FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 31, 2014

MEDIA CONTACT

Gwen Schuler, Media and Communications, gwen.schuler@cityoftacoma.org, (253) 591-5160

CarrieMcCausland, Media and Communications, cmccausland@cityoftacoma.org, (253) 591-2005

April 10 Public Input Opportunity on Stormwater Documents

The City of Tacoma is inviting interested members of the public and construction and development professions to attend a technical workshop on proposed changes to Tacoma’s Stormwater Management Manual, Public Works Design Manual and the City’s municipal code from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, April 10, 2014.

At the workshop Environmental Services staff will take comments and present an overview of draft changes to the City’s Stormwater Management Manual. The City’s Stormwater Management Manual outlinesmitigation measures for new and re-development projects. Many of the proposed changes are designed to encourage low impact development, a stormwater and land use management strategy to minimize impervious surfaces, retain natural plants and decrease stormwater runoff.

Staff will also discuss their process for updating the Tacoma Municipal Code to encourage low impact development, including changes to the Public Works Design Manual. The Public Works DesignManual, last updated in 2004, regulates: street design, wastewater andstormwater systems design, street lighting, traffic signals, channelization, pavement markings and planning and design elements.

The updates are a requirement of the City’s Municipal Stormwater Permit, which is regulated by the Washington State Department of Ecology under the Clean Water Act.  The full Stormwater Management Manual is available at cityoftacoma.org/stormwatermanual.

Environmental Services is hosting the free workshop at the award-winning Center for Urban Waters, 326 East D Street.RSVP to the workshop or submit public comments in writing by April 18, 2014 to swmupdates@cityoftacoma.org.

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