The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Program addresses water pollution by regulating sources that discharge pollutants into natural bodies of water such as Lake Washington and Coal Creek. The Environmental Protection Agency authorizes state governments to perform permitting, administration and enforcement of the program.
Each year Bellevue must submit a stormwater management plan to the state Department of Ecology that describes actions the city will take in the upcoming year to meet federal water quality protection requirements. Bellevue is one of more than 100 communities in Washington that must meet requirements for its municipal stormwater permit. The permit is a requirement of the federal Clean Water Act.
Encouraging Non-Polluting Behaviors
To protect water quality, Bellevue manages stormwater runoff in a number of ways. The city follows "best management" practices, including actions that educate the public and encourage non-polluting behaviors.
- Identify and report illegal dumping and cross-connections
- Respond to pollutant spill reports
- Enforce erosion and sediment control at construction sites
- Apply new design standards for permanent storm drainage in new development and redevelopment sites
- Maintain the public storm drainage system and inspect private storm drainage systems
- Minimize pollution from municipal operations
Stormwater Management Plans
Bellevue is required to report on its "best management" actions through an annual report and accompanying stormwater management plan. Details of the required actions can be found in the annual plans.
The Bellevue Stormwater Guide offers more information about our stormwater management.