Dave Kokot

Addressing critical materials that could impair aquifer water quality

Dave Kokot, Fire Protection Engineer, No Phone Number Available


Wednesday, January 6, 2016 at 4:54 p.m.

Addressing critical materials that could impair aquifer water quality

Photo by James Petts via Wikimedia Commons

Keeping the Spokane Valley-Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer clean is, of course, a big priority for this region. Recently, several changes have been put forward to update Spokane Municipal Code (SMC) to facilitate that effort.

The code changes regarding Critical Materials containment are proposed for sections in SMC 17A, 17E, and 17G).  A ‘Critical Material' refers to a compound or substance that could result in the impairment of one or more of the beneficial uses of aquifer water and/or impair aquifer water quality. The development of the proposed code language incorporates current best management practices and updates the code while reducing the building permit application burden for many applicants. The fire department, as the code implementer, is given more flexibility while any remaining businesses still grandfathered from thirty years ago would now need to meet the requirements. Proposed changes also include allowing a Critical Review Officer to waive submittals (in Section 050) and revised wording to follow current Wastewater Management practices (in Section 095).

Take a look at all of the proposed code changes and learn more by clicking on the documents below. Have thought about the changes? Feel free to share your ideas in the comments section.

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