New Skagit Regional Source Control Inspection Program to Launch January 2023

Skagit_County_Logo
PRESS RELEASE
December 7, 2022
Contact
Jason Quigley
jasonq@co.skagit.wa.us
360-416-1400

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

New Skagit Regional Source Control Inspection Program to Launch January 2023

Skagit County, Mount Vernon, Burlington, and Sedro-Woolley have formed the Skagit Regional Source Control Inspection Program, a group aiming to reduce stormwater pollution from businesses in the region. The goal of this program is to work with businesses to identify sources of pollution, then offer workable solutions.

This program was formed under state and federal laws that require cities and counties to inspect businesses for possible sources of pollution. These same laws require businesses to manage and dispose of waste properly.

“Every business has a responsibility to practice good housekeeping and keep pollution out of our environment,” said Jason Quigley, Stormwater Permit Program Coordinator for Skagit County. “It’s our responsibility to help them do that.”

Beginning in January 2023, a source control inspector will visit private and public businesses, institutions, and industrial sites to conduct an inspection. Please note that businesses will receive notification with details by letter, email, or phone prior to an inspection. These inspections will aim to be unintrusive. Business owners are not required to be present for the process but are encouraged to participate.

The inspector will look for things like leaky vehicles, poorly maintained dumpsters and wastewater sent down storm drains. Because most stormwater pollution originates outdoors, the inspections will take place outside of buildings. If the inspector finds that a business may be inadvertently polluting, they will work with the business owner to implement practices to fix the problem.

“We’re pleased to be able to partner with our neighboring agencies on this program,” said Blaine Chesterfield, Engineering Manager for Mount Vernon’s Surface Water Division. “Sharing our resources means that we can each meet the Washington State Department of Ecology’s requirements while delivering a program at the lowest cost to our taxpayers.”

Find more information about the Skagit Regional Source Control Inspection Program online at www.skagitcounty.net/sourcecontrol. For questions or more details, please contact Jason Quigley at jasonq@co.skagit.wa.us or (360) 416-1400.

###