Known for its 50 public parks, golf courses and gorgeous skyline, Pierce County has been taking important steps to ensure that its environment remain healthy in years to come. This work has been paying off, and recently received national recognition.
The Public Works and Utilities Surface Water Management division (SWM) “Raise the Grade” project was started in 2008 to track and rate stream and lake health in Pierce County. This data is then used to allocate county resources and projects, such as correcting sources of pollution and conduct public outreach. The health of watersheds in Pierce County has shown overall improvement since the project began in 2008.
In recognition of its work the SWM was awarded the 2013 National Environmental Achievement Award for Innovation in Operations by the National Association of Clean Water Agencies.
Pierce County is home to a thriving clean water industry cluster, consisting of groups such as the University of Washington Tacoma, Parametrix and CH2M Hill. The City of Tacoma is also home to the Center for Urban Waters, a research and business hub for water remediation.
Tags: Center for Urban Waters, environmental remediation, Pierce County, Tacoma, water
