TagStormwater(385)

Email dated October 29, 1998 from Tom Luster to Lisa Zinner (Washington State Department of Ecology) requesting review of a draft 3-page memo summarizing 401/stormwater water quality issues that arose during the SeaTac airport review and a WQ Program/SEA Program meeting. Luster describes it as his ‘401-biased’ view and requests confidential review, asking Zinner not

A 1998 fax from Parametrix, Inc. to the Port of Seattle discusses water quality concerns related to copper in stormwater runoff at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. The document outlines that while standard Best Management Practices (BMPs) can remove most metals from stormwater, copper remains a persistent challenge due to its widespread presence from sources like automobile brakes and rooftops. It raises questions about compliance requirements, the cost of installing sand or compost filters (potentially up to $100 million), and how the Port and Washington State Department of Ecology can reach a workable agreement on stormwater discharge standards.

In a September 28, 1998 letter from the Port of Seattle to the Washington Department of Ecology, the Port provides a status update on stormwater management efforts at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, covering detention, treatment, copper loading, and first flush analysis. The letter outlines proposed delivery dates for required reports and explains the complexity of treating stormwater runoff, including challenges related to mandatory FAA-regulated de-icing and anti-icing chemicals used on runways. It also addresses the status of ongoing wetland delineations and water rights reviews connected to the airport's planned third runway construction.

Report prepared by Woodward-Clyde in association with UCLA and Psomas & Associates for the Santa Monica Cities Consortium, City of Santa Monica Engineering Department, Project No. 9653001F-6000, dated September 24, 1998. Evaluates potential catchbasin retrofits for the Santa Monica Bay Area Municipal Storm Water/Urban Runoff Pilot Project. Describes stormwater sampling at inlets to four catchbasins

A 1998 internal email from Washington State Department of Ecology staff raises concerns that standard stormwater Best Management Practices (BMPs) may not provide sufficient water quality treatment to meet state and federal Clean Water Act standards for projects requiring 401 Water Quality Certification. The author warns that issuing 401 certifications while knowingly allowing water quality criteria to go unmet would be legally indefensible, and calls for updated policy guidance, better technical assistance, and clearer requirements for applicants. The email proposes that projects involving waters of the state be held to stricter stormwater treatment standards than upland projects not requiring a 401 certification.

A 1998 internal email exchange between Washington State environmental officials discusses an urgent regulatory problem that arose during the SeaTac Airport project: stormwater Best Management Practices (BMPs) were found to be inadequate to meet Water Quality Standards, meaning 401 water quality permits could not legally be issued. The Attorney General's office confirmed that 401 permits cannot be granted when stormwater BMPs fail to meet standards at the discharge point, affecting most permit decisions at the time. Officials urged that the issue be added to the agenda of a September 17, 1998 Stormwater Coordination meeting to begin resolving how to handle 401 permits when stormwater concerns arise.

King County, Washington Surface Water Design Manual, September 1998 draft, published by the King County Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Water and Land Resources Division (WLRD). Implements King County Adopted Ordinances 13189, 13190, and 13191, effective September 1, 1998. Draft rules pending approval by the King County Executive Ron Sims. Document AR031748/AR031749/AR031750. Contributors include staff

This August 1998 email exchange between Ken Ludwa and Doug Henderson of Parametrix, Inc. discusses technical procedures for collecting stormwater samples at the Port of Seattle for metals and toxicity testing. Ludwa asks about required sample volumes, filtration timing, bottle preparation, and transfer procedures when using an autosampler during a storm event. Henderson advises that bioassays require 1 gallon and metals testing requires 2 liters, and provides guidance on sample chilling, glassware cleaning, and handling precautions.

A 1998 internal email from Ken Ludwa to Sabina Renn requests a literature search on best management practices (BMPs) for removing copper from stormwater, associated with a Port of Seattle project. The email provides an extensive list of search keywords covering filtration, chemical treatment, and various water-treatment technologies such as ion exchange, electrodialysis, and reverse osmosis. It also asks the library to locate two EPA publications on drinking water treatment for small communities.

A July 1998 draft report prepared by Parametrix, Inc. for the Port of Seattle outlines a Stormwater Quality Management Plan for Sea-Tac International Airport's Master Plan improvements, including the proposed Third Runway. The plan documents why the Port chose bioswales over other Best Management Practice (BMP) alternatives, such as underground vaults, for managing stormwater runoff quality. The document was shared internally via email between Parametrix engineer Ken Ludwa and Jim Thomson for review and comment.