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CAG adds pesticide and impervious-surface language to stormwater policy; staff to align policy with MPDES permit
Summary
Clark County advisory members revised Goal 16, Policy 3 to emphasize climate-resilient nature‑based approaches, to promote nontoxic pesticides and to minimize impervious surfaces; staff said implementation will be routed through the county’s stormwater program and permit.
Members of the Clark County Community Advisory Group reviewed a rewritten Goal 16, Policy 3 on stormwater and watershed resilience and approved staff’s revised language April 7. The rewrite aimed to modernize earlier county policy text and to call out specific priorities the CAG had raised.
Key changes: The revised policy calls for a comprehensive, climate‑resilient approach to stormwater that includes nature‑based techniques for streambank and watershed restoration, education and incentives for water‑wise landscaping, and strategic land acquisition for conservation. During discussion CAG members proposed two specific additions that staff subsequently included in the policy: 1) language promoting and prioritizing the use of nontoxic pesticides and fertilizers to improve water quality, and 2) language about minimizing the amount of impervious area created by development.
Staff note on implementation: County staff explained the principal implementation tool for stormwater issues is the county’s stormwater permit and associated manual (MPDES/permit guidance). Staff said the county’s authorities around water rights are limited and that many measures to support streamflows focus on infiltration, conservation, and land‑use techniques. Staff committed to coordinating with the stormwater team to align policy language with the permit and existing programs.
Why it matters: The edits bridge climate resilience goals with on-the-ground stormwater management; adding pesticide and impervious-surface language signals stronger direction for water‑quality outcomes and for how new development should be designed.
Decision and follow up: The CAG approved the revised policy with the two additions; one member recorded an abstention. Staff will include the revised policy in the draft climate chapter and will work with the stormwater program on implementation planning and drafting any related code or guidance.
