Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department recently published two Health Impact Assessments (HIAs) that evaluate the potential health effects of City of Tacoma policies.
HIAs inform decision-makers and the public of the potential health outcomes—both beneficial and harmful—of a proposed project, policy, or program. They provide recommendations to increase potential benefits and reduce potential harm.
The City of Tacoma contracted with the Health Department to conduct HIAs on the South Tacoma Groundwater Protection District (STGPD) code update and the Tideflats Subarea Plan. The HIAs are resources for our community. They can be used to learn more about our neighborhoods, environmental health, and how our local policies and regulations can affect our health.
“We’re really excited to be a part of this planning,” said Director of Public Health, Chantell Harmon Reed. “We heard the community when they said they wanted to elevate health as a part of these plans. HIAs are part of a national movement to address health in all policies and make sure that we center health in critical decision making.”
The groundwater that lies beneath Tacoma and much of Pierce County is a significant source of drinking water for the City of Tacoma. It can supply up to 50% of the City’s water demand during the summer. This area is a center for manufacturing and other heavy industry. The STGPD was established in 1988 to protect the City’s groundwater from contamination. Businesses within the STGPD must meet standards for the handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous substances. Restrictions exist for certain high impact land uses.
Tacoma City Council updated the STGPD code on Sept. 9 and used many of the recommendations from the HIA.
The Tideflats Subarea Plan will create a long-term vision and coordinated approach for development, environmental review, and strategic capital investments in Tacoma’s Tideflats. The Tideflats is a regional hub for heavy industry and manufacturing. This area is also the Puyallup River’s natural estuary. The Tideflats Subarea Plan will become an element of the City’s larger Comprehensive Plan and could result in changes to the City’s Land Use Regulatory Code, Zoning Districts, Shoreline Master Program, and Capital Facilities Program. Tacoma City Council is currently reviewing the draft Plan, and will adopt a final Plan this fall.
The City of Tacoma will hold a public hearing on the draft Tideflats Subarea Plan on Tuesday, Oct. 28 at 5:30 p.m. You can attend the hearing in-person at Tacoma Municipal Meeting or virtually.
Questions? Email hia@tpchd.org.