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. Commissioners and staff noted that nutrient loads — particularly phosphorus — are a driver of harmful algal blooms that have closed beaches and reduced recreational use of lakes in the county.

Key elements the commission described: - Phosphorus‑removal cartridges: Commissioners described new filter cartridges that capture phosphorus in stormwater vaults. Glenn Dwille, vice chair, called the cartridges "a huge improvement" and said the county has budgeted for their purchase and replacement as part of the rate study assumptions. An attendee reported a homeowners association example where cartridges had required replacement "once in a 10 year interval" depending on local load. - Vancouver Lake management: The commission held a symposium and has a phase 2 management plan funded initially by legislative provisos and local partners, according to Rostffer. He said the phase 2 work looked at short‑term treatments such as milfoil and algaecide application and longer‑term solutions to improve flushing; the submission to the Washington Department of Ecology is expected by June 30. Rostffer said county staff are meeting with state and local partners to decide next steps after a governor's veto of a related proviso. - Stormwater management action plan (Lower Salmon Creek): The commission said Ecology's permit requires the county to prioritize limited resources where they will produce the largest ecological lift. The county selected the Lower Salmon Creek watershed, citing rapid urbanization and remaining habitat value. Commissioners said the plan will include implementation milestones, metrics and enforcement elements aimed at illicit discharges and sediment controls. - Code and manual updates: Rostffer told councilors the county is required by the Department of Ecology to update its stormwater code and manual; staff expect to bring code changes to the planning commission and council in 2026. The county will also seek to make phosphorus cartridges required in specified drainages. - Community engagement and equity: The commission plans targeted outreach to overburdened and disadvantaged communities, and to expand partnerships with community‑based organizations; commissioners noted the county permit cycle requires documented public involvement and identification of disadvantaged populations. - Septic systems and coordination with public health: Commissioners highlighted malfunctioning and aging septic systems as contributors to phosphorus and nonpoint source pollution, and said collaboration with the Department of Health is needed. They noted that shifting from septic to sewer is expensive and long‑term; interim steps include inspections and homeowner assistance.

Funding and risks: Rostffer said the rate study included an ongoing $100,000 per year line item intended for lake management work, and the county plans a 2026 budget change request to authorize spending that amount. Commissioners cautioned that grants and one‑time legislative provisos carry risks and recommended the commission help "daylight" funding vulnerabilities so staff can seek council direction if capital projects are jeopardized.

Symposia, tours and monitoring: The commission reported continuing its symposium series — the next symposium, on nonpoint source pollution, is set for Oct. 28 — and conducting field tours and monitoring work. Gaethje and other commissioners emphasized the value of in‑field tours and hands‑on demonstrations for councilors and the public.

Council reaction and next steps: Council members praised the commission's work and raised questions about dredging, long‑term governance and enforcement. Councilor Belcott asked about recent conversations with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on dredging; county staff said the focus remains on the flushing channel and conceptual design alternatives rather than full‑lake dredging, and noted dredging estimates previously discussed were significantly higher than alternatives such as bridge or culvert work. Chair Marshall commended the commission's rate work and said the council will monitor funding and code updates. Rostffer said staff and the commission will return with code proposals, and that staff will follow up on technical questions such as whether cartridges generate microplastics.

This work session did not include formal council votes; commissioners requested council guidance on priorities for 2025 and offered to assist with outreach, technical advice and oversight of rate study implementation.