MORE PROGRAM DETAILS
Where the pollution comes from: Rainwater runoff mostly
Our area gets about 50 inches of rain each year. The runoff flows into nearby streams, rivers, lakes and the Puget Sound carrying whatever it picks up along the way. Vehicle fluids from roads, unscooped dog poo from yards and parks, fertilizers and pesticides from lawns and fields flows untreated into the water our families and pets play in, fish from and drink.
Which local waters are studied
Water flows across geographical and political boundaries. A river that flows mostly through Thurston County may have a headwaters upstream and in a different city and county. Some rivers that start here, flow downstream into other cities and counties. That's why water areas are identified not by city or county, but by a common point to which they drain. These water areas are divided into basins, watersheds, and water resource inventory areas (WRIAs).
Chambers
Ward Hewitt
| Deschutes River
| Chehalis 22/23
|
Green Cove
| Chehalis
| Deschutes River 13
|
Indian Moxlie
| Henderson Inlet
| Kennedy-Goldsborough 14
|
McAllister-Eaton
| McLane Creek
| Nisqually 11
|
Percival
| Nisqually Reach
| |
Salmon Creek
| Totten-Eld Inlet
| |
Woodard Creek
| | |
Regulatory Reasons for the work
Many of the County's pollution reduction activities are mandated and monitored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and by the Washington State Legislature. Thurston County government has a clean water permit from the EPA. When the County issues building and septic permits, builds County roads, or conducts any work, it must comply with federal and state regulations. Find details on the Stormwater Management Program page. Also, Washington's Watershed Management Act (RCW 90.82) encourages local communities to protect local water resources and habitat in their planning work. State law regarding WRIAs - WAC 173-500-040
Project funding
Studies are often funded by state or federal grants. Improvement projects may be funded by County utility, permit or application fees. All project funding sources are approved by Thurston's elected officials, the Board of County Commissioners.
Which County Regulations & Codes are Affected
Most building development and zoning regulations.