Stormwater – rain and snowmelt that flows off roofs, pavement and packed soils, and collects pollutants along the way – is ranked as the top source of toxic pollution to Puget Sound and to the region’s rivers and streams.

King County’s ongoing commitment to protecting public health and improving environmental conditions in streams, rivers, lakes and Puget Sound includes managing the amount and quality of stormwater runoff.

The County’s Water and Land Resources Division is reviewing and updating King County’s stormwater management program for 2014, and the public is encouraged to review and comment on its development and implementation. Public comment on the draft 2014 Stormwater Management Program document will be accepted through April 30.

Public participation in the stormwater management program update can be done online, where visitors will find a link to a series of short videos describing stormwater management issues, as well as an interactive online survey and many supporting documents.

The draft program update describes actions that King County is taking to avoid, reduce and repair damage caused by the amount and quality of stormwater runoff in unincorporated areas.

The program meets the requirements of the Washington State Department of Ecology’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Phase I Municipal Stormwater Permit for King County.

Following public review, updated stormwater management program documents will be submitted to the Washington State Department of Ecology by May 31.

Citizens are invited to share their thoughts after reviewing the online documents and materials. Send comments via email to stormwater@kingcounty.gov, or through the U.S. mail to the Stormwater Management Team, King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks, 201 S. Jackson St., Suite 600, Seattle, WA, 98104.

The County encourages public feedback on its stormwater program year-round, and comments can be submitted to the addresses above.