Normandy Park City Scene      Spring 2026
24
S
almon are part of who 
we are in the Pacific 
Northwest. They support 
our environment, our economy, 
and Tribal and community 
traditions. But in urban 
areas, salmon face a growing 
challenge: polluted stormwater.
When it rains, water washes 
over roads and highways, 
picking up tiny particles from 
vehicle tires. Scientists have 
discovered that one of the 
chemicals from tire wear can be 
harmful to salmon — especially 
during storms. Even small 
amounts can affect both adult 
and young fish in creeks near 
developed areas.
That’s why the City and its 
partners are taking action.
Focusing on Miller Creek
Miller Creek, which flows through 
our community, is a salmon-bearing 
stream and an important habitat for 
coho salmon and coastal cutthroat 
trout. Over the years, the City has 
worked hard to improve habitat, 
restore stream areas, and support 
salmon recovery.
Working alongside researchers, state 
agencies, and local partners, the City 
helped support detailed water quality 
studies during spring storm events. 
These studies looked at what happens 
in the creek when it rains — how 
water quality changes and how young 
salmon respond.
The findings confirmed that 
stormwater runoff can temporarily 
raise harmful chemical levels in 
the creek during rain events. Young 
Protecting Salmon in Our Community
salmon 
exposed 
to untreated 
stormwater 
during these 
storms experienced 
high mortality 
rates, while fish in 
clean control water 
remained healthy.
While the results 
are sobering, they are 
also empowering — 
because now we know 
more about the problem 
and how to solve it.
Turning Science into 
Solutions
This research 
reinforces the 
importance of:
•	 Investing in stormwater 
treatment and green 
infrastructure
•	 Preventing polluted runoff from 
entering streams
•	 Protecting and restoring 
natural creek corridors
•	 Supporting regional and 
statewide efforts to address tire-
related chemicals at the source
The City continues to partner 
with regional leaders, scientists, 
and community volunteers to 
improve water quality and restore 
habitat. Ongoing monitoring, 
habitat protection, and fish passage 
improvements are all part of a 
long-term commitment to salmon 
recovery.
A Community Effort
Salmon recovery doesn’t happen 
alone. It takes collaboration 
between cities, state and federal 
agencies, Tribal governments, 
nonprofit organizations, schools, 
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