Local Agency Regulation: The Policies and Process of Surface Water Protection

by Richard L. Schaefer, R. W. Beck and Associates, Seattle, United States,
Jeffrey H. Stern, R. W. Beck and Associates, Seattle, United States,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Water Management in the '90s: A Time for Innovation

Abstract:

King County, Washington, adopted a Surface Water Design Manual in January 1990. This manual, which has served as a resource guide in developing similar manuals throughout the Pacific Northwest and across the United States, defines the analyses and measures required to control drainage impacts of development projects in the County. Since the Manual's adoption, ongoing research has suggested revisions to facility requirements for improved stormwater quantity and quality control. Subsequent state and federal regulations mandate revisions be made to the manual to further address water quality. Recent growth management policies dictate increased development densities within the urbanizing areas of the County. This paper summarizes the changes to be made to the Manual and describes the technical and political processes utilized to address conflicting concerns of the County, the development community and the general public.

Subject Headings: Water quality | Stormwater management | Quality control | Water resources | Surface water | Water supply | Water policy | United States | Pacific Northwest | Washington

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