With Data and Resolve, Tacoma Fights Pollution

As localities all over the country try to deal with this largely ignored element of environmental protection, Tacoma’s approach, a combination of science and sheer doggedness, is being studied by officials from as far away as Brazil, Thailand, Italy and Russia.

The critical tool for the city is data — a detailed, continuing and chemically specific picture of what is in seven outlets that flow into the Foss Waterway and then into the Puget Sound, as well as what is in nearly 30 sediment traps that hold storm water from various parts of the city.

By FELICITY BARRINGER

Full Story: http://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/13/us/with-data-and-resolve-tacoma-fights-pollution.html