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South Tacoma Groundwater Protection District

The South Tacoma groundwater aquifer supplies up to 40% of Tacoma’s total water demand during peak summer months, making it a critical resource for the city. Historically, the aquifer has faced significant risks of contamination due to spills, leaks, and improper disposal of hazardous substances by local industries. To mitigate these threats, the City of Tacoma established the South Tacoma Groundwater Protection District (STGPD) in 1988. The South Tacoma Groundwater Protection District is an overlay zone designed to protect the aquifer by regulating the handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials within the area that recharges the aquifer. It also imposes additional restrictions on high-impact land uses that could further jeopardize the aquifer’s quality or quantity. These measures aim to safeguard public health, ensure a reliable water supply for future generations, and protect the city from the financial and environmental consequences of groundwater degradation.

Contact

Maryam Moeinian
Senior Planner
MMoeinian@tacoma.gov

Adam Nolan
Senior Planner
ANolan@tacoma.gov

South Tacoma Groundwater Protection District (STGPD) – Code Updates 

Upcoming Planning Commission Public Hearing: May 21, 2025, at 6 PM

The Planning Commission will hold a hybrid (virtual/in-person) public hearing on the STGPD Code Update on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at 6 PM. The proposed amendments include sections of TMC Title 13, specifically pertaining to sections of the code regarding the STGPD and landscaping/tree canopy-related code. The proposed amendments are detailed in the public review document below:

How to attend the Public Hearing and provide comments:
  • In Person: Council Chambers, 1st Floor of the Tacoma Municipal Building, 747 Market Street
  • Virtually: www.zoom.us/j/84416624153
  • Dial In: +1 253 215 8782; Webinar ID: 844 1662 4153
How to submit written comments:
  • Email: Planning@cityoftacoma.org
  • Mail: Planning Commission, 747 Market Street Room 345, Tacoma, WA 98402
  • The deadline for written comments is Friday, May 23, 2025, at 5 PM.
Community Informational Meeting (In-person)
  • Date/Time: May 15, 2025, 6:00 – 7:30 PM
  • Location: STAR Center, 3873 S 66th St, Tacoma, WA 98409

The purpose of this meeting is to provide information on the code update and how to provide comments during the Planning Commission public hearing comment period.

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STGPD Code Update Process Timeline

In March 2021, the South Tacoma Neighborhood Council (STNC) submitted an application to the Planning Commission for consideration during the 2022 Annual Amendment process. After careful consideration, the Planning Commission made a determination in July 2021 to move the application forward for technical analysis in two phases—development of a work plan and a comprehensive code review and amendment process in Phase 1, and the establishment of an Economic Green Zone in Phase 2.

In June 2022, the City Council adopted Amended Substitute Resolution No. 40985, approving the Work Plan for the South Tacoma Groundwater Protection District Code Amendments, and directed the Planning Commission to conduct a public process to develop findings of fact and recommendations as to whether a moratorium on heavy industrial uses and storage of hazardous materials within the South Tacoma Groundwater Protection District is warranted.

In March 2023, the City Council adopted a narrowly-focused moratorium on underground storage tanks and metal recycling/auto wrecking facilities in the STGPD to limit the potential impact of these types of activities on groundwater while the City conducts its research, analysis, and code update recommendations for the STGPD. The current six-month moratorium will expire on March 20, 2025.The City Council is expected to approve additional six-month moratoriums as needed to complete the code update process.

The City has partnered with the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department (Health Department) to conduct a Health Impact Assessment as part of the research and analysis for the code update process. The Health Department completed a baseline health assessment in December 2024, and will gather further information and conduct additional community engagement for a final Health Impact Assessment report expected in March 2025.

A draft package of code updates related to the STGPD is expected in Spring 2025, when the Planning Commission will conduct a public comment period. The Planning Commission is then expected to forward its recommendations and draft code updates to the City Council for consideration in April or May 2025. The City Council is expected to adopt the code updates in late Spring or early Summer 2025.

The Current STGPD Program 

While the City is conducting the code review and update process, the current STGPD program is managed by the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department (Health Department), which works in close collaboration with the City of Tacoma and Tacoma Water.

The Health Department regulates businesses and facilities that use or handle hazardous substances (product or waste) over 220 pounds (roughly 35 gallons) and/or have infiltration systems on site. Regulated facilities receive a permit and biennial site inspections from the Health Department. Compliance issues or complaints may trigger additional inspections. Whenever possible, inspections are meant to provide educational and technical assistance to businesses to achieve voluntary compliance.

Why we are Updating the STGPD Code

The Growth Management Act (GMA) requires the designation and protection of “Critical Areas” to prevent harm to the community from natural hazards and to safeguard natural resources. There are five types of critical areas defined by the GMA:

  1. Wetlands
  2. Areas with a critical recharging effect on aquifers used for potable water
  3. Fish and wildlife habitat conservation areas
  4. Frequently flooded areas
  5. Geologically hazardous areas

The functions and values of the Critical Areas must be protected using the best available science (BAS). The Critical Areas Ordinances must be evaluated and revised as needed every ten years.

One such area is the STGPD, which is designated as a Critical Aquifer Recharge Area (CARA).

The City of Tacoma is currently reviewing and updating Tacoma Municipal Code (TMC) 13.06.070 (South Tacoma Groundwater Protection District) and 13.11.800 (Aquifer Recharge Areas). This review is part of state’s mandatory code evaluation and aligns with the work plan adopted by Substitute Resolution No. 40985, which was later updated by the Planning Commission on December 20, 2023.

Partners and Related Plans

Below is the list of different agencies and their roles in managing, monitoring, and implementing the STGPD program.

Agency Roles and Responsibilities
Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department • Regulates and Inspects businesses with hazardous substances on site and infiltration systems meeting certain criteria
Tacoma Water • Maintains wells that access the south Tacoma aquifer
• Conducts water quality testing and compliance
Tacoma Environmental Services • Administers Stormwater Management Program
• Inspects businesses for source control, pollution prevention, stormwater facilities and environmental compliance.
Tacoma Planning and Development Services • Permit authority for land use, building code, site development, critical areas
• Maintains the STGPD regulations
• State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) Lead Agency
Tacoma Fire Department • Administers Fire Code pertaining to hazardous materials; emergency response

The STGPD code review and update is being coordinated across multiple departments and agencies through their ongoing planning initiatives. The following is a summary of these initiatives: