United States Watershed Management Unit Environmental Protection Water Division, Region V Agency Chicago, IL February 1991 vyEPA Institutional Support for Stormwater Management Programs Focus of Stormwater Management: Quantity and Quality Control he hydrologic effects of urbanization have been manifest in the general degradation of water quality, habitat, and aesthetics, increased flooding frequency, and stream erosion. Historically, Stormwater management has primarily focused upon the control of flooding. The 1987 amendments to the Federal Clean Water Act, however, mandate that the role of Stormwater management be expanded to include the protection of water quality. As a result, Stormwater management programs are now being initiated at state and local levels to address both Stormwater quality and quantity issues. Engineering approaches that were once used to prevent flooding are now being re-evaluated with respect to their effectiveness in the preservation of natural stream systems. Stormwater management programs have expanded to involve a multidisciplinary team of engineers, planners, and scientists concerned with water quality, flooding, fisheries, and habitat protection or enhancement. Getting a Stormwater Management Ordinance/Program Started he process of implementing a Stormwater management program requires technical input in defining the magnitude of the problem and possible solutions, a mandate for establishing the authority by which Stormwater can be controlled, and the creation of a funding mechanism to support the implemented program. Figure 1 provides a general overview of the process involved. The following is a brief description of the steps leading to the problem solution: Problem Recognition The first step is to identify the existence and magnitude of existing and/or potential stormwater-related problems. Local municipalities are responsible for the quality and quantity of the runoff leaving their jurisdiction. The impetus to start a program can originate locally with the identification of Stormwater problems, or it can arise out of federal or state legislation mandating Stormwater management. ------- •PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT' PROBLEM RECOGNITION NEEDS ANALYSIS PROGRAM PLANNING" IMPLEMENTATION PROBLEM SOLUTION FUNDING Figure 1.—Surface Water Management Process The existence of stormwater-related problems or legislative requirements leads to a formal recognition by the elected officials and in turn establishes the basis for developing the program. The action taken on the part of the elected officials can include the formal adoption of a policy on stormwater or the passage of ordinances granting the authority needed for the development and funding of a stormwater management program. Needs Assessment The needs assessment serves to establish the scope of the proposed program. It can include a review of existing problems and/or projected future problems, the definition of statutory authority and legal responsibilities, and the identification of jurisdictional boundaries. The needs assessment culminates in a statement of the goals and objectives for the proposed stormwater management program. A recent review of proposed federal requirements concerning stormwater management and the needs of local jurisdictions identified the following goals for an "ideal" stormwater management program designed to address stormwater quality and quantity issues: 1. Protect water quality through the implementation of urban nonpoint source controls and best management practices; 2. Prevent any degradation in.high quality waters; 3. Protect fish and aquatic habitat; 4. Apply consistent regulations and enforcement throughout the region; 5. Control stormwater quantity to the maximum extent necessary to prevent flooding; 6. Promote public education/involvement programs; and 7. Coordinate with other environmental and resource management programs. Program Planning Program planning defines the specific elements needed to meet the goals and objectives of the stormwater management program. Each element needs to be defined in terms of scope, authority, staffing, and funding. The various elements that will be included in a stormwater management program will vary according to the goals of the program and the types of problems the local jurisdiction is facing. The following is a description of specific elements that can be included in an ideal stormwater management program: • Information: Map elements of the stormwater system and water features. Relevant information includes drainage networks, stormwater control facilities, the location and classification of streams and wetlands, the locations of direct industrial discharges and combined sewer outfalls, basin boundaries, jurisdictional boundaries, flood plains, existing and proposed land uses, and known or potential water quality problem sites. • Monitoring: Collect data to help direct management decisions and/or provide support for enforcement actions. Typical monitoring data include water quality and streamflow ------- measurements. The monitoring program should be designed to address specific issues or problems within individual basins. Short-term monitoring can be used to establish the source of existing problems or evaluate the performance of implemented solutions. Long-term collection of data can be used to identify trends. • Ordinances: Institute ordinances to address the quality and quantity of stormwater. Ordinances pertaining to stormwater quality need to address water quality at discharge points, nonpoint source pollution, erosion and sediment control, spill control, the prohibition of nonstorm discharges from discharging to municipal stormdrains, the protection of sensitive areas, and the ability to enter into agreements with dischargers to municipally owned systems. In terms of quality and quantity, stormwater from new developments should be detained and discharged at rates and quality comparable to predeveloped conditions. • Planning: Conduct studies to develop comprehensive drainage basin plans. The plans provide direction for land use issues and help to establish the stormwater controls necessary on a basinwide scale. • Spill response: Create and maintain a spill response/trouble call system that can respond to water quality problems or chemical spills. Coordinate spill response activities with federal, state, and local authorities. • Capital improvement projects: If necessary and feasible, design and construct capital improvement projects as a part of the stormwater management program. Such projects can include water quality treatment systems, conveyance structures, or regional detention facilities. • Operations and maintenance: Provide adequate staff, equipment, and financial support to ensure proper operation and maintenance of stormwater management facilities. Activities can include routine cleaning of catch basins, drainage ditches, oil water separators, and detention/retention ponds. • Agreements with neighboring jurisdictions: Enter into agreements with local jurisdictions sharing stormwater management responsibilities for a particular drainage basin. • Education and public involvement: Educate citizens and businesses about the effects of stormwater. Provide convenient alternatives for dumping wastes into stormdrains. Involve citizens in routine monitoring programs. • Enforcement: Provide a. means for enforcement of established ordinances and permit requirements. Define jurisdictional authority/responsibility by area or type of infraction. Use trained personnel to verify compliance. Implementation Process by which the stormwater management program is formally implemented depends upon the enabling legislation granting authority/responsibility to the local jurisdictions. In some instances, the ordinances may be adopted following public hearings. In other cases, a general election may be required for passage. Separate legislative guidelines govern the passage of stormwater control-related ordinances and the establishment of funding sources. Funding Funding is required for both the formation and operation of the stormwater management program. In terms of the long-term operation of the program, the key funding issues are: (1) how much money is required to fund the program each year, and (2) how to support the program with a consistent and dedicated funding base. Financing alternatives can include the sale of bonds, the formation of local improvement districts, the creation of special districts, charges imposed on developments, utility service charges, and/or general tax revenues. ------- Public Involvement Public involvement is a key component throughout the process. A citizen advisory committee should be formed at the start of the process so that it can take an active role in providing direction for the stormwater management program. Periodic public meetings during the process can help to educate the public and also provide opportunities for comment from the general public. Problem Solution The pathway shown in Figure 1 is presented as a linear progression with the outcome being a solution to the problems that initiated the process. In practice, the pathway should contain feedback mechanisms to allow the program to adapt to changing needs. For example, monitoring that is conducted to verify the performance of the program can lead to changes in the approach or solution to individual problems. Changes in a federal or state policy concerning stormwater can also affect the program goals. V TERRENE INSTITUTE This project was funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Water Enforcement an'd Permits-Water Permits Division and managed by Region V Watershed Management Unit- Water Division. Prepared by Entranco Engineers, Inc. and JT&A, Inc. For copies of this publica- tion, contact The Terrene Institute, 1000 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20036, (202) 833-3380. Printed on Recycled Paper ------- |