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- What is Stormwater?
Stormwater is rainfall, snowmelt, or any precipitation, that is not absorbed into the soil. It runs off rooftops, over sidewalks, down street curbs and across parking lots, eventually entering our local streams, Woodin and Mill Creeks.
Stormwater run-off is highly regulated by the Washington State Department of Ecology (ECY).
The city's stormwater drainage system is the managed infrastructure that collects, detains and treats stormwater run-off.
Stormwater drainage utility rates were established in 2000 to provide revenue to meet ongoing and expanding ECY / NPDES (National Pollution Discharge Elimination System) requirements for managing stormwater run-off. View the many components of the system below and the city's NPDES report.
Publicly Owned Stormwater Facilities
The city owns and is responsible for maintaining over 90 stormwater facilities, like the pond pictured above. Maintenance, conducted 2 to 4 times a year on each facility, includes litter pick-up, mowing, weed eating and tree removal.
Inspection of Privately Owned Facilities
As required by the WA Department of Ecology (ECY), the city inspects all private stormwater facilities (like the swale pictured above - there are about 100 in the city) and works with property owners to ensure the facilities are in compliance with ECY regulations.
Catch Basins & Curb Inlets
There are over 2,600 catch basins and curb inlets within the city's stormwater drainage system. Per current ECY requirements, each one is inspected every 2 years.
Infrastructure Design & Construction
The City is responsible for the design and construction of the stormwater infrastructure. Like sewer and water infrastructure, most components are located below the surface. There are over 31 miles of conveyance pipe and culverts.
Erosion Control
The city regularly conducts inspections to ensure that erosion control practices are appropriate and in compliance with ECY regulations.
Stormwater Facility Maintenance
Aging stormwater facilities may require reconstruction (removing trees and silt and replanting grasses) in order to provide the elements necessary to filter and treat water before it is released into our waterways.
Investigating Illicit Discharge
Illicit discharge is the release of contaminants into the stormwater system. The city is required to investigate and report incidents involving illicit discharge.
Comprehensive Planning for Stormwater Management
During the 2019-2024 Permit cycle, the City will delineate basin boundaries and catchments (sub-boundaries) and prioritize basins in need of protection. The City will develop short and long term plans to address impairments and develop a proposed implementation schedule and budget for at least one high priority basin.
Source Control Program (Business Inspections)
During the 2019-2024 Permit cycle, the City will adopt an ordinance requiring application of source control best management practices, develop an inventory of businesses and inspect 20% of the businesses annually.
Stormwater Outfalls
There are over 190 outfalls into creeks and wetland that the City is required to map and inspect. 12% of the outfalls are inspected annually.
Municipal Stormwater System Mapping
The City has an ongoing program for mapping stormwater catch basins, manholes, storm facilities and pipes.
Monitoring and Assessment
The City annually pays into funds for regional status and trends monitoring, effectiveness monitoring and source ID studies.
Residents and businesses play an important role in protecting our streams and rivers. See our Stormwater Education page for information on how everyday activities affect our surrounding waterways and the steps you can take to minimize harmful impacts.
Engineering Staff
Phone: 360-342-5070
Fax: 360-342-5049
Battle Ground City Hall
109 SW 1st Street, Suite 122
Battle Ground, WA 98604
Counter Hours
Mon-Wed-Fri: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tues & Thu: 8:00 am - 1:00 pm
Water Leak or Sewer Emergency (24/7)
Call: 360-342-5370
Report Stormwater Pollution
Call: 360-342-5070
Before you Dig!
Call: 8-1-1