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, Annual Report 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 water for some industrial tenants, marine vessels, irrigation and fire protection. It also provides drinking water for some port employee office buildings. 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, including through its annual Consumer Confidence Report. Titled the Drinking Water Quality Report, the document has consistently confirmed that the port conducts water quality monitoring in compliance with state and federal health standards for drinking water (see below). For copies of all previous reports, please click the archive page below.

PFAS

Learning about PFAS

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, are an emerging issue for water systems throughout Southwest Washington and across the country. The port is proactively testing and reporting PFAS levels. For more information about the port’s efforts on this issue, click here.