Dedication of the Washington Stormwater Center and Green Infrastructure Partnership
Pallyup, Wash. – Today, in Puyallup, stakeholders unveiled the innovative Washington Stormwater Center Partnership and a Green Infrastructure Partnership program. This initiative aims to deliver real solutions for cleaning up stormwater effectively. This newly established center serves as a vital component. It will significantly contribute to achieving the Puget Sound Partnership’s ambitious goal of restoring the Puget Sound by the year 2020. As a result, local communities are poised to benefit from improved water quality and enhanced environmental sustainability. They will actively engage in collaborative efforts to mitigate stormwater impacts through the Stormwater Center Partnership.
“This project really proves what can happen when agencies come together with a single purpose,” said Washington State University President Elson S. Floyd. “Our researchers stand ready to develop the much-needed solutions so vital to the clean-up of our water and of our region.”
The event showcased the formation of a new initiative called the Green Infrastructure Partnership; consequently, it brings together various stakeholders who are committed to sustainable environmental practices. In particular, it is a collaborative group consisting of agencies from the Tacoma and Pierce County region, along with the Puyallup Native Americans. Moreover, all of them share a common goal: enhancing their community’s ecological resilience. Together, they are working tirelessly to address modern challenges associated with water pollution, especially that caused by stormwater runoff, which poses significant threats to local waterways and biodiversity. Furthermore, besides tackling these pressing issues, the partnership aims to implement innovative solutions. Specifically, these include green roofs, permeable pavements, and improved stormwater management practices. Ultimately, such initiatives will not only mitigate pollution but also enhance the quality of life for residents in the area, strengthening the value of the Stormwater Center Partnership.
Partnerships
“Partnerships like this are critical in our effort to restore Puget Sound for future generations,” said Congressman Norm Dicks. “This important collaboration will help us effectively deal with stormwater pollution. It presents us with a unique opportunity to create new jobs here.”
The event also formally announced the creation of the Washington Stormwater Center, an innovative initiative aimed at addressing the pressing challenges of urban water management. This center is a research partnership between Washington State University (WSU) and the University of Washington Tacoma Center for Urban Waters. It combines their expertise to develop sustainable solutions for stormwater issues. By leveraging cutting-edge research methodologies and interdisciplinary collaboration, the center will focus on enhancing water quality. It will reduce pollution and promote community engagement. It will also educate on efficient water use and conservation practices. Ultimately, the Washington Stormwater Center aims to serve as a model for similar collaborations across the region. This aligns with the Stormwater Center Partnership, which will foster a more resilient and sustainable urban environment.
“The green infrastructure work here has earned the national spotlight and serves as a model for other communities,” said EPA Region 10 Administrator Dennis McLerran. “Each individual entity offered stormwater solutions. Collectively, these efforts have made an enormous impact in protecting Clarks Creek and Puget Sound.”
Department of Ecology Grants
Two Department of Ecology grants helped start the Center and its work. Ecology provided $1 million to the universities and their partner, the City of Puyallup, for the Center and its stormwater technology review work. In an earlier grant, Ecology provided $1 million for a low-impact development (LID) research facility at WSU’s Puyallup campus.
“The Washington Stormwater Center is shaping up to be everything the Legislature envisioned and more. Technical assistance can now come from an entity that is not an environmental regulator. We’re forming partnerships, such as the Stormwater Center Partnership, to help us tackle and solve stormwater pollution problems,“ said Washington Department of Ecology Director Ted Sturdevant. “The Center’s role is pivotal in transitioning stormwater management from ‘words on paper’ in permits, to actions on the ground. This helps keep polluted runoff from harming our waters.”
Multi-Agency Approach to the Stormwater Center Partnership and the Green Infrastructure Partnership
Building on the recent success of the Clark Creek project, this collaboration continues to build on the momentum it gained through a multi-agency approach. This approach involved a diverse range of stakeholders, including local governments, community organizations, and environmental experts. Together, they have fostered an environment that encourages innovation and shared resources. This synergy not only enhances the project’s effectiveness but also paves the way for future initiatives. These can replicate this model of cooperation and success, particularly within the framework of the Stormwater Center Partnership. Ultimately, it leads to greater sustainability and community engagement in the region.
“We’re proud of WSU-Puyallup and the exciting new work being done there. We’re very proud of the Clarks Creek Partnership as one of 10 jurisdictions in the nation to be recognized by the EPA in its Green Infrastructure Partnership,” said Puyallup Mayor Kathy Turner. “Small towns like Puyallup can do a lot to save Puget Sound by educating and involving our citizens. The Clarks Creek Initiative is a great example.”
Researchers also offered a hands-on demonstration of how the research is being performed on site. Consequently, it plays a crucial role in addressing the region’s water pollution challenges. Specifically, these challenges stem from stormwater runoff. Moreover, continued work and leadership in this area will help serve as an economic driver. It will produce jobs in the area and offer new innovations in line with the Stormwater Center Partnership. Ultimately, this will result in long-term, sustainable development in a healthy watershed.
Source: http://www.wsunews.wsu.edu/
Environmental Protection Agency
