Learn about, comment on Tacoma's Stormwater Management Program Tacoma's Stormwater Management Program is being updated for 2010, and the City is seeking public comment on the changes. The Stormwater Management Program is the planning document that guides storm drainage system operations of the City through 2010 to protect our local surface waters from the pollutants carried by stormwater. The Stormwater Management Program is a permit requirement under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Municipal Stormwater Permit. This permit, a requirement of the federal Clean Water Act, is developed and managed by the state Department of Ecology. The 2010 program update addresses the following changes to the City's program: * NPDES Municipal Stormwater Permit modifications that were issued by Ecology June 17, 2009 * Work accomplished by Ecology in 2008 and 2009 to meet the permit requirements and deadlines * Program effectiveness evaluation If you would like to review and comment, please plan to attend one of the two following public meetings where City staff will present changes to the program, and be available to answer questions. The draft is available online at www.cityoftacoma.org/surfacewater<http://www.cityoftacoma.org/surfacewater>. * When: 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. or 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday, March 11, 2010 * Where: Central Treatment Plant Visitor Center, 2201 Portland Ave., Tacoma. Enter at Main Gate 3 and follow signs to the CTP Visitor Center at the south end of the plant, in the same building as the TAGRO Office. Download a map and directions at www.cityoftacoma.org/surfacewater<http://www.cityoftacoma.org/surfacewater>. If you are unable to attend a public meeting, you may submit written comments by no later than 5 p.m. Friday, March 19, via: * E-mail: shansen2@cityoftacoma.org<mailto:shansen2@cityoftacoma.org> * Mail: Community Relations, c/o Alicia Lawver, 733 Market St., Room 11, Tacoma WA 98402 * Fax: (253) 591-5788, Attn: Alicia Lawver Tacoma's stormwater runoff flows directly - untreated - to local rivers, lakes, streams, Commencement Bay and eventually Puget Sound. Please take this opportunity to participate in protecting and restoring Tacoma's valuable surface water resources. Puget Sound Starts Here! Let's keep it clean! For more information ... About the City's Surface Water utility: www.cityoftacoma.org/surfacewater<http://www.cityoftacoma.org/surfacewater> About stormwater pollution prevention: www.pugetsoundstartshere.org<http://www.pugetsoundstartshere.org>