Why is transportation Seattle Public Utilities’ stormwater management priority land use activity?
Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is responsible for managing stormwater runoff (quantity and quality) within the city service area. Street runoff is of particular concern to the City because the public right-of-way makes up approximately 26 percent of Seattle’s total land area and street runoff contains pollutants from cars, lawns, and business. Key sources of pollutants from roadways include: Vehicle exhaust emissions are complex and contain a very large number of organic and inorganic compounds. In terms of the road corridor, it is the particulate component of the emissions that are of importance. The particulates from diesel fueled vehicles are important contributors of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Friction linings (brake pads) are an important source of a number of inorganic compounds, in particular copper and antimony. Friction linings also contain a number of organic compounds. Tires are an important source of zinc to the road corridor. Tires also contain a range of org
