Groundwater Protection - Rules for New Development

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The Groundwater Protection Program works in cooperation with the Community Planning and Development Department to conduct technical reviews of new development occurring within our Wellhead Protection Areas (also known as Drinking Water Protection Areas). 

The City of Olympia has a local regulation, the Olympia Municipal Code (OMC) Chapter 18.32, which outlines specific requirements for the protection of Wellhead Protection Areas, which are designated Critical Areas. Uses and activities that are exempt from this regulation are listed in OMC 18.32.210. Areas outside of the City limits have similar requirements; contact your jurisdiction for more information.  

Checklist for Applicants:  Applicants for new developments in Olympia should first check to see if their property lies within a Wellhead Protection Area. If the property does, and the proposed use is not exempt, a hydrogeological report and Pollution Prevention Plan will be required. Groundwater Protection program staff have developed a checklist for new development that lists and describes the Olympia Municipal Code requirements.

Hydrogeological Reports:  All non-exempt new developments that occur within a Wellhead Protection Area are required to submit a hydrogeological report to the City as part of the application process. This report provides city staff with information on:

  • Geology of the site.
  • Background water quality information.
  • Groundwater elevations, flow direction, and gradient.
  • Surface water locations and recharge potential.
  • Recharge potential of site.
  • Analysis of possible effects on groundwater of the proposed project.

For a detailed list of requirements see OMC 18.32.230.

Pollution Prevention Plan:  In addition to this report, City staff typically require development of a Pollution Prevention Plan for the project. This plan outlines methods of controlling pollutants on site after development is completed. For a detailed list of requirements, see OMC 18.32.235. Some of the items included in the Pollution Prevention Plan are:

  • Specific practices that will occur on site to prevent pollution (known as Best Management Practices).
  • Hazardous materials use, storage and disposal practices.
  • Description of on-site monitoring.
  • Specific methods for implementing the plan, including record keeping and verification of effective implementation.

Outside City Limits:  Land within our Wellhead Protection Areas that falls outside the Olympia City limits is covered under either Thurston County or City of Lacey Code. 

Contact Us: Contact staff members Victoria DeCillo at (360) 753-8463 or Liz Hoenig at (360) 753-8152, or send an e-mail.

Need More Information?  Contact the Public Works office.

Physical Address: 924 7th Ave. SE, Suite A 
Mailing Address:  PO Box 1967, Olympia, WA 98507
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Hours:  Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Phone: (360) 753-8588
Email:  Public Works