Groundwater Protection - Rules for New Development
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) Chapters 18.32.200 through 18.32.240, which outlines specific requirements for the protection of Drinking Water (Wellhead) Protection Areas, which are designated Critical Areas. Uses and activities that are prohibited in these areas are listed in OMC 18.32.215. Areas outside of the City limits also have these requirements; contact that jurisdiction for more information.
Checklist for Applicants:
Applicants for new developments within Olympia city limits should first check to see if their property lies within a Drinking Water (Wellhead) Protection Area. Go to our Protection Areas page to see maps of Drinking Water Protection Areas. Drinking Water Protection Areas within the city limits include Allison Springs, Kaiser Road, Shana Park, Hoffman Road, and Briggs. Groundwater Protection program staff have developed a checklist for new development that describes the Olympia Municipal Code requirements.
Minimum Mitigation Standards
Every application for a non-exempt development permit within a drinking water (wellhead) protection area is required to meet these minimum standards in order to prevent contamination from pollution. See details under OMC 18.32.225.
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A hazardous materials management (spill) plan if the project will be using, storing, handling or disposing of hazardous materials. See minimum quantity thresholds for this requirement and detailed elements of the spill plan under OMC
18.32.235.
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Landscaping and irrigation plans which include the following:
a. Restrictions on the use of highly water soluble fertilizers. Please refer to
Thurston County's Spill Plans fact sheet for guidance on meeting this requirement.
b. Total turf area of the project limited to 25% of the regulated landscaped area. All other plantings are required to be using native and/or drought tolerant plants. See
Thurston County’s Common Sense Gardening Plant List for plant options.
c. Irrigation systems designed and managed to maximize efficient use of water, with an irrigation consultation required at the time of system installation. See our printer-friendly
Irrigation System Checklist for guidance on meeting this requirement.
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A well inventory report that identifies existing wells and decommissioning procedures if needed.
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A grant to the city for access to provide outreach, informational materials, and to ensure compliance with these requirements. This grant of access shall be included in the Stormwater Operations and Maintenance Agreement and the Conditions, Covenants, and Restrictions for the project.
Dedicated Groundwater Monitoring Well
This may be required in situations where infiltration of storm water is proposed, or where other groundwater contamination risks or monitoring needs are identified. View the printer-friendly (PDF) plans and specifications for dedicated groundwater monitoring wells as outlined in the Engineering Design and Development Standards (EDDS), available online.
Hydrogeological Reports
If the city determines that risks from the project activity are not well known, a hydrogeological report will be required. 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.
Outside City Limits
Land within our Drinking Water (Wellhead) Protection Areas that falls outside the Olympia City limits is covered under either Thurston County or City of Lacey Codes.
Contact Us
Contact staff members Victoria DeCillo at 360.753.8463 or Liz Hoenig at 360.753.8152, or send an e-mail.
Contacting Public Works: