SURFACE WATER UTILITY
The City of Sedro-Woolley is required to obtain coverage under Western Washington Phase II Municipal Stormwater Permit from the State Department of Ecology because it operates a regulated small municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) that discharges stormwater to the surface waters of Washington State. Construction and other pollution types of runoff are a prime concern. For example, once industrial sources of pollution were controlled scientists and lawmakers discovered how much pollution is generated from average Americans during their everyday activities.
Water is a universal solvent so when it rains, runoff washes contaminants that lie on rooftops, gardens and sidewalks into our streams and rivers via the storm sewer system. Many of these contaminants, from cigarettes to pet waste to slug poison, end up as water pollution. Pollution runoff such as oils and metals from cars, fertilizers and pesticides from lawns, soaps from car washes and pet waste are major contributors to water quality degradation to lakes, streams, wetlands, groundwater serving water wells, and Puget Sound.
Stormwater, also called surface water, is separate from that which enters the sanitary sewer and is treated by the City's Wastewater Treatment Plant. Water that flows down driveways and streets into a gutter goes into a storm drain which eventually discharges directly to the Skagit River or to Brickyard Creek then Harts Slough and then into the Skagit River. Eventually, water reaches Puget Sound. Fisheries has identified salmon actually spawning in Brickyard Creek depending on the years flood.
The purpose of the storm drain system is to prevent flooding by conveying rain water away from buildings, roads and other places we don’t want to flood. Because storm drains convey water to surrounding bays, City ordinance prohibits anything other than uncontaminated rain water from entering the storm drain system.
Never pour anything into a gutter, street or storm drain. Should you notice a storm drain requiring maintenance or anything that might negatively impact the storm drain system - please contact the City's Public Works Department at (360) 855-0771. City staff understands the need for confidentiality so calls can be anonymous. However, please provide as much detail as possible about the spill or illegal activity including the date, time, location and description. In addition, a description of the polluter will be helpful.
The City has also partnered with Skagit Conservation District for public outreach and education opportunities. Additional information can be found at the district's website (www.skagitcd.org) or 428-4313.
Please do your part to protect our waterways
REPORT SPILLS OR ILLICIT DISCHARGES DIRECTLY TO STAFF
BY CALLING (360) 855-0771
An After Hours Voice Message System will allow you to record a message or if the severity warrants, direct you to call 911.
Emergency
or Non-Emergency police dispatch
dial 911
Report spills or illicit discharges into the stormwater system directly to City staff by calling
(360) 855-0771
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