Managing water quality
The Port of Tacoma is committed to protecting and improving the environment in and around Commencement Bay by cleaning up contaminated land, improving water quality, and reducing air emissions from port operations. We invest in projects that improve the quality of stormwater runoff from Port properties and empower Port tenants to meet environmental requirements and permit obligations.
Stormwater management permits
To meet the requirements of water quality permits, the Port develops innovative techniques to treat industrial stormwater. We use natural site features and small-scale stormwater controls to mimic natural hydraulic patterns to remove pollutants before they reach Commencement Bay.
We also control sources of stormwater pollution by requiring vinyl-covered chain link fences and avoiding the use of uncoated galvanized steel for roofing, siding, gutters and other components that carry stormwater.
Stormwater Management Plan
In compliance with the Washington State Department of Ecology's stormwater permit requirements, our Stormwater Management Plan educates employees and tenants, documents how staff finds and eliminates illicit discharges, maps stormwater conveyance systems, monitors water quality, implements best management practices and treats stormwater where appropriate.
Stormwater Story Map
Documents & Resources
- 2026 Port of Tacoma Stormwater Management Plan
- 2026 Annual Report for the MS4 Permit
- Stormwater Management Compliance Guide for Tenants
- Effluent Curve Template
- Stormwater BMP Playbook
- 2022 Final 2022 OM Manual
- 2015 POT Stormwater Management Guidance Manual
- Tenant Stormwater Information
- Department of Ecology Stormwater Page
- City of Tacoma Environmental Services
- Washington Stormwater Center
- U.S. Coast Guard Ballast Water Management Type Approval Information
- Department of Ecology - EPA Vessel General Permit