Clark County planners review 2026 stormwater code update; phosphorus rules to expand

Clark County planning commissioners heard a presentation May 7 on proposed 2026 updates to the county stormwater code and manual designed to meet the county’s Phase 1 municipal stormwater permit and strengthen protections for water bodies including Vancouver Lake and Lake River. Devin Rostopher, Clean Water Division manager in Public Works, told the commission the draft was released for public review in March and April and that the county must complete the update by the Ecology permit deadline of June 30, 2026, so changes can take effect July 1.

Trista Koblowski, senior stormwater planner at OTEC, walked commissioners through the scope and drivers of the update, saying it responds to Appendix 10 of the permit and to technical and user feedback collected since 2024. "The permit mandates that the county maintain a compliant stormwater code and manual," Koblowski said, and staff aim to "apply best available science" while improving clarity and enforceability.

Koblowski highlighted four substantive changes the county is proposing. First, the draft would limit use of deep underground injection control wells for flow control; "we're proposing to not…