Citizens Encouraged to Report Water Pollution

(Port Orchard, WA)-Kitsap County citizens can now report water pollution concerns, including spills into the storm drains, to Kitsap 1 (360) 337-5777. The County, in partnership with the Cities of Poulsbo, Port Orchard, Bremerton and Bainbridge Island, has established a hotline for people to report stormwater pollution. All of us can improve water quality by cleaning up spills when they happen, and reporting dumping into storm drains and waterways.

Why is it important to report stormwater pollution?
Rain picks up pollutants left on the ground, and washes them into the stormwater system and waterways. Storm drains are designed to reduce potential flooding of streets and properties when it rains, but, unlike the sewer system, storm drains are not connected to treatment plants.

It is important that stormwater runoff is clean because it drains with little or no treatment into our creeks, bays and eventually Puget Sound.

What should people report?
If you see someone pouring something into a ditch, storm drain or creek, call the hotline.

Report spills of:

• paint
• gasoline
• oil
• chemicals
•  muddy runoff
•  sewage
•  suds
• yard waste
•  trash

How can people report water pollution?
The water pollution hotline is (360) 337-5777. Kitsap 1 staff will answer calls between 8:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. People can leave a message if calling after hours. At your request, you may remain anonymous.

Call 911 if there is an imminent threat to human health or the environment, such as large chemical or oil spills or sewage overflows.

What happens after the hotline call?
The incident will be investigated, or referred to the proper agency, such as the Kitsap County Health District. Follow-up actions include educating the responsible party, clean up or possibly fines.

Mindy Fohn, Kitsap County’s Water Quality Manager, says “We are not focused on issuing fines, but want to help people understand that preventing polluted runoff is one important way to help clean up Puget Sound. If you see something, say something.”

Advertising the Water Pollution Hotline
Kitsap County and the Cities are informing the public about the water pollution hotline in a variety of ways:

• WasteWise newsletter -- mailed to every household in Kitsap
• Magnets -- to be distributed to businesses and residents
•  Print and web advertisements in local newspapers
• On Kitsap County vehicles -- vehicle graphics or magnets placed on street sweepers, vactor trucks, inspectors' vehicles
• More info on SSWM's web site

Additional Information
The SSWM Program promotes and protects public health, safety and welfare by establishing a comprehensive, sustainable approach to surface and stormwater management.

To see examples of water pollution problems and solutions, or for more information about the Surface and Stormwater Management program, visit www.kitsapgov.com/sswm.
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Additional Links:

Kitsap County Surface and Stormwater Management Program

Puget Sound Starts Here" information