What does the Surface Water Utility Fee Pay For?

The City of Mill Creek’s Surface Water Utility operates under a permit called the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) municipal stormwater permit.  The NPDES permit is based on the Federal Clean Water Act.  The permit was originated to limit the pollutants leaving the City limits.  The fee you pay us is part of the financing that supports the permit requirements.  Responsibilities of the utility include improving maintenance and operation activities, addressing watershed issues and illicit discharges, capital improvements, developing and enforcing better development standards and performing education and outreach.

To learn more about the cities NPDES permit visit the NPDES Ecology Permit web page.

 

 

Is Stormwater Runoff a Problem in Our Area?

Yes.  Stormwater runoff starts as rainwater that flows over the land into ponds, wetlands, streams, and eventually the Sammamish River and Lake Washington.  Before the environment was disturbed by development, abundant trees and other vegetation helped to control this runoff.  The forests slowed down the rate that rain hit the ground, and unpaved land with plants and established root networks were able to absorb most of the runoff.  This natural system prevented erosion and cleaned the rainwater through ground infiltration.

 

Today, Mill Creek is quite different.  When houses, streets, shopping centers, and businesses are built, natural soil and plants are replaced by hard or impervious surfaces, such as asphalt and pavement.  When rain falls on these hard surfaces, it cannot soak into the ground, so it quickly becomes runoff.  The runoff ultimately drains into Mill Creek’s streams, increasing the water levels and washing debris, chemicals, and other kinds of pollutants into the area’s streams.  Sediment from sources such as these can ruin spawning habitat for the fish that reproduce in our streams. 

 

Does Stormwater Runoff Affect Water Quality?

Yes.  Hard surfaces like rooftops, streets, and paved parking lots turn rain into fast-flowing stormwater runoff, which erode stream banks and deposit sediment into streams.  Sediment from sources such as these can ruin spawning habitat for the fish that reproduce in the streams.

 

Water quality is also harmed by various pesticides, animal droppings, motor oils, heavy metals, and other pollutants that are carried as part of the runoff from paved and urban areas.  Fish are harmed by the lack of shade over streams, which is needed to keep the water cool.  The combination of sediment and other pollutants in stormwater runoff poses a real threat to Mill Creek’s streams and ponds.  The City was required by the Environmental Protection Agency to obtain a National Pollutant Discharge and Elimination System (NPDES) permit from the Washington State Department of Ecology to prevent these types of water quality problems from stormwater runoff. 

 

What Specific Environmental Resources are Threatened?

Many valuable natural resources in Mill Creek are in danger of harm from stormwater runoff.  North Creek, Nickel Creek, Penny Creek, and Mill Creek, are all located in the City limits and contain Cutthroat trout, Sockeye, Coho, and Chinook salmon.  Chinook salmon are on the endangered list and Sockeye salmon is listed as threatened.  The wetlands in Mill Creek are home to wildlife and provide a natural method of improving water quality.  Unless steps are taken now, these and other environmental resources may be seriously damaged and a higher cost will be required to restore them.

 

The City of Mill Creek Surface Water Utility is working on protecting these valuable resources.  This program contains recommendations, ordinances, and resolutions that enable the City to solve problems and establish a framework to comply with new regulations. 

 

 

What Can I Do To Help?

To protect Mill Creek’s natural resources, your help is absolutely necessary.  Taking an interest in our local streams is the first step toward preserving them.  By making a personal commitment, you can make a difference.  Some ways you can make a difference is;

 

Properly dispose of litter, pet waste, leaves and debris.  If disposed of improperly, stormwater will carry these pollutants directly to streams.  Leaves and debris are not allowed into the storm drain system because they add more nutrients into the stream.

 

• Consider gardening naturally.  Use organic fertilizers, compost, and slow release lawn and garden chemicals.  Use only the amount suggested by the manufacturer.  When using these chemicals do not allow excess to spread onto hard paved surfaces; sidewalks or roads.   
• Dispose of household chemicals properly.
• Clean up hazardous spills immediately.
• Wash your car on a grassy or unpaved surface to allow soap and water to sink into the ground, or better yet, take your car to a professional car wash to be cleaned. 
• Visit the Pollution Prevention Topics web page to learn more on how to become a good environmental steward.