerosion from dryland and irrigated crops. Butprogress is happening, and in many areas weexpect to see the fruits of this work showing up ascleaner water.

The difficult places in the state are on the urbanfringes. The greatest impacts from urbandevelopment are increased peak flows in the winter,reduced base flows in the summer, and loss ofriparian habitat. Runoff from impervious surfacesdelivers nutrients, sediment, fecal contamination,and toxic chemicals to stream systems.

The public�s understanding of the value of riversystems in Washington continues to increase.Issues related to salmon survival highlight waterquality, flow, and habitat problems. Populationgrowth and conflicting uses have resulted in a needfor more comprehensive planning that considers awide range of interests. New information aboutground water-surface water interaction has opened awhole new dimension to management.

LakesOne of the most sought-after

housing sites in Washington ison the shoreline of a beautiful,clear lake. Those lakes withpoor water quality may be dueto natural conditions, butgenerally the culprit has beenman�s own activities in thewatershed.

Runoff from roofs, streets,sidewalks, and lawns is themain source of nutrients whicheventually end up in lakes,causing the summer algaeblooms that indicate poor water quality.

Excessive loading of phosphorus, both externaland internal, almost always causes the algalconcentrations. As sediments accumulate, in-lakephosphorus recycling exacerbates the problem. Inextreme cases, cyanobacteria (blue-green algae)

can severely degrade the water quality. Heavyblooms of blue-green algae can cause noxiousodors, surface scums and mats, low dissolvedoxygen and high pH. Also, some blue-greens canbecome toxic, killing small animals that drink thewater and causing gastric problems and skin

irritations in humans.Development of lake-watersheds is an

ever-increasing threat to lakes� health asour population grows. This figure showsthat 35 percent of monitored lakes are inless than good condition. Many are inhigh-density housing areas.

Another infamous lake problemintensified by excess nutrients is aquaticplants, both native and introduced. Mosthealthy lakes host an abundant anddiverse population of aquatic plants. Inother lakes, non-native aquatic plants likeEurasian milfoil grow rampantly, unlimitedby natural controls.

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Good, fair, and poor refer to the overall condition of lakes in Washington as measured by a variety of factors.

EstuariesThe nearshore environment includes the beach,

intertidal and shallow subtidal areas that holdsaltwater or brackish water. These habitats arecritical to the health of estuaries and marine life.They provide shelter for fish, shellfish, birds, andmarine mammals. They are used as spawning,rearing, and feeding grounds for species that live inand around the shoreline.

The nearshore is a collage of habitats, frommudflats to eelgrass beds and salt marshes.

It is also home to an abundance of small marineinvertebrates. Surf smelt spawn directly in gravelon the beach near the high water mark. Herringlay their eggs on eelgrass and raise their youngthere. Eelgrass beds occur in shallow andgenerally calm marine waters and are sensitive tohuman disturbance.

Most salmon leave streams when they are verysmall, entering estuaries and other nearshoreenvironments. They use the nearshore as theirtravel corridor to the ocean and food source, eatinglarge quantities of smaller forage fish such as sand

lance, surf smelt, herring and other small marineanimals until they get big enough to move intodeeper waters.

Residential and commercial development at theshoreline has a tremendous effect on thenearshore. Clearing vegetation from the shorelineand immediate upland areas causes erosion andincreases the amount of surface water runoff.Upland development can easily pollute thenearshore with bacteria, excess nutrients andtoxics, making shellfish unsafe for eating and waterunsafe for swimming.

Of the state�s 3700 miles of shoreline, humandevelopment has modified more than 800 miles inPuget Sound, causing a decline in the acreage ofthe nearshore and its overall health. Directphysical alteration of the nearshore occurs with theconstruction of bulkheads, riprap, docks, piers, andother waterfront features. These can affect thecharacter of the beach and shallow water areasand cause the loss of some habitats includingbaitfish spawning areas and eelgrass beds.

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44

Good, fair, and poor refer to the overall condition of estuariesin Washington as measured by a variety of factors.

Ground WaterIn Washington, ground water provides

approximately 60 percent of the drinking waterconsumed by the state�s 5.8 million residents.Approximately 16,000 public drinking watersystems send ground water to most of ourpopulation, while more than 400,000 private wellspump water for another 1,000,000 residences.

Ground water is very important in maintainingin-stream flows and water quality during summermonths. A major concern is the expectedincreased demand on ground water as thepopulation grows from current levels to anestimated 11 million by 2045.

Washington contains some of the mostproductive aquifers in the nation. The largest isthe Columbia River Basalt Aquifer System locatedin the central portion of the state. Two smaller butvital systems, the Spokane-Rathdrum Prairieaquifer and the Puget Sound aquifer system,serve those areas.

Generally, ground water quality in Washington isgood. Contamination due to nonpoint sources

appears to be the most significant widespreadthreat. Nitrate contamination is the mostwidespread problem. Statewide, exceedances ofthe 10 milligrams per liter nitrate-nitrogen drinkingwater standard in private/domestic wells areestimated at 10-15 percent, with a few areas ashigh as 20-25 percent. Nitrate in ground water isof special concern to infants and pregnant women.Low levels of pesticides have also been detectedin a small percentage of wells.

Specific problem areas include elevated nitratewithin the Columbia Basin, elevated nitrate and thepesticide ethylene dibromide (EDB) in WhatcomCounty, and the solvent trichloroethylene (TCE)and metals in areas of Clark County. Currently thestate has identified 22 �Superfund� sites, 10Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)corrective action sites, and more than 100 sitescurrently being managed and cleaned up under theModel Toxics Control Act. The cost of cleaningcontaminated ground water can be staggering.

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55

Ground Water Use in Washington

66

Threatened ResourcesThe shellfish industry generates 70

million dollars per year in this state,

with considerable potential for

expansion, particularly for income-poor

rural coastal counties.

FishMany stocks of wild salmon, steelhead and trout have

declined in Washington. These declines are the result ofmany factors. Some are natural and beyond our control.Others have resulted directly from human activities.Economic development and rapid population growth haveexacerbated conditions unfavorable to salmon production.

The Salmon and Steelhead Inventory report, publishedin 1992 by the Washington Department of Fish andWildlife, shows the condition of 435 fisheries stocks.

Healthy Depressed Critical Unknown Extinct435 TotalStocks 187 122 12 113 1Percent of Total 43% 28% 3% 26% 0

ProblemRemoval of riparian shade, causinghigh stream temperatures

Animal access causing bank erosion

Introduction of nutrients resulting inlow dissolved oxygen

Landslides causing coarse sedimentin streams

Road and surface erosion causingfine sediment in streams

Lack of large organic debris fromremoval of riparian vegetation

Reduced flow from over-allocationand impervious surfaces

Loss of habitat (wetlands, in-streamand off-stream areas)

SourcesAgriculture, forestry, urbandevelopment

Agriculture

Agriculture and urbandevelopment

Forestry and development

Agriculture, forestry, recreation,urban development

Forestry, agriculture, urbandevelopment

Urban development and wateruse practices

Diking, stream modification,filling wetlands

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ShellfishShellfish production in Washington ranks among

the highest in the country. Washington is first inoyster production. Clam beds in Skookum Inlet(south Puget Sound) are the nation�s mostproductive. In 1999, commercial growers inWashington harvested shellfish from 246,000 acresof tidelands. The industry generates 70 milliondollars per year in this state, with considerablepotential for expansion, particularly for income-poorrural coastal counties.

Since 1981, the state Department of Health hasclosed or restricted for harvesting more than46,000 acres of key shellfish growing areas inWashington due to contamination. Localgovernments, tribes and state agencies haveworked together to correct pollution problems inseveral areas, and the department has reopenedabout 13,000 of those acres.

Recreational shellfish beaches are classified byHealth, based on a survey to evaluate shorelinepollution sources and nearshore water quality.Beaches are assigned one of threeclassifications:� Open - these beaches always meet state

public health standards� Conditional - these sometimes meet

standards, but often must be closed due tobacteria and other nonpoint contaminants thatwash down during significant rainstorms or thatcome from malfunctioning sewage treatmentfacilities or on-site systems along the shore

� Closed - always unsafe for recreationalshellfish harvest.

Not all beaches have been classified. For the latest safety information, go to

http://www.doh.wa.gov/ehp/sf/recshell.htm

Problem Animal access in tributariesand lack of proper manuremanagement contributingfecal coliform and pathogens

Spraying of toxic insecticides

Failing on-site sewagesystems leaching fecalcoliform

Bulkheads and othershoreline construction andhabitat alteration

SourcesAgriculture

Agriculture and gardening

Suburban development

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Drinking WaterAmericans tend to take safe drinking water for

granted. While more than a billion people indeveloping countries cannot access safedrinking water, we enjoy the luxury of simply turningon a tap.

But our drinking water is threatened byincreasing urbanization, environmental degradation,inadequate protection of drinking water sources,contaminated water supplies, and deterioratingdrinking water infrastructure. These health riskscan impact communities� economy andsustainability.

About 5 million Washington citizens are served bymore than 16,000 public water systems. Nearly amillion more get their water from private wells. All but242 of the public water systems deliver ground waterto approximately 60 percent of the population.

Seattle, Tacoma, and Everett and theirsurrounding areas are largely served by surfacewater systems. It is fortunate that these cities cancontrol activities in their upper watershed areas toprotect their water supplies.

In uncontrolled areas, nonpoint pollutantseventually run off into surface water or leach intoground water. Exposed surface water sources likelakes, streams, and rivers pose significantly higherrisks from non-point pollution threats than protectedaquifers. The future use of these sources asdrinking water supplies will depend upon how wellpotential sources of contamination are managedand controlled.

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88

Problem Inappropriate use of animalwaste and fertilizers, resultingin elevated nitrates

Inappropriate use ofpesticides

Disposal of stormwater to drywells and other infiltrationdevices used to dispose ofstormwater (18,000 in thestate)

Unlined dumps leaching andseeping toxics and pathogens

Failing septic systemsintroducing nutrients and fecalcoliform

SourcesAgriculture

Agriculture, urbandevelopment

Underground injectionwells

Landfills

Suburban development

Wetlands and riparian areas provide criticalresources to entire ecosystems. Wetlands storewater, reduce flooding, and provide rich habitat fora variety of life forms. Riparian areas also provideunique habitat and help keep streams cool.

Historically, wetlands and riparian areas havebeen altered or destroyed to encouragedevelopment across the state. Approximately 70percent of the state�s original wetlands havebeen filled. In the Puget Sound area, only tenpercent of all wetlands remain. Riparian areasalso have suffered through destruction ofvegetation, streambank erosion, and alterationsto stream channels.

Wetlands protection continues to be complex, asnew issues of water quality and quantity inwetlands arise. Local governments restore andprotect wetlands through a variety of mechanisms,including land use controls, acquisition andpreservation programs, and restoration projects.The State Environmental Protection Act (SEPA),the Growth Management Act (GMA), the ShorelineManagement Act, the Puget Sound Water QualityPlan, and the Coastal Zone Management Act alsocontrol impacts to wetlands.

To enhance wetland management in the state,Ecology and Department of Community Trade andEconomic Development prepared the State

Wetlands IntegrationStrategy. SWIS contains47 recommendations forEcology and other agencies,most of which are currentlybeing implemented.

The Joint SelectCommittee on Lake Healthwas created by theLegislature in 1996 toaddress the growingconflicts between shorelineproperty owners andagencies over the use andtreatment of lakes. Keyissues include noxiousweed control, funding forlocal lake improvements,aquatic pesticides, and theneed for public educationabout nonpoint pollution oflakes and boating impacts.

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Problem Degradation of water qualityin wetlands affectingbiological communitystructure

Changes in wetland floodingpatterns

Fragmentation of large,intact wetland systems

Interruption of wetland andriparian sediment processes

Changes in wetland plantsand animals

SourcesUpstream pollution, runofffrom agriculture andsuburban development

Stormwater dischargesand development-relatedflooding

Transportation and otherlinear infrastructuredevelopment

Shoreline modification -i.e., riprap or dikes

Introduced, non-nativespecies

Wetlands and Riparian Areas

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These days, with most easily-traceable pollution sources controlledthrough permits and enforcement, nonpoint pollutants account for most ofthe remaining water pollution in the United States. They are introducedinto water through runoff. How the land is used (or not used) determinesthe amount of runoff and what it will carry. The US EnvironmentalProtection Agency (EPA) estimates that more than 60 percent of our waterpollution problems come from nonpoint sources.

In all major watersheds in Washington, nonpoint source water pollutionoccurs to some degree. The sources are related to the various land uses.Watershed-based programs generally identify and address nonpointproblems related to land use. Forest practices and dairy wastemanagement have laws that require specific actions to protect waterquality. Local governments play an extremely important role by passingordinances that control land use and development. All other programsare voluntary.

In Washington, federal and privately-owned forests and agricultureoccupy some 90 percent of land area in the state. This is in addition to

five percent occupied by state and national parks. Both logging andfarming are major contributors to nonpoint pollution. Urban areas are thethird significant contributor, despite their relatively small share, two percentof land coverage. In fact, state and private forest and farms weredeveloped at the average rate of 70,000 acres per year in Washingtonfrom 1992 to 1997. This was the 17th fastest rate in the country,according to figures from the United States Department of Agriculture.

A wide range of programs in Washington address nonpoint sourceproblems. Local governments carry out many activities, particularly asthey relate to development. Conservation districts are the key playersaddressing agricultural issues. Tribes play an important role in managingnonpoint source problems, especially by identifying issues on the ground.State and federal agencies provide guidance, technical assistance, andfunding for a large number of efforts.

This part of the plan looks at the primary categories of nonpoint sourcepollution and provides an overview of local, state, federal, and tribalprograms addressing the problems. In addition to describing theprograms, you will find actions designed to improve program performance.Many of the actions are linked to the state�s salmon strategy.

We have divided this discussion into six source categories: agriculture,forestry, urban (which includes stormwater, onsite sewage systems,pollution prevention, and transportation), recreation, hydromodification(meaning ditching, diking, dredging, stream channelization, and dams),and loss of aquatic ecosystems.

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Land Use in Washington

Managing Nonpoint

AgricultureFarming is a productive use of land, yet it can be a

threat to water quality. Direct discharges and runofffrom farms carry nonpoint pollution. Soil erosion, useof pesticides and other chemicals, animal waste, andloss of riparian zones next to water bodies arecommon concerns. Ground water is at risk ofcontamination from some farming practices.

Shellfish beds are especially vulnerable to bacteria,and sometimes the Department of Health must closethem because of runoff from upland farms. Removingnatural riparian vegetation and allowing animals toaccess streams destroys fish habitat.

Primary technical assistance to farmers is providedby conservation districts, CE, and NRCS. Educationprograms by CE cover a wide array of topics. NRCSand conservation districts help farmers with farm plansand local watershed planning activities. There is oftenfinancial assistance as well, through cost share from

the local conservation district or NRCS, or through alow-interest State Revolving Fund loan from Ecology.

Agriculture�s effect on salmon is now a primaryissue facing the public. Negotiations are underwayinvolving agricultural interests, state and federalagencies, tribes and environmental organizations, inhopes of developing some new agreements regardingwater use and water quality protection for agriculturalareas of the state. The process is known asAgriculture, Fish and Water or �AFW� for short.

All agricultural practices are under voluntary controlexcept dairy operations and fish farms, which Ecologyregulates, and pesticides, which WSDA and EPAregulate. Activities which kill fish or cause otheracute environmental impacts are also subject toenforcement by Ecology. Community-basedwatershed activities have been instrumental inrestoring and protecting the waters of the state.

Taking Action4Through education and financial

support, agencies will encouragethe development and use offarming methods that will lead tomore sustainable farming.

4Commodity groups will developappropriate practices for their owngrowers.

4Farmers will receive help to writewater-friendly farm plans.

4The Farm*A*Syst program will beused to protect wells on farms byreducing risks of ground watercontamination.

4Conservation districts will seekmore stable funding to increasethe effectiveness of their outreachand education work.

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Forest ManagementSedimentation and increased water temperature are

the worst problems associated with logging, particularlyas they relate to fish. These mostly come fromimproper road construction and maintenance � thereare almost 61,000 miles of state and private loggingroads in Washington � and from careless timberharvesting next to streams.

Any logging activity on state or private land inWashington involving more than 5,000 board feet(about one truckload) requires a forest practices permitfrom the Washington State Department of NaturalResources (DNR). The Forest Practices Rules specifyprocedures to protect water quality and Wildlife.

Already regarded as the state with the strictest rulesfor logging, Washington will soon adopt even tighterforest practice rules. The state Legislature passed theForests and Fish Report in 1999 after almost two yearsof negotiation between forest landowners, tribes, localgovernments, and federal and state agencies. It callsfor the Forest Practices Board to adopt new rules byJune 30, 200l, to help protect salmon.

The new rules will preserve more trees instreamside areas to provide the shade that helps keepstreams cool and the woody debris that buildsin-stream salmon habitat. They will also require betterroad construction and maintenance to help preventsiltation of streams, provide more protection forwetlands, and set more restrictions on pesticide use.Landowners will be offered incentives designed to slowthe conversion of forestland to other uses. The forestpractices rules apply to all state and private forestlandsin Washington. The US Forest Service has pledged tomeet or exceed the provisions of the Forests and FishReport on its lands in Washington through anagreement with the Department of Ecology.

Taking Action4The state will implement the

actions in the Forests and FishReport and House Bill 2091.

4DNR will review and approve roadmaintenance plans to make sureold logging roads don�t contributeto stream sedimentation.

4The state will seek sustainablesupport to educate small privateforest landowners on water qualityand ESA issues through DNR�sForest Stewardship Program.

1122

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Stormwater ControlClearing for buildings, parking lots, and

landscaped areas is now occurring at a rapid ratein Washington. Drainage patterns are foreverchanged. Rainfall runs quickly and directly intothe streams, dramatically increasing their volumeand peak flows, and reducing summer flows.

Runoff may contain high concentrations of heavymetals, lawn and garden chemicals, bacteria, silt,petroleum products, and nutrients. More stubbornproblems are associated with impacts to habitatdue to destructive flows in the winter and lowsummertime flows.

In the short term, these pollutants can harmaquatic organisms, damage shellfish beds, andrestrict water recreation. In the long run, they cancreate serious problems such as excessive algaegrowth, ground water contamination, loss of fishhabitat, and contaminated sediments.

Local governments control stormwater impactsfrom development by following the requirementsof the SEPA, the GMA, and, where appropriate,the Shoreline Management Act. Many countiesand cities accomplish these requirements withthe help of stormwater manuals and ordinances.

Growing trees and maintaining forest lands inurban areas is one of the best ways to absorband filter stormwater runoff. The DNR Urban andCommunity Forestry (U&CF) program works withmany developing communities to form ordinancesthat deal with natural resource preservation andmanagement. Currently, the U&CF program isfederally funded. With state support, we couldincrease education and outreach efforts to helpmore communities.

Taking Action4Ecology will develop a Stormwater

Management Strategy whichincludes updating the statestormwater manual and helpinglocal governments implement themanual to address stormwaterimpacts on habitat and water qualityof new development andre-development projects.

4State agencies will developincentives for local governments topreserve riparian areas next tostreams and lakes as naturallyabsorbent filters, to retain more treecanopy, and to promote the plantingand nurturing of urban forests. DNRwill expand its Urban and CommunityForestry program, which funds tree-planting projects.

4Where forest land is found in urbangrowth areas, local governmentshould encourage the purchase ofdevelopment rights to keep the landin trees and help control stormwater.The state will encourage theactivities of conservationorganizations such as the Mountainsto Sound Greenway and the NatureConservancy.

1133

Septic SystemsSeptic systems serve approximately 1.4 million

Washingtonians, a number that is growing eachyear. The exact number of failing systems is notknown. Common problems include poor soils,obsolete design, improper siting, poor construction,poor operation and maintenance, and limitedknowledge on the part of local professionals andowner/operators. The recently revised state on-sitesystem regulations deal with most of these factors.

Failing systems pose a health hazard becausedomestic wastewater can contain bacteria, viruses,protozoa, and helminths (worms) harmful to people.Typhoid fever, gastrointestinal infections, andinfectious hepatitis have been linked to failingon-site systems around the country. Nitrates thatfind their way into well water are also a problem,especially for pregnant women and infants.

Local health districts issue permits for installingon-site systems. Across the state, there are notenough field staff to adequately monitor systemsfor failure. The statewide average isapproximately one inspector for every 7,500on-site systems.

Watershed plans are a good way to addresson-site septic system problems. Strategiesinclude voluntary, educational and regulatoryprograms. Solutions may entail education aboutmaintenance to prevent failure, requiringalternative designs where necessary, and limitinghousing density. The State Revolving Fund offerscounties no- or low-interest loans for deservinghomeowners to repair, replace or upgrade theironsite sewage systems.

Taking Action4The state will encourage the use of

innovative technologies and seekadditional funding for repairingfailing septic systems.

4The state will find funding to hiremore septic system inspectors andexpand local health departments�inspection programs.

1144

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Hazardous MaterialsIn densely populated areas, our random everyday

acts of negligence and disregard add up to apowerful cumulative dose of contamination. Use ofhousehold pesticides continues to be a significantissue in many urban watersheds. Their residuesappear in many streams, impacting stream health inways that are only recently being observed.

Another issue of growing concern is pet waste.Increasingly, fecal coliform linked to cats and dogs ismaking its way to urban streams. Education isneeded to show animal owners the importance ofcontrolling waste in urban areas.

Many industries discharge specific pollutants intosurface and ground water - for instance,construction, auto wrecking, boat and auto repairshops, golf courses, concrete and gravel mining.Creative local programs like Bellevue�s �BusinessPartners,� the �Whatcom Watershed Pledge,� andKing County�s �EnviroStars� enlighten unwittingpolluters, giving technical advice on targeted BMPsto protect water quality.

Other programs aimed at pollution preventiongenerally come under the state�s wastemanagement acts. Local governments carry themain responsibility for solid waste, as well ashousehold and small-business hazardous waste.Responsibility for industrial hazardous waste lieswith Ecology. The 1997 figures for Washington areimpressive:� 4600 tons of hazardous waste from households

were collected at the state�s 45 permanentfacilities in 90 collection events.

� About 80 percent of this was recycled or usedfor energy recovery.

� 4000 tons of used oil were collected in 521facilities across the state, and either recycled orused for energy recovery.

� 198 tons of hazardous waste were collectedfrom small businesses.

� 33 percent of all solid waste in the state wasrecycled, including 210 tons of grass clippingsand other yard waste.

� More than one-third of Washington cities offeredcurbside recycling to their residents.

Taking Action4State and local governments and

CE will educate home gardenersabout reducing runoff and the useof chemicals in their landscaping.

4State and local governments willexplore ways to increase the rateof residential and industrialrecycling.

1155

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RoadsNearly 80,000 miles of road run

through the state (not including loggingroads), used by 5.2 million vehicles,mostly in the Puget Sound area.Gasoline, oil and other fluids eventuallywash into surface waters or seep intoground water. Airborne particulates fromexhaust and tire wear wash to the groundwhenever rain �clears the air.� Occupantsdispose of litter and contaminants alongroads. Grit from the road ends up as finesediment, clogging streams andsuffocating fish spawning areas. Like allimpervious surfaces, roads increase runoff.

Local governments and state agencies use avariety of permits to prevent problems associatedwith road and bridge construction. All bridges musthave a Shoreline and Hydraulics permit beforeconstruction. All road construction andmaintenance projects with potential environmentalimpacts must obtain Ecology�s StormwaterConstruction General Permit. It is used to preventstormwater impacts to adjacent waters duringconstruction and requires that �all pollutants�thatoccur on-site during construction shall be handledand disposed of in a manner that does not causecontamination of stormwater.�

The permit requires an Erosion and SedimentControl Plan and Spill Prevention and EmergencyClean-up Plan. Permits may be conditioned toprevent problems. Stop work orders can be issuedif conditions are violated.

Salmon have been directly harmed by roads inWashington. The Washington State Department ofTransportation (WSDOT) has established a workingagreement with the Washington Department of Fish

and Wildlife that describes how WSDOT plans tocarry out construction in the future to avoid impactsto threatened and endangered salmon species.

WSDOT also has a state of the art manual onroad maintenance designed to address both waterquality and fish needs. This manual is available tolocal governments and will likely become thestandard by which all road surfaces will bemanaged in Washington.

Taking Action4Department of Transportation and

local governments will follow newstatewide guidance on roadconstruction and maintenance, andtarget methods to verify and increaseuse of the guidance.

4The state will seek new ways toprovide assistance to communitiesaddressing transportation runoff.

1166

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Marinas and BoatsWithin Washington�s coastal areas, some 450

marinas provide nearly 37,000 wet moorage slips.Sewage from boats affects water quality, especiallyin smaller bays with poor water circulation and atmarinas. Boaters also can pollute recreationalwaters by discharging contaminated bilge water,petroleum products, garbage and trash, paintscraping, and toxic solvents.

Boat yards and marinas were once a source ofsignificant contamination to Washington�s waters.Through a combination of permits, advisories, andtechnical assistance, pollution from boatmaintenance activities has been notably reduced.

Ecology led a two-year multimedia educationaleffort targeting boatyards and marinas. This effortwas known as the �Ship Shape� campaign. Thecampaign provided a comprehensive environmentalresource manual to marina operators. In addition,all boatyards and marinas in the state receivedonsite technical assistance visits.

Addressing boater sewage has been a majoreffort since the mid-1980s. The placement ofmarine sewage pump-out stations is theresponsibility of State Parks. In coordination withother state natural resource agencies, grants areprovided to marinas to install pumpout and othersanitation facilities. In 1999, there were more than100 marine sewage facilities in the state.

State Parks conducts an extensive educationprogram for boaters. Along with posters, brochuresand similar media, a Boater�s Guide is distributedwhich contains safety tips, environmentalinformation, and a summary of disposal regulations,with a map showing locations of pumpout stations.

Fuel dock operators have expressed ongoingconcerns about petroleum spills. These generallyoccur during the fueling process, especially whenthe boat owner does the fueling. Boat designissues and operator awareness seem to be theprimary source of concern.

Taking Action4The state will coordinate

education for boaters onenvironment-friendly practices,especially the use of boatsewage pumpout facilities. Thestate will make sure there areenough of these available, thatboaters know where they are,and that the facilities are in goodworking order.

4The state will examine newapproaches to prevent spills fromboaters overfilling their gas tanks.

1177

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1188

Off-Road Vehicle UseAccording to the 1991 Washington State Trails

Plan, 15 percent of households use a utility-size4-wheel drive vehicle off road; 12 percent drivemotorcycles off road; and 10 percent use short-base 3- or 4-wheel all-terrain vehicles.

Even with managed trails, there is strongpotential for water quality degradation. Many off-road users recreate near water, disturbing streambanks and causing erosion and sedimentation.

In 1971, the Washington Legislature created theAll-Terrain Vehicle Program that later becameChapter 46.09 RCW. This law established a fundsource, administered by the InteragencyCommittee for Outdoor Recreation, for thedevelopment and management of off-roadrecreation facilities. Several federal, state, andlocal agencies manage ORV facilities and trails.The 1993 Washington Off-Road Vehicle Guidelists 34 major ORV recreation areas.

Working in the WaterPeople have modified many stream systems in

Washington, with considerable effect on thelandscape. Dams, tide gates, culverts, bridges,piers, bulkheads and jetties, and the dredging andplacement of fill have benefited people and theeconomy, but at the expense of aquaticecosystems and fish habitat. Channelizationdisturbs stream beds and increases scouring andbank erosion. It may also cause changes in pH,metals concentration, dissolved oxygen, instreamflow, and nutrient levels.

Some of these problems are addressed throughwetlands restoration programs and fish and wildlifehabitat programs. Permits for dredging orstabilizing stream banks are reviewed andconditioned by state agencies, local governmentand the Corps of Engineers.

New tools to examine project impacts andwatershed function are currently being developed.Salmon habitat and restoration guidelines will helpresource managers design projects that have theleast impact to salmon. The river basincharacterization process provides criticalinformation to decision-makers about watershedprocesses and areas of resource sensitivity.

Taking Action4State and local governments will

work with ORV user groups to helpthem understand how theiractivities can contribute tononpoint pollution - and how toprevent it.

Taking Action4The state will help local agencies

identify and restore physicalprocesses that create and maintainfish habitat, improve water quality,and prevent flooding.

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Education about nonpoint pollution is a challenge. It must targetboth specific and general audiences. It should inform and inspire.It needs to reach youth and adults.

The Nonpoint Source Management Plan contains a list ofrecommended activities and projects to add to current efforts,mostly within the next five years. These include both formal(K-12) and informal (�public�) education. Additional sources offunding will be needed to implement these ideas.

Ecology works closely with the Governor�s Council onEnvironmental Education, a partnership of 11 state natural resourceagencies. The council develops programs, based on needsassessments, which enable learners of all ages to gain anunderstanding of personal and community responsibilities to thenatural environment. The council works through existingeducational organizations, which meet the needs of communitiesand watersheds.

In 1996, the council launched the Master Watershed Stewardsprogram to mobilize volunteer leaders on behalf of communitywatershed issues. Ecology and the council host Watch OverWashington, the statewide network of volunteer monitors whichnumbers in the thousands and is growing. Beginning in 2000, anonline database to hold and display volunteer data will reside atthe University of Washington, a product of another partnershipwithin the council.

Building Stewardship

Taking Action4Ecology will expand formal (K-12) education

through small Magic Apple grants to teachers,children�s water festivals, and teacher workshops.

4State agencies and local governments will expandpublic education, targeting both specific groupsand the general public. They will developmaterials for use by local governments, andpromote a resource library of model materials andsuccess stories.

4The Governor�s Council on EnvironmentalEducation and its member agencies will helpstudents and citizens gain their own informationthrough local volunteer monitoring programs,becoming informed stewards of their watersheds.They will develop a full-blown Master WatershedStewards program.

4Ecology will sponsor a statewide NonpointConference every two years to share ideas,innovations, and inspiration.

1199

2200

Carrots and SticksIt is important that programs show

progress in cleaning up water quality

so that these funding sources

continue to assist with nonpoint

source program implementation.

Funding available forwater quality efforts

Many entities fund projects that address water quality,habitat and watershed restoration efforts in Washington.In 1999, 15 major programs spent an estimated $91.3million in federal funds and $45.8 million in state funds onlocal watershed planning, salmon recovery, and nonpointsource control efforts. There is an increasing need forcoordination to make sure funds are appropriatelytargeted to accomplish restoration and protection goals.

Though the amount of money seems significant, it maytake this level of funding for many years to clean uphistorical nonpoint source problems. It is important thatthese programs show progress in cleaning up waterquality so that these funding sources continue to assistwith nonpoint source program implementation.

State funds are available to implement bestmanagement practices (BMPs) through grants from theConservation Commission, DNR, WDFW, the SalmonRecovery Board, the Puget Sound Action Team, andEcology, and through low-interest loans from the StateRevolving Fund.

Federal funds for nonpoint control come from Section319, the Federal Salmon Recovery Program, theConservation Reserve Program (CRP), the EnvironmentalQuality Initiative Program (EQUIP), and the SRF. Inaddition, the US Department of Agriculture administersthe Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program (WHIP), theWetlands Reserve Program (WRP), and the ConservationReserve Enhancement Program (CREP). In Washington,the CREP program hopes to enroll farmers whose landtotals 100,000 acres or 3-4,000 miles of riparian habitatnext to salmon spawning streams. At least $200 millionwill be available to help Washington farmers restoresalmon habitat and protect water quality through 2013.

For small timberland owners, several programsprovide incentives, technical assistance, andeducation. The NRCS, in conjunction with locallybased conservation districts, helps timberlandowners write forest conservation plans. TheAgricultural Conservation Program assists withforest practices and soil conservation. TheForestry Incentive Program, sponsored by DNR,helps timberland owners with forest production andhabitat planning.

Other incentives for water quality improvementinclude the Washington Conservation Corps andother jobs programs at Ecology and DNR whichprovide free or low-cost BMPs including fencing,in-stream structures, and other measures toimprove habitat and water quality. Marina ownersmay apply for federal Clean Vessel Act fundingthrough State Parks for installation of pumpoutsand other sanitation systems in marinas. Ecologyalso provides funding to local governments forpollution prevention and waste managementthrough Coordinated Prevention Grants.

EnforcementEnforcement is a key component of any nonpoint

source program. Many people feel incentives havelittle value without the threat of appropriateenforcement. Though many programs arevoluntary in nature, a regulatory backstop helpsencourage those who are not complying with basicrequirements of environmental protection.Enforcement gets rid of the competitive advantageenjoyed by those who disregard the law. It alsoprovides cooperative landowners and businesses asense of equity and a belief that their contribution ismaking a difference.

The primary state enforcement agencies with tiesto water quality in Washington are the DNR, Fishand Wildlife, Agriculture, and Ecology. DNRprimarily addresses forestry activities, Departmentof Agriculture focuses on pesticides, andDepartment of Fish and Wildlife enforces theHydraulics Act. Ecology enforces the WaterPollution Control Act, Shoreline Management Act,and various Solid and Toxic Waste Managementacts. Local governments play a key role inenforcing water quality programs. Enforcement oflocal ordinances and requirements by cities andcounties has a significant impact on water quality.

4The state will work with fundingentities to improve coordination andtargeting of resources for the mostefficient use.

4The state will establish a process toincrease coordination of complianceand enforcement activities.

Taking Action

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2211

Water Quality StandardsAll the state's surface and ground water bodies must meet

the state water quality standards. These include both numericand narrative criteria which set acceptable levels for conditionslike pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen, bacteria, metals,organic chemicals, and turbidity, in order to protect "beneficialuses" such as recreation, water supply, and habitat.

Ecology continually assesses the quality of the waters ofthe state, using its own data and many outside sources. Thisinformation is then reported semi-annually to EPA in the305(b) Report, named after section 305(b) of the Clean WaterAct, and the section 303(d) List of Impaired Waters.

Ambient MonitoringThe state maintains a network of sampling stations in

rivers, streams, lakes, and estuaries. Ecology and the PugetSound Water Quality Action Team use ambient monitoringprograms to assess the current status of state waters, identifythreatened or impaired waters, and evaluate trends in waterquality over time. To maximize coverage and reduce costs,locations of sampling stations are coordinated with tribes andwith other state, local, and federal agencies.

Evaluating Water Quality Changethrough Violation History

Ecology has amassed 22 years of data from 42 monitoringstations on certain key indicators: pH, dissolved oxygen,temperature, and fecal coliform. The figures show the percent ofsamples which have failed to meet standards. In the charts forpH and fecal coliform, trend lines have been drawn to show along-term tendency toward improvement or decline.

In the future, Ecology plans to develop additional indices forflow, total suspended solids, pesticides, and nutrients.

2222

Monitoring ChangeAssessments quantify both point and

nonpoint sources and frequently

include studies describing the

relationship between surface water

and ground water quality.

pH sample failure rates show an increase over the last22 years at the monitoring sites. Higher pH readingsmay be caused by excess nutrients from municipal orindustrial discharges, or from nonpoint sources likemanure, garden fertilizers, leaking septic systems, androtting organic debris.

Fecal contamination sample failure rates have shownan overall decline over the past 22 years. Thisindicates that, on the average, bacterial contaminationas measured by the presence of fecal coliforms at theriver monitoring sites is becoming less of a problem.

Project MonitoringOther water quality monitoring activities include:� Ecology assesses surface waters for Total

Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) studies conductedon rivers, lakes, and marine waters which do notmeet state water quality standards.Assessments quantify both point and nonpointsources and frequently include studies describingthe relationship between surface water andground water quality. Information on TMDLs canbe found at http://www.wa.gov/ecology/wq/tmdl/

� Washington State Department of Healthclassifies commercial shellfish beds to protectshellfish consumers from contaminated shellfish.DOH continually monitors fecal contaminationlevels in more than 100 restricted commercialshellfish growing areas in Puget Sound.Reports are available at http://www.doh.wa.gov/ehp/sf/default.htm

� Federal agencies such as the US GeologicSurvey, and Washington State tribes regularlymonitor water quality. Tribes often providetechnical help for local watershed planningefforts by providing information on fish habitatand identifying water quality problems.

� Local jurisdictions including conservation districtshelp local watershed planning groups withmonitoring. They also measure impacts fromseptic systems, farm practices, and local land uses.

� Washington State University and University ofWashington consult with local jurisdictions andprovide monitoring expertise. The WaterResearch Center at WSU has a long history of

providing monitoring reports for local planningefforts, especially watershed planning and lakerestoration planning.

� With Ecology, the Governor's Council onEnvironmental Education has developed a programfor citizen participation in environmental monitoring.The program, Watch Over Washington, supportslocal groups through a website where news, tips,success stories, and (starting summer, 2000) dataare posted. It is estimated that more than 12,000citizens and students in Washington are involved inmonitoring our natural resources. For furtherinformation, visit the WOW website athttp://www.wa.gov/ecology/wq/wow

Taking Action4 The state will promote coordinated

monitoring efforts that include waterquality and habitat indicators. It willexpand the ambient monitoringnetwork.

4 The state will increase water qualitymonitoring capacity in tribes,conservation districts, volunteers,and local governments throughtraining and technical assistance.

4 The state will enhanceimplementation and effectivenessmonitoring, and improve tools forlong-term decision making.

2233

Fecal Contamination Sample Failure Rates from 42 River Stations for 1978-99

(Average for 22 years=14.9%)

pH Sample Failure Rates from 42 River Stations for 1978-99

(Average for 22 years=8.4%)

Partnerships and RolesCoordination and cooperation among agencies can

accomplish a lot, helping people take ownership and solvelocal problems, and leveraging local energy and resourcesto reduce pollution. Ecology facilitated the development ofWashington�s Nonpoint Source Management Plan, a jointproject of the state�s natural resource agencies. Ideas,feedback and information came from federal and stateagencies, tribes, nonprofits, businesses, local governments,and community groups.

Several agencies are involved in managing nonpointsource pollution. For a complete list of the agencies and theirresponsibilities, please see Chapter 6 (A CooperativeApproach to Improving Water Quality) of the nonpoint sourceplan, at http://www.wa.gov/ecology/biblio/9926.html

Unified Watershed AssessmentIn the fall of 1998, representatives of state and federal

resource management agencies and tribes came together todevise a system for collaborating on the use of watershedresources. The effort quickly expanded to include a number oflocal government representatives, as well as a public commentopportunity. The Unified Watershed Assessment process ispart of the President�s Clean Water Action Plan. All states aregoing through a similar process. In Washington, we areworking toward an ongoing system based on three elements: � A matrix of environmental information about watersheds

that will help resource managers make decisions abouttargeting resources,

� Regular meetings of the resource managers to identifycommon geographic priorities and opportunities tocoordinate activities, and

� Consideration of and coordination with local efforts andpriorities.For more information, please visit http://www.wa.gov:80/

ecology/wq/watershed/uwa.html

2244

Partnerships and RolesSeveral agencies are involved in managing

nonpoint source pollution. In the fall of

1998, representatives of state and federal

resource management agencies and tribes

came together to devise a system for

collaborating on the use of watershed

resources.

2255

Watershed Planning ActOne of the primary factors limiting the success of

past nonpoint source efforts has been the lack ofcoordination among implementing entities. Theprimary mechanism to facilitate this is localwatershed planning. The most comprehensiveprocess currently underway is the planning processdirected under the Watershed Planning Act(Chapter 90.82 RCW).

The act calls for the formation of a planning unitwith representatives of a variety of interests. Theplanning unit must address water availability issuesand may also consider water quality, in-streamflows, and fish habitat. Planning is done on aWRIA (Water Resources Inventory Area) or multi-WRIA basis often involving several counties. Atthis writing, 28 planning units are formed or beingformed, some comprised of clusters of WRIAs.

Ecology provides grants to local governmentsfor start-up, assessment, planning, andimplementation.

Under the Watershed Planning Act, planningunits must consider all existing planning processesin the planning area. These may include TMDLs,watershed plans for nonpoint source, ground waterprotection plans, shellfish, and, salmon recovery,efforts. Many focus on nonpoint issues.

Salmon Recovery ActAnother major planning process is the Salmon

Recovery Act (SRA). The intent of this legislation is toaddress salmonid habitat restoration in a coordinatedmanner, and to develop a structure that allows for thecoordinated delivery of federal, state, and localassistance to communities for habitat projects.

When the Legislature passed the Salmon RecoveryFunding Act, it required the Governor to submit thestrategy to the National Marine Fisheries Service and theUS Fish and Wildlife Service by September 1, 1999.

In January, 1999, the Governor�s Joint NaturalResources Cabinet released a complete working draftof Extinction is Not an Option: A Statewide Strategy toRecover Salmon, a guide for what needs to be doneto restore healthy salmon populations. It is availableon the website: http://www.governor.wa.gov/esa/reports/eap/eaptoc.htm During the past year, theJoint Cabinet has carefully listened to publiccomment on the strategy and has indicatedrecommendations that would improve our collectiveefforts to recover salmon.

An Early Action Plan has been developed whichspecifies activities related to salmon recovery thatstate agencies will undertake in the 1999-2001biennium. Also included are expected outcomes fromthose actions and performance measures. Many ofthe early actions are nonpoint source control activitiesand have been included in the nonpoint plan.

�Limiting factors� for salmon populations are beinganalyzed in 41 WRIAs. These factors include fishpassage barriers and degraded estuarine areas,riparian corridors, stream channels, and wetlands.The analysis should be finished in 2001. Elevenareas have already formed committees to undertakethe full SRA process. More are likely to becomeinvolved if cutthroat trout are ESA listed.

4Ecology will develop water cleanupplans and promote local watershedplanning and implementation thataddress the listing of waters withpollution (303(d) listings) andprevent further listings. Ecology willprovide technical assistance asneeded.

4The state will establish a website toserve as an information base forplanning activities by localcommunities, describing fundingsources and necessaryrequirements.

4The state will help localgovernments protect wetlands.

4The state will increase education tolakeshore owners about sources ofnutrient loading, encouragestewardship and citizen monitoring,establish phosphorus standards foreach eco-region, and encourageinnovative funding programs for lakerestoration activities.

4All entities will improve coordinationof riparian restoration projects on awatershed basis to consider wetlandrestoration and increaseeffectiveness.

Taking Action

2266

Developing the PlanEcology took the lead updating the state�s Nonpoint

Source Management Plan with funding from EPA andNOAA. They will track and implement activities inpartnership with other state, tribal and federal agencies.EPA has doubled the funding for nonpoint source projectsin states with updated management plans. Much of thisfunding is passed through to local governments to supporttheir nonpoint source control efforts.

Tracking and Reporting ProgressEcology will prepare a report each year for the

Legislature, EPA, the National Oceanic and AtmosphericAdministration (NOAA), and the general public, indicatinghow agencies and others are making progress towardimproving nonpoint programs and water quality.

This report will focus on three primary areas:

Funding � The annual report will identify all funds used toimplement nonpont source activities, including salmonrecovery and watershed planning efforts.

Implementation Actions � Progress reports will beincluded from each of the implementing entities abouttheir activities.

Success Measures � To evaluate progress toward the plangoal, data from numerous sources will be collated and includedin the annual report.

Sustaining MomentumAs we move forward in our efforts to

address nonpoint issues, we must also

ensure that our solutions are helping to

build a sustainable future.

2277

SustainabilityWashington has a diverse economy, highly

dependent on clean water and healthyecosystems. Our high quality of life makesWashington a great place to live and work. Thekey to future livability is in our ability to worktogether and make difficult decisions regarding theprotection of our precious natural resources, and toensure those decisions are carried out. As wemove forward in our efforts to address nonpointissues, we must also ensure that our solutions arehelping to build a sustainable future.

A sustainable future recognizes that the goals ofeconomic vitality, social and community wellbeingand environmental health are linked andinterdependent. This means we must worktogether to identify economic development that isbeneficial both to the community and theenvironment, instead of perpetually dealing withthe negative impacts of growth.

Sustainable solutions address the root causes ofa problem. Too often, our traditional approach to

environmental management focuses solely on theconsequences of a problem. We are simplylimiting environmental degradation, rather thanreversing the trends of decline in living systems.In selecting a course of action, we need to addressfundamental design problems, and take advantageof opportunities which will enhance and restoreliving systems on which all life depends.

Many of the actions summarized in thisdocument reflect such a sustainable approach �educational efforts, pollution prevention programs,incentives for changes to land use practices. Theactions as a whole, if adopted, will focus resourcesin a manner that widens program implementation,improves program effectiveness, and attends toproblems not previously addressed.

These actions will require a long-termcommitment of state and private resources.Through increased coordination and cooperation,we can improve the quality of the state�s watersand maintain and improve our quality of life.

List of Acronyms:

Agencies

CE - Washington State University Cooperative ExtensionDNR - (WA State) Department of Natural ResourcesDOH, Health - Department of HealthEPA, US EPA - US Environmental Protection AgencyNRCS - Natural Resources Conservation ServiceWSDA - Washington State Department of AgricultureWSDOT - Washington State Department of Transportation

Programs, etc.

BMPs - best management practicesCWA - Clean Water ActESA - Endangered Species ActGMA - Growth Management ActNPS - Nonpoint Source (pollution)SEPA - State Environmental Policy ActSWIS- State Wetlands Integration StrategySRA - Salmon Recovery ActTMDLs - Total Maximum Daily Loads

Department of EcologyJune 2000

Publication #99-21