The following is a release from King County:

Every year, King County updates its work plan for addressing stormwater runoff, drainage issues and water pollution problems and shares the information in a Stormwater Management Program Plan, which is now available for review and comment.

To review and comment, go to kingcounty.gov/stormwater. Comments on the draft plan are welcome through March 16. King County responds to and includes all public comments in the updated plan that is submitted to the Washington State Department of Ecology.

County stormwater management employees assess their work program each year based on new science or practices. Programs include how old pipes and treatment systems can be modernized and replaced, and how impacts from stormwater flows can be reduced.

This year’s focus includes addressing the effects of stormwater flows on natural water systems, and determining what data are needed as part of watershed-scale stormwater planning.

Rain is the backdrop to the Pacific Northwest and development and history have transformed how quickly rain moves across King County’s landscapes. The annual plan connects our individual actions and their consequences for our waters. Personal practices like fertilizing our yards or driving cars that leak can pollute water.

Altering the environment – from tree removal, to filling wetlands, changing stream beds, and building roads and homes, parking lots and other hard surfaces – have changed the speed and amount of runoff and water quality. The use of low impact or green development, adding ponds, swales and vaults can address those impacts to the Puget Sound.

Be a part of protecting water resources: Comment on the plan, attend a Natural Yard Care workshop, and fix car leaks. Find out more at kingcounty.gov/beinggreen.