Under the provisions of the Federal Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq., Pierce County is required to establish rules and regulations to control the discharge of pollutants into Pierce County's separate storm sewer system and to prevent and control the impacts of runoff. The County recognizes that clean water enhances the quality of life and has long-term economic benefits. The County intends to protect environmentally-sensitive areas, and the public benefits derived from clean water, and to implement the goals of the Clean Water Act, the state Water Pollution Control Act (Chapter 90.48 RCW), the Puget Sound Water Quality Protection Act (Chapter 90.71 RCW), the Growth Management Act (Chapter 36.70A RCW), and the County's Comprehensive Plan. Because water quality issues cannot be resolved by independent jurisdictions, the County Council requests that the County Executive work on these issues on a regional basis. The County also recognizes that by enacting this Chapter, the County will avoid the severe financial penalties established in the Clean Water Act.