Submitted by Observer Janet Hedgepath
Agenda: https://clark.wa.gov/community-planning/planning-commission-hearings-and-meeting-notes
Members Present: Mark Bergthold, Jack Harroun, Bryan Halbert, Ron Barca
Stormwater Code and Manual Update
Purpose of Code -
Protect water quality
Limit damage to streams
Reduce neighborhood flooding
Goals of Update -
Maintain compliance with Permit
Apply best available science
Address past issues
Many of the changes are clarifications, corrections or requirements to meet compliance.
Items specific to Clark Co
Better protect drinking water by limiting use of deep underground injection controls
Require more consistent infiltration testing and design
Improve stream channel protection for Mill Creek
Develop consistent requirements and options for phosphorus removal
Staff outlined public engagement that had been done. To date there was one public comment and comments from DEAB. C. Harroun wanted to know if the building community had been contacted. Staff said they were included in the general alerts but hadn’t been singled out.
Ecology had approved on 3/11/26
Commission Public Hearing will be 5/21/26
Council Work Session will be 5/20/26
Council Public Hearing will be 6/16/16
Permit deadline is 6/30/26
A discussion followed in which C. Harroun asked about several different requirements that he said added building cost and he wondered if they were necessary as they were not in State code. Staff explained that some of the requirements were tailored to specific elements in SW WA. C. Harroun asked about phosphorus control and if there was a particular source (such as agricultural) that would have a greater impact than the requirements for builders. Staff explained that phosphorus is a non-point pollutant that comes from fertilizers, lawns, animal stock, human and pet waste. Any runoff washes the phosphorus into the stormwater system. It is the major cause of algae bloom in our local waters.