Stormwater Management

What is Stormwater?

Stormwater runoff is water from rain or melting snow that "runs off" across the land instead of seeping into the ground. Generally speaking, stormwater is rain that washes off driveways, parking lots, roads, yards, rooftops, and other hard surfaces. Stormwater runoff is a concern, as it can pollute lakes and streams. Together, the City of Lynden and its residents need to take an active role in keeping our stormwater clean.

What is Stormwater? Tune in here to explore where rainwater goes, how it can become an issue, and what we can do to keep our creeks, rivers, and bays clean.

Tune in to learn about the natural resources that make up the Nooksack River Watershed. Learn tips for maintaining a healthy habitat and clean water for various aquatic species including Pacific Salmon.

What Is the City Doing to Clean up Stormwater?

Lynden's population has grown and we are now required to develop a Stormwater Management Program. This Stormwater Management Program details how we plan to comply with the terms and conditions of our National Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Phase II Permit.

In 2013 the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Washington State Department of Ecology (DOE) identified Lynden, based on size and location, as one of thousands of municipalities in the U.S. requiring an NPDES stormwater permit. Lynden is required to maintain its municipal drainage system, which flows into waters of the United States.

The Lynden Public Works Department provides environmentally sound, efficient and effective management of the City's storm drainage system. This system is comprised of catch basins, curbs, gutters, ditches, man-made channels, pipes, culverts and storm drains. Most of what comes into City storm drains eventually flows into Fishtrap Creek and ultimately into the Nooksack River, both of which are considered waters of the United States.

The City of Lynden's Stormwater Program includes the Following Elements:

Click on links for more information.
  • Stormwater Management Program Development
  • Stormwater Planning
  • Public Education and Outreach
  • Public Involvement and Participation Component
  • Stormwater System (MS4) Mapping and Documentation
  • Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination
  • Controlling Runoff from New Development, Redevelopment, and Construction Sites
  • Operation and Maintenance for Municipal Operations
  • Source Control Program for Existing Development
  • Water Quality Monitoring of Stormwater and Fishtrap Creek
  • Water Quality Monitoring for Nooksack River Total Maximum Daily Load Requirements

Additional Information

What Can You Do for Clean Water?

We can all have a part in preserving and improving the quality of water in our local waterways. Stormwater that runs off properties and into streets travels down storm drains directly to the nearest stream, wetland, lake or pond. The City works to ensure that all waterways remain clean and comply with the Clean Water Act and you can help.

What's the water quality like in different areas of Whatcom County? View the Interactive County-Wide Water Quality Maps to learn more.

Click on the Following Icons to Learn More about Source Control Practices

Pet Waste

Snout of dog peeking towards the screen

Yard Care & Waste

Fall leaves on the ground

Wildlife

Fawn in the Woods

Car Care & Washing

Pink gloved hand covered in suds washing a car
 
 

Click to Learn about Source Control Programs

Stormwater Facility Maintenance & Inspection

Storm Drain grate surrounded with fallen leaves and flowing water

Septic System Maintenance

Septic tank lids in soil

Business Pollution Prevention

Business Pollution Prevention

For additional information and resources, please visit the following sites:

Report Suspected Pollution or Illegal Dumping

The Stormwater Program provides for investigation and resolution of drainage complaints, reported pollution, and flood management. Witness a spill or suspicious discharge? You can choose to remain anonymous. 

To preserve the health of local streams, creeks and rivers, report any suspected water pollution by calling the Public Works Department at:

  • 360-354-3446 during work hours (8 am to 5 pm)
  • 360-815-5755 outside of normal working hours
  • or email anytime 

For hazardous materials spills call 911 and dispatchers will immediately contact the appropriate agencies.

We Want to Hear from You

The City of Lynden is always seeking public involvement on stormwater management issues. Public comments or questions may be sent to the Public Department at Lynden City Hall, 300 4th Street, Lynden, WA or email Mark Sandal.