Municipal Stormwater Permit

The City of Anacortes was issued a Western Washington Phase II Municipal Stormwater Permit by the Washington State Department of Ecology. The permit is a requirement of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program, and authorizes discharge from the City’s storm drain system.

Under the requirements of the permit, the City must develop and implement a Stormwater Management Program (SWMP), which is a set of actions and activities under the permit. The City is also required to develop and annually update a Stormwater Management Program Plan (SWMP Plan). The SWMP Plan is a written document that is available to the public that informs the public of planned SWMP activities for the upcoming calendar year.

The SWMP includes measures related to:

  • Comprehensive Stormwater Planning
  • Public Education and Outreach
  • Public Involvement and Participation
  • Mapping and Documentation
  • Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination
  • Controlling Runoff from New Development, Redevelopment and Construction Sites
  • Municipal Operations and Maintenance
  • Source Control Program for Existing Development

The City of Anacortes SWMP Plan, as well as the annual report, may be found on this page under Reports and Plans.

In compliance with the City's municipal stormwater permit the City has drafted the Fidalgo North Stormwater Management Action Plan to improve water quality in a high priority stormwater catchment area. The Fidalgo North Stormwater Management Action Plan may be found on this page under Reports and Plans.

If you have any questions or comments regarding the City’s SWMP or SWMP Plan, please contact the Public Works Department at (360) 299-1966 or email Diane Hennebert at dianeh@cityofanacortes.org.

The current Municipal Stormwater Permit went into effect on August 1, 2019. Information on permit requirements may be found here. 

National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permits in Washington - click to enlarge

NPDES org chart picture

Reports and Plans

2023 Stormwater Management Program Plan

2022 NPDES Annual Report

Fidalgo North Stormwater Management Action Plan

2022 Skagit Conservation District Stormwater Education Program Report

Other Stormwater Regulations

Construction Stormwater General Permit

Project which disturb one or more acres of land and discharge to surface waters must obtain coverage under the Department of Ecology’s Construction Stormwater General Permit.

Industrial Stormwater General Permit

Some industrial operations must obtain coverage under the Industrial Stormwater General Permit, which regulates stormwater discharges from certain types of industrial sites.

Boatyard General Permit

Facilities which store, maintain, or transport water craft may require coverage under the Boatyard Stormwater General Permit.

Sand and Gravel Stormwater General Permit

Businesses involved in the production, hauling, or storage of sand or gravel materials may require coverage under the Sand and Gravel General Permit.

Other NPDES Permits Issued to the City

Water Treatment Plant General Permit to the Anacortes Water Treatment Plant (Permit #WAG643002)

Municipal NPDES Waste Discharge Permit to the Anacortes Wastewater Treatment Plant (Permit #WA0020257)