As rain falls, the water picks up soil, chemicals and pollutants. Often, this water flows untreated into our waterways.
In developed areas, like the Port, stormwater systems are designed to carry rain quickly from streets to prevent flooding. On the Tacoma Tideflats, all runoff - and the pollutants it carries - eventually flows into Commencement Bay.
That polluted stormwater endangers aquatic habitats, harms fish and wildlife, impairs recreational uses and damages drinking water supplies. How YOU can prevent stormwater pollution:
- Sweep driveways and parking areas instead of using a hose.
- Fix vehicle and equipment leaks immediately.
- Store oily materials, chemicals and wastes properly to prevent spills and discharges.
- Inspect, maintain and clean catch basins and stormwater systems regularly.
- Wash your vehicles at a commercial car wash, where the water is treated and recycled. Or use a mobile car-washing service that treats the water on site.
- Recycle as much waste as possible and install proper trash collectors to reduce litter.
- NEVER pour ANYTHING down a storm drain. Only rain water should go into a storm drain.
To comply with the Washington State Department of Ecology's stormwater permit requirements, the Port has a Stormwater Management Plan to:
- Educate employees and tenants
- Find and eliminate illicit discharges
- Map stormwater conveyance systems
- Monitor water quality
- Implement Best Management Practices (BMPs)
- Treat stormwater where appropriate
The Port also believes in going beyond compliance with permit requirements.
We are pioneering low impact development (LID) on the Tacoma Tideflats to treat industrial stormwater before pollutants reach the bay. We are testing LID techniques that use natural site features and small-scale stormwater controls to mimic natural hydraulic patterns.
We also control the sources of stormwater pollution by requiring vinyl-covered chain link fences, and avoiding the use of uncoated galvanized steel for roofing, siding, gutters and other components that convey stormwater.
Spill response: Responding to oil spills jointly with the City of Tacoma
Bay Patrol Program: Sponsoring a full-time program through Citizens for a Healthy Bay to conduct pollution patrols in Commencement Bay, respond to Pollution Hotline reports, monitor waterway businesses and industries to ensure compliance with water quality standards, and present citizen stewardship training.
Clean Boating Program: During the past three years, Citizens for a Healthy Bay has distributed more than 1,000 Port-sponsored Clean Boating kits to local marinas.
Port of Tacoma Endowed Chair: With SSA Marine, the City of Tacoma and the University of Washington, the Port endowed a position at the University of Washington Tacoma to lead research at the planned Center for Urban Waters. First research priorities might include bioremediation, aquaculture and invasive species control.