# Stormwater Center Partnership Aims for Puget Sound Restoration

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/05/stormwater-center-partnership-aims-for-puget-sound-restoration/
- Published: 2011-05-27T02:41:02-04:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

## 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](https://greenlivingguy.com/2018/03/big-canyon-creek-restoration-improves-water-quality-wins-acec-award-in-california/)
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.”

![Group of stakeholders gathered around a landscaped area discussing the washington
stormwater center and green infrastructure partnership](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.
com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/IMG_6261.webp?resize=400%2C300&quality=50&ssl=1 "
IMG_6261 - The Green Living Guy")

Stakeholders gather at the Washington Stormwater Center to discuss innovative green
infrastructure solutions

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.”

![A group of stakeholders gathered by a stream standing on rocks focused on a ceremony
or discussion related to stormwater management and environmental initiatives](https://
i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/IMG_6260.webp?resize=400%
2C300&quality=50&ssl=1 "IMG_6260 - The Green Living Guy")

Stakeholders gathered at a stream during the dedication event for the Washington
Stormwater Center emphasizing community engagement in ecological initiatives

The event also formally announced the creation of the Washington Stormwater Center,
an innovative initiative aimed at addressing the pressing [challenges of urban water](https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/03/celebrating-world-water-day-bluewater-and-11th-hour-racing-announce-one-million-dollar-2nd-annual-urban-water-challenge/)
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](https://greenlivingguy.com/2022/09/the-surveyors-roles-in-developing-a-sustainable-society/)
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](https://greenlivingguy.com/2018/09/urban-land-institutes-center-for-sustainability-and-economic-performance-launches-resilient-design-website/)
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](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/05/epa-launches-new-strategy-to-promote-use-of-green-infrastructure-for-environmental-and-economic-benefits/)
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/](http://www.wsunews.wsu.edu/)

Environmental Protection Agency

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 The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living
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