Stormwater became a focal point for many islanders after the intense flooding at the Templin Center last September after two inches of rain fell in just one hour. The surge of pooled water happened to coincide with the county’s attempt to update their stormwater plan for the county.

“It’s a problem we are trying to address,”  said John Lenth about how the Eastsound flooding fits into the larger picture of the county’s plan. “There are a series of different problems.”

Lenth is the project manager for the consulting company Herrera that is helping the county with the plan.The updating process has been going on for the last year and culminated with an open house at the Eastsound Fire Hall on Sept. 16.

Lenth, along with other Herrera experts, Orcas Councilman Rick Hughes and Ed Hale, San Juan County stormwater utility manager, gathered for the open house.

The hall was filled with photos, maps and information on white cardboard. Each station described an area that locals have voiced concerns.

“We are asking people who live here what they want,” said Lenth. “We don’t want to make decisions that are counter to the community.”

As of now there are 20 projects Herrara is considering. According to Lenth, the company’s main criteria for getting to the top is “immediate threat to human health and property.”

For instance, on Olga Road there is an inn on an eroding bluff. To fix the problem the nearby creek would be re-directed to slow down the erosion process. The downtown Eastsound area that experienced flooding is also a priority due to pedestrian and business traffic.

The new stormwater plan will not just cover how to safely carry the water away, but also filter out harmful chemicals before the water heads to the sound. For instance placing concrete “faults” with soil that essentially acts as a compost or filter can bind up pollutants.

“We are trying to look toward the future,” said Lenth.

The plan also focuses on how to “convey” the water at a capacity that could handle urban growth in Eastsound.

But for now, Lenth’s goal is to hear from the public about what projects are most important.

Hughes said stormwater plans are most important in central locations like Lopez Village and Eastsound.

“We need to think like a municipality prioritizing curbs, gutters and sidewalks. They are like the foundation of a house so that the rest of the house can be built,” he said.

Lenth hopes to have the projects defined and secure funding by the end of the year. Funding could come from stormwater utility or possible grants.

In the following months, Lenth hopes to hear from more islanders about what is important for the islands.

For Hughes, focusing on stormwater projects county-wide is the key to success

“These are the pieces that lay together to form the whole picture,” said Hughes looking around the room at all projects.