Water Quality

The Port of Vancouver USA’s innovative efforts strive to balance sustainable industrial activity, which keeps our local economies strong, with responsible waterway stewardship.

 Stormwater

The port’s stormwater management program strives to handle stormwater in a manner that demonstrates best management practices. The number and variety of treatment methods utilized at the port are extensive and include stormwater detention ponds, bio-filtration systems, hydrodynamic separation units and filter vaults. 

The port’s stormwater is permitted under two National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits through the Washington State Department of Ecology. First is the Western Washington Phase II Municipal Stormwater permit that covers all stormwater on port property that is served by the port’s municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4). Included in the municipal stormwater permit is the port’s Stormwater Management Program and the port’s Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination (IDDE) policy. The second permit is the Industrial Stormwater General permit that covers approximately 160 acres of marine terminal, including Terminal 2, Terminal 3 and portions of Terminal 4. In addition, qualifying construction projects at the port are permitted under the Construction Stormwater General Permit.

 Drinking Water

The port’s water system provides clean drinking water for some industrial tenants, marine vessels, irrigation and fire protection. Additional water necessary for port operations is provided by the city of Vancouver.

The port informs water users about the quality of our drinking water through an annual Consumer Confidence Report. Titled the Drinking Water Quality Report, the document has consistently confirmed that the port’s water system meets or exceeds state and federal health standards. To review the most recent report, please click on the link above. For copies of all previous reports, please visit the Resources and Reports section of the port’s website.