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- Clover Creek Water Quality Retrofit #1
Clover Creek Water Quality Retrofit #1
About the Project
The goal of this project is to improve water quality of the Clover Creek watershed, an area of approximately 120 acres in Parkland.Stormwater collected from this watershed currently discharges to Clover Creek via an outfall, located near the intersection of C Street South and Tule Lake Road. During rain events, the outfall discharges untreated stormwater to Clover creek. The Department of Ecology has also identified that this portion of Clover Creek is low in dissolved oxygen and high in water temperatures and bacteria levels.
To help address these issues, Pierce County plans to install and upgrade stormwater treatment measures across the watershed that is tributary to this outfall—essentially spreading the volume of stormwater from one outfall to a network of sub-basins. By doing so, stormwater pollutants can be filtered more effectively and efficiently, and the clean, treated water will be able to infiltrate into groundwater and then re-enter the creek.
Why this project matters
Low levels of dissolved oxygen are primarily caused by high water temperature and decomposing algae and plants in the water. Water temperature can also increase from removal of streamside vegetation, eroding stream banks and polluted runoff.
Fecal coliform, a type of bacteria commonly found in waste from humans, dogs, and livestock, poses a health risk for humans and animals who are exposed to high concentration levels.
Because fish and other aquatic life need cold, clean water to survive, Pierce County is committed to implementing a solution that supports healthy water in our community.
Project Status
This is the first of three projects that Pierce County has planned to improve Clover Creek’s water quality.
We are currently developing the preliminary designs for this project. The final design and permitting phases are expected to begin later this year.
Timeline
Project Development & Initiation | 2021 - 2022 |
Preliminary Design Phase | 2022 |
Final Design and Permitting | 2022 - 2023 |
Construction | 2023 - 2024 |
Background
Clover Creek starts near Frederickson and empties into Lake Steilacoom. The approximately 14-mile creek flows through Spanaway, Parkland, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, and Lakewood.
The Department of Ecology has been monitoring water quality issues along the C Street Corridor since the 1990s. By studying samples collected from Clover Creek, they have identified low levels of dissolved oxygen, warm water temperatures, and high levels of fecal coliform bacteria.
Additional background information related to this project is available on the Washington State Department of Ecology’s website.
Funding
- Surface Water Management Fund
- Flood Control Zone District Opportunity Fund
What you can do
Polluted runoff can be a serious health risk and significant environmental threat to our rivers, lakes and streams. Each time it rains, pollutants such as oil, antifreeze, fertilizer, pesticides, soap and animal waste are washed into storm drains and ditches, which typically drain directly to a local water body, or into the ground without treatment. Learn moreProtect streamside plants and leave woody debris in the stream. | |
Wash your car at a professional car wash. | |
Use compost and mulch instead of pesticides and fertilizers in your yard. | |
Scoop, bag and toss your pet’s waste in a trash can. |