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1. Does the inspection take place outside or inside?

The inspection will focus mostly on outdoor areas however, certain indoor areas will also be inspected.

2. Who needs to be present for a Source Control inspection?

A qualified representative of your business/site. This is usually an owner or manager who has access to and knowledge of your site and operations.

3. How often do inspections take place?

Typically, once every five years. Certain types of businesses/sites presenting greater risks for impacting stormwater may require more frequent inspections. Illicit Discharge Detection & Elimination (IDDE) complaints made against any business/site may also necessitate additional inspections.

4. Are these inspections mandatory?

• Yes. Source Control inspections are mandated by the Department of Ecology’s Western Washington Phase II Stormwater Permit S5.C.8 and PAMC 13.63.275 for all businesses/sites listed in Appendix 8 of the Western Washington Phase II Stormwater Permit.

5. Will my business need to be re-inspected after violations discovered in the initial inspection have been corrected?

Yes. Once violations have been corrected, a follow-up inspection will be scheduled to ensure they have been properly addressed.

6. Will penalties/fines be levied if Source Control violations are discovered during the initial inspection?

No. The goal of Source Control is not to issue fines or penalties, but to work with you to remediate any shortfalls. The program is new to everyone therefore, informing, educating, and providing technical assistance to businesses/sites is our primary objective. 

If Source Control violations are identified during the initial inspection, you will be issued a Notice of Correction along with a timeline to implement those corrections. Repeated refusal to properly address violations or work with City officials, however, may lead to fines and penalties being imposed, per WWAPHII (S5.C.8.iv) and PAMC 13.63.275.

7. How much does Source Control cost?

This is TBD (to be determined). 

8. What is the difference between a Source Control inspection and a Pollution Prevention Assistance (PPA) inspection?

Source Control inspections are mandatory, more extensive, and require more preparation and inspection time. PPA inspections are free, voluntary inspections focusing more closely on hazardous waste labeling, storage, disposal, etc. Both inspections are designed to help businesses/sites reduce their polluting impact to our local waterbodies and environment.