The nation's 'backstop' to managing stormwater impacts to rivers, streams and marine waters is the federal Clean Water Act's National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program. Pierce County, like the other largest Western Washington counties and cities, has been covered under an NPDES Municipal Stormwater permit since 1995; the permit was reissued in 2007. The permit requires the County to have a program consisting of development standards, inspections, maintenance, enforcement, outreach, training, and record keeping to manage stormwater impacts to the ecosystem. Water Quality & Watersheds staff ensures Pierce County's compliance with the permit, administers the permit, and conducts inspections of stormwater facilities, conducts monitoring, provides outreach, and conducts inter and intra jurisdictional coordination required by the permit.

• Pierce County Phase 1 NPDES Permit
• Beck report and Council Performance Audit report
• Annual reports
  - 2007
  - 2008
  - 2009
  - 2010
  - 2011