Achieving Higher Stormwater Standards

Covington is a young city that experienced a lot of growth in its short existence. The city is working to bring old infrastructure systems up to date, while planning for future growth.

Covington is one of approximately 100 cities required to obtain the NPDES Phase II permits. To prepare for the permits, the city took proactive steps. They:

• Conducted a downstream study with the help of a Department of Ecology grant;
• Adjusted user fees to cover anticipated costs; and
• Established hookup fees so future residential and commercial development offsets stormwater capital costs.

Even after taking these calculated steps, the city will still encounter financial shortfalls in complying with the NPDES Phase II permit.

"It will take 25 years to get through our list of projects. Covington is committed to high-quality and high-functioning stormwater management systems. However, we can only satisfy immediate expectations with capital funding help." ~Glen Akramoff,

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