WAC 400-12-500   Overview.  (1) Nonpoint pollution comes from a large number of sources that vary in size and impact on water quality. Degradation of a waterbody results from the cumulative effect of pollutants from these sources. High risk and sensitive areas are particularly vulnerable to nonpoint pollution. The watershed action plan shall describe a coordinated program of effective actions to be implemented to prevent and abate nonpoint pollution within the watershed. This is to be accomplished through local watershed programs that define priority nonpoint pollution problems and identify appropriate means to maintain or improve water quality and protect beneficial uses.

     (2) Action plans shall be developed in four phases:

     (a) In phase 1, current conditions are assessed, risks and threats to beneficial uses are identified, priority problems are defined and goals and objectives are developed;

     (b) In phase 2, the nonpoint pollution control strategy is prepared, consisting of a combination of voluntary, educational, and regulatory approaches to controlling the identified sources of the problem pollutants, and based on feasibility, likelihood of success and cost;

     (c) In phase 3, the implementation strategy is developed, including milestones, financing, and monitoring; and

     (d) In phase 4, the public hearing is held, statements of concurrence are solicited and submitted, and the action plan, including materials developed in phases 1, 2 and 3, is reviewed and submitted to the department for its approval.

     (3) Each phase requires public involvement and consultation with implementing entities and agencies. Watershed management committees may obtain technical assistance during all four phases. Action plans may vary in content depending on water quality problems identified in the watershed, and on the feasibility and likelihood of success of various control strategies. Implementing entities are strongly encouraged to become involved early in the action planning process, and to continue and augment their ongoing efforts during plan development to prevent and correct nonpoint pollution.



[Statutory Authority: Chapter 90.70 RCW. 91-22-096, § 400-12-500, filed 11/6/91, effective 12/7/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 90.70.055 and 90.70.060. 88-06-053 (Order 88-01), § 400-12-500, filed 3/2/88.]