Bart’s blog and an action alert for stormwater
Former DTE blogger and current Spokane Riverkeeper Bart Mihailovich has a new blog about his experiences and observations on the river and it is an invaluable resource for readers to stay attuned to Spokane River issues. Fittingly enough, it's called The Living River. I look forward to the development of the site and will frequently link to his posts because he's one of the best in the region. Aww. 
Image courtesy of Center For Justice.
Below is one post that is of particular importance since the Department Of Ecology will reissue three stormwater permits and there’s a public workshop or “listening session” at the Shadle Library (W. 2111 Wellesley Ave) from 1:00 to 4:00 tomorrow. Check it out:
The Washington State Department of Ecology will reissue three Municipal Stormwater General Permits that expire in 2012, and as it stands now, eastern Washington will not have to meet the same standards as western Washington.
Here is your chance to speak up for equal state-wide standards to ensure polluted stormwater is being dealt with in the most effective way.
The Washington Department of Ecology will be in Spokane Wednesday inviting feedback about the upcoming update to municipal stormwater permits. You are encouraged to attend and speak up for low impact development (LID) requirements that would go a long way in decreasing polluted stormwater, which is the number one threat to clean water in Spokane and all of Washington state.
Wednesday’s public workshop or “listening session” will be held at the Shadle Library (W. 2111 Wellesley Ave) from 1:00 to 4:00. The public is welcome to attend and listen to Ecology’s presentation, as well as submit comments about why it’s important for the city of Spokane to adopt LID stormwater management requirements for new development.
Simply put, LID stormwater management is modeled after nature by using design techniques that infiltrate, filter, store, evaporate, and detain runoff close to its source. Stormwater management should not be seen as stormwater disposal. Instead of conveying and managing / treating stormwater in large, costly end-of-pipe facilities located at the bottom of drainage areas, LID addresses stormwater through small, cost-effective landscape features located at the lot level.
LID development not only protects clean water, but it is cheaper to build than traditional stormwater technology. It makes our neighborhoods more livable, creates jobs, reduces flooding, cleans up the Spokane River and increase property values. It’s a win-win for our communities.
As it stands now, the permits ignore fast-growing smaller cities and also our own city, the second largest city in the state. Covering all areas with a single protective standard avoids patchwork and confusing regulation. Consider attending this session and urging Ecology to adopt LID standards for Spokane.
