Burnt Bridge Creek

Water quality issues

Burnt Bridge Creek, in the City of Vancouver, is on our impaired waters list (303d list) for warm water temperatures, bacteria pollution problems, low dissolved oxygen, and pH imbalances. Under the Clean Water Act we are required to develop a cleanup plan for this waterbody.

Keeping the watershed clean is important because because high levels of bacteria pollution can cause illness in people and animals that come into contact with the water. Also, warm water temperatures and low dissolved oxygen create poor conditions for aquatic ecosystems, fish, and wildlife.

What has been done

We have developed a draft Burnt Bridge Creek Advance Restoration Plan (ARP) that explains how we plan to proactively work with local partners to implement best management practices that improve water quality.  

In 2020, Ecology published the Burnt Bridge Creek Source Assessment Report, which identified priority areas to improve water quality. In 2021, we launched the Burnt Bridge Creek Partnership to work collaboratively with community members to develop and implement a plan to achieve clean water. Learn more about the Burnt Bridge Creek Partnership

Feedback wanted on draft plan

The draft Burnt Bridge Creek ARP is now available for review. This cleanup plan addresses bacteria pollution, low dissolved oxygen, pH imbalances, and warm water temperatures in the Burnt Bridge Creek watershed. The draft cleanup plan includes actions needed to clean up the water so that it can meet water quality standards.

We're accepting comments from midnight June 2 until 11:59 p.m. July 2, 2026.

You can submit comments two ways:

• Comment online (preferred)
• Comment by mail (postmarked by July 2, 2026)
  Nathan Woods
  Washington Department of Ecology
  Water Quality Program
  12121 NE 99^th Street, Suite 2100
  Vancouver, WA 98682-2346

Informational meetings

We will be holding one online informational meeting for the draft cleanup plan. During our informational meeting, we'll answer your questions and share information about how we developed the plan and the pollution reduction targets for each source, and we'll explain the pollution correction actions needed. 

The online informational meeting is scheduled for: 

• June 15 at 5:30 p.m.
  Register on Zoom

Next steps

After the public comment period closes, we'll review and respond to all comments. The comments and our responses will be included as an appendix to the report.

Why this matters

Dissolved oxygen — Like people, fish and other aquatic organisms need oxygen to live. Therefore, it's critical to maintain an adequate amount of oxygen in the water. High water temperature or excessive nutrients can cause the water to lose oxygen. Without enough dissolved oxygen, local ecosystems, fishing, and other aquatic life will be negatively affected. 

Fecal coliform is a type of bacteria common in human and animal waste. It can make people sick and cause the closure of shellfish harvesting beds. Bacteria can get into water from improperly functioning wastewater treatment plants and septic systems, and from livestock, pets, and wildlife.

pH measures how acidic or basic something is. pH can affect the solubility of nutrients and metal compounds. Fish and other aquatic species thrive in a narrow range of pH if it is too high or too low it can be harmful for aquatic life. 

Water temperature is important to fish and other aquatic species.Threatened and endangered salmon need cold, clean water to survive. If the water is too warm, the salmon are less able to successfully spawn, and may suffer other health effects. 

What can you do to help?

Reduce stormwater inputs from your lawns and landscape

Residential land stewards can help protect clean water by implementing best management practices (BMPs) that keep fertilizers and herbicides out of stormwater. Stormwater BMPs may include organic lawn care, rain gardens, naturescaping, backyard habitat, and rewilding. Installing native plant gardens helps filter pollutants, increases soil moisture retention, supports pollinators, sequesters carbon and beautifies your land. Neighborhood car washing can also pollute water as many stormwater drains go to streams. Take your vehicle to a contained car wash facility.

Resources to improve your lawns and landscapes:

• Naturescaping
• Rewilding

Inspect and maintain your septic system

Homeowners with septic systems in the Burnt Bridge Creek Watershed can help protect clean water by having your septic system inspected every three years and pumped every five years. If your septic system is failing and needs repair or replacement, there may be resources available to help you. If you are located near public sewer services, you may also be eligible to connect your home to sewer.

To learn more about your options contact:

• Poop Smart Clark
• Clark County Public Health

Plant native trees and shrubs along streams

Planting trees and shrubs on your property can help lower warm water temperatures, which is important for water quality and salmon recovery. Landowners with property located along Burnt Bridge Creek are the highest priorities for riparian restoration. There may be resources available to help plant trees and shrubs on your property. 

To learn more, contact:

• Clark Conservation District
• Clark Public Utilities
• Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership

Pick up after your pet

Pet waste is a major source of bacteria pollution in watersheds. If you own a dog, cat, or other domestic pet, it is important to scoop their poop! Composting or throwing pet waste in the trash can help keep your local streams clean and safe from pollution.

Learn more about best practices for pet waste:

• Poop Smart Clark
• Canines for Clean Water Program

If you see something, say something!

We rely on residents and recreationalists in watersheds to be the “eyes and ears” for our ecosystems. If you observe a water quality concern, you can report an environmental issue online. You may also report an issue by emailing swroerts@ecy.wa.gov or calling 360-460-6300.