In compliance with the City of Tacoma's National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Municipal Stormwater Permit, the City of Tacoma Stormwater Management Program (SWMP) has been updated for 2010 and is available online at www.cityoftacoma.org/surfacewater<http://www.cityoftacoma.org/surfacewater> under QUICK LINKS. This program will guide the storm drainage system operations of the City through the end of this NPDES permit term (2012). The update addresses the following changes in our program: * NPDES Municipal Stormwater Permit modifications that were issued by Ecology June 17, 2009 * Work accomplished in 2008 and 2009 to meet the permit requirements and deadlines * Program effectiveness evaluation You have two opportunities to provide public comment on the City of Tacoma's draft SWMP update. 1) Attend one of two public meetings and provide your comments: When: 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. OR 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday, March 11 Where: Central Wastewater Treatment Plant Visitor Center, 2201 Portland Ave., Tacoma (download a map and directions at www.cityoftacoma.org/surfacewater<http://www.cityoftacoma.org/surfacewater>) 2) Submit your written comments by 5 p.m. Friday, March 19, 2010, via: * E-mail: 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 Please take this opportunity to participate with us in protecting and restoring the valuable surface water resources we share in Tacoma. Remember, Tacoma's stormwater runoff flows directly -- untreated -- to local rivers, lakes, streams, Commencement Bay and eventually Puget Sound. Puget Sound Starts Here, so let's take care of it!