Environmental management
Most of Vancouver’s environmental decisions are
influenced by state and federal regulations, including
the Washington Growth Management Act
(GMA), Shoreline Management Act, (SMA), Water
Pollution Control Act (WPCA and State Environmental
Policy Act; and the federal Clean Water Act
(CWA) Endangered Species Act (ESA), and Clean
Air Acts (CAA).
The GMA requires the City to designate and protect
critical areas: wetlands, fish and wildlife habitat,
aquifers (groundwater), geologically hazardous
areas such as steep slopes, and areas that flood frequently.
The GMA also requires the City to protect
the functions of these areas that are beneficial to
the environment and to public health and safety.
The Shoreline Management Act (SMA) requires
local governments to adopt and implement local
Shoreline Management Programs to protect
various shoreline functions. The Clean Water Act
requires that pollution of lakes, streams and rivers
be controlled so these bodies of water are safe for
swimming and fishing. The Endangered Species Act
(ESA) prohibits harm, including habitat degradation,
to threatened and endangered species. The
Clean Air Acts (CAA) regulate air quality at the
regional level.
Vancouver’s efforts to protect the environment
include acquiring and restoring sensitive areas.
Much of the area adjacent to Burnt Bridge Creek,
in the Vancouver Lake Lowlands, and in the Water