AC15 State of Washington Department of Ecology
October 4, 2016
Ms. Lori Barlow, AICP
Senior Planner
Community & Economic Development
City of Spokane Valley
11707 East Sprague Avenue, Suite 106
Spokane Valley, WA 99206
Re: Painted Hills PRD, File # SUB-2015-0001, PRD-2015-0001
Dear Ms. Barlow:
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the proposal to subdivide 99.5 acres into 303 parcels for
development to include single-family and multi-family residential, commercial and open space areas
(Proponent: Whipple Consulting Engineers, Inc.). The Department of Ecology (Ecology) has reviewed
the documents and submits the following comments:
Water Resources Program-Herm Spangle (509) 329-3488
Any surface water diversions will require application to the Department of Ecology for a water
right permit.
The water purveyor is responsible for ensuring that the proposed use(s) are within the limitations
of its water rights. If the proposal’s actions are different than the existing water right (source,
purpose, the place of use, or period of use), then it is subject to approval from the Department of
Ecology pursuant to Sections 90.03.380 RCW and 90.44.100 RCW.
According to the Washington State Department of Health Group A regulations, a development is
classified as a Group A water system if there are 15 or more connections or if 25 or more people
will reside in the proposed development. The proposed development may not be classified as a
Group B water system at build out if 25 or more people are being served. It is likely that over 25
people will live in this proposed development. Ecology recommends that the County
coordinate with the Washington State Department of Health on the requirements of a Group A
water system, which will include water conservation requirements, an operator’s certificate, a
water system plan, and other elements.
Please contact Herm Spangle at (509) 329-3488 or via email at herm.spangle@ecy.wa.gov for
more information.
Ms. Lori Barlow, AICP
October 4, 2016
Page 2
Water Quality Program-Shannon Petrisor (509) 329-3610
Proper erosion and sediment control practices must be used on the construction site and adjacent
areas to prevent upland sediments from entering surface water. Local stormwater ordinances will
provide specific requirements. Also refer to the Stormwater Management Manual for Eastern
Washington (http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wq/stormwater/eastern_manual/manual.html).
All ground disturbed by construction activities must be stabilized. When appropriate, use native
vegetation typical of the site.
Any operation which would generate a waste discharge or have the potential to impact the quality
of state waters, must receive specific prior authorization from the Department of Ecology as
provided under Chapter 90.48 RCW, Chapter 173-216 WAC, Chapter 173-220 WAC, Chapter
173-200 WAC and Chapter 173-201A WAC.
All new dry wells and other injection wells must be registered with the Underground Injection
Control program (UIC) at Department of Ecology prior to use and the discharge from the well(s)
must comply with the ground water quality requirement (non-endangerment standard) at the top
of the ground water table. Contact the UIC staff at UIC Program, Department of Ecology, P.O.
Box 47600, Olympia, WA 98504-7600, (360) 407-6143 or go to
http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wq/grndwtr/uic/registration/reg_info.html for registration forms
and further information.
Routine inspections and maintenance of all erosion and sediment control Best Management
Practices (BMPs) are recommended both during and after development of the site.
A Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan for the project site may be required and should be
developed by a qualified person(s). Erosion and sediment control measures in the plan must be
implemented prior to any clearing, grading, or construction. These control measures must be
effective to prevent soil from being carried into surface water by stormwater runoff. Sand, silt,
and soil can damage aquatic habitat and are considered pollutants. The plan must be upgraded as
necessary during the construction period.
Proper disposal of construction debris must be in such a manner that debris cannot enter the
natural stormwater drainage system or cause water quality degradation of surface waters.
Dumpsters and refuse collection containers shall be durable, corrosion resistant, nonabsorbent,
non-leaking, and have close fitting covers. If spillage or leakage does occur, the waste shall be
picked up immediately and returned to the container and the area properly cleaned.
The operator of a construction site that disturbs one acre or more of total land area, and which has
or will have a discharge of stormwater to a surface water or to a storm sewer, must apply for
coverage under Department of Ecology’s Baseline General Permit for Stormwater Discharges
Associated with Construction Activities.
Owners of sites where less than one acre of total land area will be disturbed must also apply if the
construction activity is part of a larger plan of development or sale in which more than one acre
will eventually be disturbed. Discharge of stormwater from such sites without a permit is illegal
and may be subject to enforcement action by the Department of Ecology.
Ms. Lori Barlow, AICP
October 4, 2016
Page 3
If any soil or ground water contamination is known to be on the site, additional information is
needed. The applicant may be required to submit additional studies and reports including, but not
limited to, temporary erosion and sediment control plans, a stormwater pollution prevention plan,
a site map depicting sample locations, a list of known contaminants with concentrations and
depths found and other information about the contaminants.
Application should be made at least 60 days prior to commencement of construction activities. A
permit application and related documents are available online
at: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wq/stormwater/construction; or by contacting the Water
Quality program, Department of Ecology, P.O. Box 47600, Olympia, WA 98504-7600; (360)
407-6401.
State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA)-Terri Costello (509) 329-3550
Ecology’s comments are based upon information submitted for review. As such, they do not
constitute an exhaustive list of the various authorizations that must be obtained or legal
requirements that must be fulfilled in order to carry out the proposed action.
If you have any questions or would like to respond to these comments, please contact the appropriate staff
listed above.
Department of Ecology
Eastern Regional Office
(Ecology File #: 201605172)
cc: Todd R. Whipple, P.E., Whipple Consulting Engineers, Inc.