Performance Measures - 2006 Archive
Related Information
Wastewater Solid Waste Stormwater
Facility/Permit Compliance
About this measure: This is one of DNRP's highest priority measures, as it shows how DNRP facilities and operations are performing across an array of regulated activities. The performance requirement for transfer stations, landfills, storm and wastewater facilities are complex and important.
DNRP documents the degree regulatory requirements are met or exceeded through a variety of mechanisms, including treatment plant effluents sampling, air emissions monitoring, and on-site inspections and audits. To serve various programs, DNRP has environmental research scientists on staff and maintains an award winning water quality laboratory for analytical support.
Wastewater Treatment Division (WTD)
WTD facility compliance (NPDES Permits)
About this measure: This measure addresses compliance with National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit limits for the county's major regional wastewater treatment plants.
2006 results: 100 percent compliance with NPDES permits for the West Point and South treatment plants
2006 target: 100 percent
Influencing factors: The Washington State Department of Ecology issued new NPDES permits to both plants in 2004. South Plant's limits remained the same while West Point's limits included more stringent requirements and some technical reporting changes.
Strategy going forward: All WTD sections contribute strategies to ensure success in NPDES compliance, such as: performing preventive maintenance, providing employees with training and tools, developing asset management plans for major equipment maintenance, and many other coordinated NPDES compliance efforts across the division.
Solid Waste Division (SWD)
SWD compliance with Public Health - Seattle & King County regulations
About this Measure: Percent of Health Department inspection reports that do not result in a notice of violation for solid waste facilities.
2006 results: 100 percent
Influencing factors: Good results were achieved through efficient operation and maintenance of facilities.
Strategy going forward: Efficient operation and maintenance will continue in 2007.
Graph showing Solid Waste facility compliance with Health Department requirements
SWD compliance with stormwater
About this measure: Percent of stormwater inspections that meet NPDES criteria.
2006 results: 100 percent
Influencing factors: In 2006, staff assignments were reprioritized to better complete inspections. In addition, the Houghton ball field contractor increased its responsiveness in installing and maintaining surface water controls.
Strategy going forward: In 2007, staff will continue to complete inspections in the most efficient manner to ensure a timely response. There are also some planned capital improvements at the Cedar Hills Regional Landfill for 2007 that will improve stormwater quality.
SWD compliance with air quality
About this measure: Percent of air samples taken demonstrating that no landfill gas is released at Cedar Hills through the landfill surface.
2006 results: 100 percent
Influencing factors: Good results were achieved through efficient operation of the landfill gas system and maintenance of the landfill cover system.
Strategy going forward: Efficient operation and maintenance will continue in 2007. In addition, five new vertical gas wells will be installed in 2007 to collect additional landfill gas which will lower the gas pressure and reduce the chance of leaks.
Water and Land Resources Division (WLRD)
WLRD surface water management permit compliance
2006 results: 100 percent compliance
About this measure: The Washington State Department of Ecology is responsible for administering NPDES permit to ensure compliance with the federal Clean Water Act. Permit negotiations are used with jurisdictions to address the negative impacts of surface or stormwater flows on natural resources. This measure gauges compliance with 16 permit requirements.
Influencing factors: The more developed an area becomes the faster rain or surface waters flow into creeks, streams and rivers. These surface waters carry pollutants that eventually enter water bodies. Both increased flows and dirty water can cause damage to natural habitats, affect water temperature and its chemical composition which can negatively affect fish and wildlife populations.
Strategy going forward: King County's permit for stormwater discharges expired at the end of 2006, and, new permit requirements have been issued in 2007. Requirements are more stringent and compliance with many components are being held to specific timelines. Beginning in 2008, King County will track its compliance in a more detailed manner.
16 Requirements for compliance with SWM NPDES permit:
- Comprehensive Planning Process
- Needs and Prioritization
- Legal Authority
- Monitoring
- Fiscal Analysis
- Background Information
- Watershed-Wide Coordination
- New Development, Redevelopment and Construction Site Runoff
- Control of Runoff from Exiting Residential and Commercial Development
- Operation and Maintenance of Municipal Stormwater Systems
- Operation and Maintenance of Roads and Highways
- Consideration of Water Quality in Flood Management Projects
- Reduction of Water Pollution from Pesticides, Herbicides and Fertilizers
- Illicit Discharges
- Industrial Stormwater Pollution Reduction
- Public Education
Technical Notes
For definitions and more detail.
