Vancouver Municipal Code Chapter 14.25 (Stormwater Control) requires every new development and redevelopment project to comply with the city's Western Washington Phase II Municipal Stormwater Permit issued by the Department of Ecology and adopts the 2019 Stormwater Management Manual for Western Washington by reference. Construction stormwater pollution prevention plans are required under VMC Chapter 14.24 for any project disturbing one acre or more.
Vancouver's stormwater regulations are codified across VMC Chapters 14.24 (Stormwater Pollution Prevention), 14.25 (Stormwater Control), and 14.26 (Source Control). Under VMC 14.25.100 (Applicability) all new development and redevelopment must comply with the chapter, the city's National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Western Washington Phase II Municipal Stormwater Permit, and the manual adopted at VMC 14.25.105, which is the 2019 Stormwater Management Manual for Western Washington (SWMMWW) issued by the Washington Department of Ecology under WAC 173-201A and the federal Clean Water Act. The eight minimum technical requirements applied by Vancouver are: (1) preparation of stormwater site plans (VMC 14.24-14.25); (2) construction stormwater pollution prevention plans (VMC 14.24.070, required for sites disturbing one acre or more or otherwise covered by Ecology's Construction Stormwater General Permit); (3) source control of pollution (VMC 14.25-14.26); (4) preservation of natural drainage systems and outfalls (VMC 14.25 and VMC 20.740 critical areas); (5) on-site stormwater management (LID/BMPs); (6) runoff treatment; (7) flow control; and (8) wetlands protection. The city additionally adopts by reference its own Engineering Services General Requirements and Details for the Design and Construction of Water, Sanitary Sewer and Surface Water Systems, used to size detention, treatment, and conveyance facilities. Vancouver's surface water management utility funds inspection and enforcement; rates are set under VMC 14.09.060.
Discharging pollutants to the city storm drain system, failing to prepare a required stormwater site plan or SWPPP, or failing to install and maintain required treatment, flow-control, or LID best management practices violates VMC Chapters 14.24 through 14.26 and the city's NPDES Phase II permit. The city Public Works Department can issue notices of violation, stop-work orders, and civil penalties; the Washington Department of Ecology can also assess civil penalties of up to $10,000 per day per violation under RCW 90.48.144 for unpermitted discharges to waters of the state.
Vancouver, WA
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