The City of Bremerton (City) owns and operates an extensive system of drainage pipes, treatment facilities, and other assets that convey and treat stormwater runoff. This infrastructure prevents damage to private property and public infrastructure from flooding and helps to protect water quality and wildlife habitat. This Stormwater Comprehensive Plan (SWCP) describes how the City will maintain  stormwater infrastructure and the related management activities, while also balancing rates and the financial resources available to the City. The Plan describes the City’s stormwater infrastructure system, natural environment, regulatory context, financial status, and management plan for the City’s Stormwater Utility (Utility). The SWCP covers actions and requirements for the six-year period 2022 through 2027.

The Utility provides the citizens of Bremerton and surrounding community with stormwater collection, conveyance, flood control, and water quality treatment services in compliance with federal, state, and local regulatory requirements. To provide these services, an adequate and stable funding program is required. In 1994, the City established a Stormwater Utility and stormwater rate structure. Rates and general facility charges (GFCs) are adopted by ordinance annually to support the Utility’s needs and maintain level of service. The financial summary presented in this SWCP reflects the City’s current Stormwater Utility rates, which were approved in November 2022.

Regulatory Requirements and NPDES Stormwater Permit

Compliance with stormwater related regulations is a central responsibility of the Utility. The City’s stormwater program must comply with the Western Washington Phase II Municipal NPDES Stormwater Permit (SW Permit) issued by the Department of Ecology (Ecology), the City-wide Comprehensive Plan and a variety of federal, state, and local regulations designed to protect both human health and the environment. The Utility is in a strong position to manage and mitigate the impacts of these regulations through proactive management and early adoption of practices recommended or required by state and federal regulations.

The SW Permit is the primary driver of the Utility’s stormwater program. For example, the SW Permit requires approximately 3,300 facility inspections per year. The City must annually demonstrate compliance with the SW Permit through written reporting of status in 11 primary areas:

• Stormwater planning
• Public education and outreach
• Public involvement and participation
• Municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) mapping and documentation
• Illicit discharge detection and elimination (IDDE)
• Controlling runoff from new development, redevelopment, and construction sites
• Operations and maintenance
• Source control program for existing development
• Compliance with TMDL requirements
• Monitoring and assessment
• Reporting

We invite you to review and welcome comments on the plan and areas related to the Stormwater Program. Please email your comments to Chance Berthiaume by May 20th, 2023 to give us time to address the comments.