Managing Runoff from Existing Development

Stormwater Management for Existing Development is a new section of the Permit. Strategic investments focus on reducing stormwater impacts and improving stormwater management in previously developed areas of the City . This helps prevent water quality degradation and improve conditions in waters harmed by past development.

Stormwater investments are focused on retrofits identified through our Stormwater Management Action Plan (SMAP) or as otherwise planned by our jurisdiction. Each year the City pursues one water quality grant from the Department of Ecology. In 2026, Olympia will prioritize one water quality project, to receive grant funding.

What we’re doing:

• Green Stormwater Retrofit at Rogers and Hays is on Ecology’s Final Funding Offer list eligible for $759,220. This project will treat stormwater from 16 acres. Project designs are 90% complete, construction is anticipated Summer of 2026 or 2027 pending grant funding.
• Brawne Avenue Stormwater Retrofit Project is designed to remove 50% to 80% of the suspended solids from stormwater coming from a 59-acre basin in West Olympia. Suspended solids include trash, pet waste, tire and brake dust, and microplastics that currently go into Budd Inlet. The project is funded by a grant from the Department of Ecology and from stormwater utility fees. Construction is scheduled for early September through mid-October 2025.