The purpose of this Chapter is to protect Pierce County's surface and ground water quality by providing minimum requirements for reducing and controlling the discharge of pollutants to stormwater conveyance systems owned and maintained by Pierce County. The County recognizes that water quality degradation can result either directly from one discharge or through the collective impact of many small discharges. Therefore, this Chapter prohibits the discharge of pollutants into drainage facilities and outlines preventive measures to restrict pollutants from entering such facilities. These measures include the implementation of Best Management Practices (BMPs) by the property owners of Pierce County.

The County finds this Chapter is necessary to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the residents of Pierce County and the integrity of the County's water resources for the benefit of all by: minimizing or eliminating water quality degradation; preserving and enhancing the suitability of waters for recreation, fishing, and other beneficial uses; and preserving and enhancing the aesthetic quality and biotic integrity of the water.

Implementation of this Chapter is required under the Federal Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq. In meeting the intent of the Clean Water Act by these provisions, the County also recognizes the importance of maintaining economic viability while providing necessary environmental protection.