New procedures, responsibilities and costs are likely both for Clallam County and its residents who seek to develop property as the county prepares a storm water management plan.

The Department of Community Development has created a work group of county residents and workers to make storm water management recommendations to the county commissioners. Meetings are open to the public.

John Miller, director of community development, said, "We want to be able to put to good use the volunteer time and energy that members of the stakeholder work group will bring to this process.

"The county has made the commitment to a comprehensive storm water plan and developing ordinances. Reasonable regulatory requirements applied in concert with low-impact development incentives will provide citizens with predictability for future development and the environment with protection that has previously been lacking - some of the results of which may need thoughtful remediation as we move forward."

The county's population is expected to increase by 20,000 in the next 20 years. Development with impervious surfaces will increase storm water runoff, impacting water quality and quantity, habitat, water resources and property.

Water quality could be degraded by higher concentrations of petroleum products, heavy metals, bacteria and sediment. During storm events, increased runoff can cause flooding and erosion hazards.

For more information, contact Clallam County Department of Community Development, 417-2416.



At a glance

Who: Clallam County Stormwater Work Group

When: 6-8 p.m. Thursday, April 8

Where: Room 160, Clallam County Courthouse,

223 E. Fourth St., Port Angeles. Enter on west side.