Clean Water Commission presents annual report to Clark County Council; highlights Vancouver Lake work, phosphorus filters and Lower Salmon Creek plan

On June 4, 2025, the Clark County Clean Water Commission presented its annual report and 2025 work plan to the Clark County Council, saying revenue from a recent clean water rate study will fund projects ranging from phosphorus‑removing cartridges in stormwater vaults to a targeted stormwater management action plan for Lower Salmon Creek.

Devin Rostffer, Clean Water Division manager in Public Works, told councilors the Vancouver Lake phase 2 management planning effort "is wrapping up now and is expected to conclude and be submitted to Department of Ecology, by June 30." He said the county included funding in its rate study to hire a lakes and watershed coordinator and to provide ongoing cost recovery for phosphorus‑removal cartridges and lake work.

The advisory Clean Water Commission, a nine‑member panel that reviews permitting, stormwater treatment improvements, water‑quality monitoring and public outreach, emphasized three near‑term priorities: implementing the recent rate study, finishing the Vancouver Lake work, and advancing a stormwater management action plan required under the county's NPDES permit. "I think and foremost is the, the clean water rate study that resulted in a significant change to the clean water rates," said Ted Gaethje, chair of the commission, thanking councilors and staff for the effort.

Why this matters: Commission members said the rate increase created capacity to buy newer technologies and expand programs the county has lacked funding for.…