The city of Bellevue is seeking public comment on the draft 2012 Storm and Surface Water System Plan through March 7.

The result of months of policy review and evaluation of the city’s storm and surface water system, the draft plan provides a road map for maintenance of the system and will help the city meet federal, state and regional regulations. The plan is intended for Bellevue residents, business owners, city staff, developers and other interested parties.

An update of Bellevue’s 1994 Comprehensive Drainage Plan, the plan has been drafted to address major changes in the intervening 18 years, including:

• Issuance of a municipal stormwater discharge permit in 2007;

• City participation in regional efforts for salmon recovery; and

• Launching of an environmental stewardship initiative by the city.

There are several ways to submit comments:

• Email comments or download a comment form, fill it out and email it to Utilities engineer Brian Ward at bward@bellevuewa.gov or mail it to Bellevue City Hall; or

• Attend an open house just prior to the Environmental Services Commission meeting at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 1 at City Hall, 450 110th Ave. NE, Rm. 1E-112. Submit written comments or speak during oral communications at the beginning or end of the meeting. City staff will be available to discuss the Storm and Surface Water System Plan and answer questions.

Printed copies of the draft plan are also available at City Hall and in the reference section of the Bellevue Library (1111 110th Ave. NE).

The public can also submit comments regarding the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) review and determination for the Storm and Surface Water System Plan, which will be issued in late February. SEPA provides a way to identify possible environmental impacts that may result from governmental decisions.