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Science panel endorses Western Washington stormwater manual Press release from WA State Department of Ecology July 3, 2003 OLYMPIA, WA - An independent science panel has endorsed the use of a stormwater management manual for Western
Washington developed by the state Department of Ecology (Ecology). "The manual is one of the most comprehensive in the United States and is impressive in its scope, coverage and quality," concluded the Independent Science Panel (ISP), which was created by the state legislature in 1998 to provide scientific oversight of the state's salmon recovery efforts. "It includes discussions on initial planning...that are typically lacking in most manuals, and the discussion on emerging technologies is appropriate and well done." Stormwater runoff picks up pollutants from roads, highways, parking lots and landscaped areas and carries them into the state's lakes, rivers and streams. Under federal law, many industries, construction sites and large- to medium-sized cities are responsible for managing their stormwater runoff to assure that water quality is protected. Ecology's stormwater manual was created in 2001 to help governments and businesses prevent pollution from stormwater runoff. Using the manual or other technical guidance documents approved by Ecology is not the only way to properly manage storm water. However, if someone chooses not to follow these practices, he or she may be required to show that the alternative approach adequately protects water quality. Some developers have objected to the stormwater manual, questioning its scientific validity, but this week a panel of
independent scientists released findings that strongly support use of the manual as it currently exists. "Ecology developed the manual to provide people with a set of stormwater management practices that would keep pollutants out of our lakes, rivers and streams," said Bill Moore, Ecology's stormwater policy lead. "We are gratified that the science panel believes we did a good job." [ Note: The cover letter actually states that Ecology did a 'credible' job. "Credible" is defined as "plausible, capable of being believed" according to The American Heritage Dictionary.] Last September, the Governor's Salmon Recovery Office formally asked the ISP to review the Stormwater Management Manual for Western Washington. The ISP enlisted five nationally known stormwater experts to carry out the review. Although the ISP did raise several technical considerations and issues concerning specific standards or requirements, the panel concluded that "we do not believe that individually or collectively the scientific issues are sufficient to preclude the use of the manual." The ISP said most of the issues it found could be resolved by refinements to existing standards, monitoring and planning processes. "The manual creates a blueprint for acceptable stormwater practices," said Moore. "Anyone who follows the manual is presumed to be in compliance with state and federal water quality protection laws." See the report by the Governor's hand-picked panel here: http://www.governor.wa.gov/gsro/science/documents.htm |