Tumwater receives grant to develop plan for reducing pollutants in stormwater runoff

Tumwater has secured a $170,000 grant from the Washington State Department of Ecology, aimed at developing a Nutrient Reduction Enhanced Maintenance Plan to mitigate pollutants in its stormwater system. The grant, which necessitates a $30,000 match from the city, received approval from the Public Works Committee on April 3, 2025. This initiative is critical for reducing nutrient runoff into local water bodies, including the Deschutes River and Budd Inlet, which have been adversely affected by urban runoff. Patrick Soderberg from the Water Resources Department stated that the plan will involve a comprehensive mapping of the city's stormwater conveyance system to identify key runoff sources. Additionally, the plan will assess the effectiveness of the current maintenance program and propose enhancements to further reduce nutrient levels.

The city plans to engage Herrera Environmental Consultants, noted for their successful collaborations on similar projects, to lead this effort. This strategic approach not only addresses immediate environmental concerns but also positions Tumwater to obtain more funding for future initiatives. Ultimately, the project reflects the city’s commitment to improving water quality and environmental stewardship.