Thurston County Storm and Surface Water Utility

Storm and Surface Water Utility Rate Credits

Thurston County's rate credit program offers a way for schools and businesses to save money on their stormwater fees. This pilot project will last through 2012.

Educational Services Credit

Qualified schools that keep stormwater facilities in good repair and teach their students about water-related issues may be eligible for the educational services credit.

The application process is simple. A stormwater-facility inspector will visit the school to ensure the existing stormwater system works properly, including catch basins and stormwater ponds. Once the school gets the go-ahead, it need only submit a few simple forms on an annual basis, verifying that the school offers relevant curriculum. Qualifying schools may receive a credit for up to 40% of their base stormwater fees. Schools that participate in the South Sound GREEN program, the Nisqually River Education Project, or the Chehalis Basin Education Consortium may qualify for an additional 10% reduction.

Click here for a PDF that describes the program.

Click here for an application form in Microsoft Word (click here for a PDF instead).

Click here to find templates for required supporting documents. See related items at bottom of the page.

Commercial Business Fee Credits

Under this portion of the credit program, businesses may receive credit ranging from 25% to 50% of their base stormwater fees if they:

•  Regularly maintain their stormwater systems and submit an annual maintenance report; and/or
• Use Best Management Practices to protect water quality by reducing impervious surfaces and by enhancing water quality treatment (ie, by having a stormwater drainage system that helps remove stormwater pollution). A higher percentage of credit is awarded to businesses that receive third-party cerification/verification of their Best Management Practices. Examples of "third parties" include an Approved Conservation Plan by the Thurston Conservation District; Salmon-Safe certification by Salmon-Safe Inc; Sustainable Forestry by the Forest Stewardship Council; and Green Building Certification.

Click here for a PDF that describes the program.

Click here for an application form in Microsoft Word (click here for a PDF instead).

Click here for a letter inviting businesses to apply for a rate credit.

Click here to find templates for required supporting documents. See related items at bottom of the page.

 

Return to main rates page.

 

Contact Us

 Staff contact: Rich Doenges: (360) 754-4106. E-mail: doenger@co.thurston.wa.us.