Snohomish County Seeks Input on Plan to Combat Tire Pollution
EVERETT. Snohomish County Surface Water Management has opened a public comment period regarding a draft proposal designed to mitigate tire dust and other contaminants entering the upper North Creek watershed.
This area covers the northwest portion of Mill Creek and the southeast section of Everett, located west of Silver Lake. Officials intend to apply the 20-year Stormwater Management Action Plan to unincorporated sections of this watershed to address runoff originating from transportation sources, including tire dust.
Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to review the draft and submit feedback through October 30 via snohomishcountywa.gov/6610.
"This plan allows us to apply the latest science and best available information to reduce emerging pollutants like tire-derived chemicals and take meaningful steps toward improving water quality," said Gregg Farris, director of Surface Water Management. "Protecting clean water and the health of our natural environment is top priority."
Tire-wear particles accumulate in watersheds as vehicle tires degrade over time. Chemicals within the rubber subsequently interact with atmospheric ozone to produce 6PPD-quinone, a substance known to be lethal to coho salmon. The county selected the upper North Creek watershed for this initiative due to its proximity to road infrastructure, drainage outflows leading into the creek, and the presence of coho salmon.
Taylor Scott Richmond: 425-339-3046; taylor.richmond@a regional outlet.com; Bluesky: @btayokay.bsky.social