What is NPDES?
The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) is a federal permit system that regulates the discharge of stormwater and wastewater to waters of the State. Although it is a federal permit, the Department of Ecology (DOE) is the regulatory authority in Washington State.
The NPDES Phase II Municipal Stormwater Permit for Western Washington went into effect in February 2007. This permit authorizes the City of Kirkland to discharge stormwater to waters of the State (i.e. Lake Washington) if it takes certain actions to prevent stormwater pollution. The full permit can be viewed at the DOE’s website: NPDES Phase II Municipal Stormwater Permit.
The permit requires the City to create and implement a Stormwater Management Program (SWMP). The SWMP outlines the City’s plan to develop and implement the following programs and processes:
- Public education and outreach
- Public involvement and participation
- Illicit discharge detection and elimination
- Controlling stormwater run-off from construction sites
- Operations and maintenance of stormwater facilities after construction
The permit allows the City to phase in the implementation of these programs and processes over a 4-year period (until 2011).
The documents listed below have been prepared in compliance with the NPDES permit. They are updated annually by the City and submitted to the DOE.
- 2010 NPDES Phase II Annual Report
- 2012 Stormwater Management Program (SWMP)
Please note: Kirkland residents are invited to provide comments by March 26 on the 2012 Stormwater Management Program which identifies the City's strategies to engage and educate the public about stormwater management, prevent spills and dumping into the stormwater system, and require development projects to control and treat runoff. These efforts will improve the quality of water in lakes and streams. Comments can be provided via e-mail, by calling a member of the City's Stormwater Team at (425) 587-3800 or by mail addressed to:
City of Kirkland
Public Works Dept
123 Fifth Avenue
Kirkland, WA 98033
Revised Stormwater Development Regulations