Integrated Planning in Action The Basics Integrated planning is a process for municipalities to achieve clean water and human health goals while addressing aging wastewater and stormwater infrastructure, changing population and rainfall patterns, and competing priorities for funding. EPA developed the 2012 Integrated Municipal Stormwater and Wastewater Planning Framework to help municipalities maximize their benefits through integrated planning while meeting Clean Water Act requirements. The Framework describes six elements that should be included in any integrated plan. Integrated Planning Framework Reinforced by Law In 2019, Congress enacted the Water Infrastructure Improvement Act (WIIA), which officially recognizes the Framework as a voluntary path that municipalities can take to comply with the Clean Water Act. The WIIA also requires EPA to continue supporting communities as they apply the Framework in their stormwater and wastewater planning efforts. Element 6: Adapt for Success Element 5: Measure Performance Element 4: Develop, Evaluate, and Select Preferred Alternatives Integrated Planning Framework Element 1: Describe Relevant Requirements and Drivers Element 2: Characterize Existing Wastewater and Stormwater Systems Element 3: Make Connections with Stakeholders ------- 2 Integrated Planning in Action Seattle, WA ~ > Spokane, WA Washington County, OR Exeter/Stratham/ Newfields, NH Springfield, MA Hartford, CT Burlington, IA Lakewood,OH Boone, IA *. _' 11 ¦., Lima, OH i * • fr Columbia, MO Lawrence, KS ¦ ~ ~ Santa Maria, CA • Los Angeles, CA ® San Diego, CA Hamilton* County, OH •jff Akron Johnson County, KS OH . Richmond, VA Columbus, OH Rolla, MO & Atlanta, GA Springfield, MO Municipalities nationwide are seeing the benefits of integrated planning. More than two dozen municipalities have utilized EPA's Integrated Planning Framework. These cities, counties, and utility districts have developed plans with a wide range of projected benefits, including: • Faster water quality improvements and public health protections. • Innovative long-term solutions that reduce pollution sources rather than just controlling or treating discharges. • More cost-effective and affordable infrastructure investments. • Investments that support other community objectives. Fall River, MA New Bedford, MA © Harrisburg, PA Hampton Roads, VA Key Completed integrated plans Municipalities incorporated in a permit, consent decree or administrative order Municipalities who developed a complete Integrated Plan Integrated planning is a team effort. EPA and state permitting authorities will work with municipalities to determine the appropriate roles of permit and enforcement authorities in addressing the regulatory requirements identified in integrated plans. EPA provides technical assistance to help municipalities develop integrated plans. Integrated Planning Spotlight: Richmond, Virginia In 2014, Richmond started an integrated planning process that emphasized stakeholder involvement and compliance with total maximum daily loads for bacteria, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment discharges. The resulting "RVA Clean Water Plan" includes nine strategies for achieving the city's integrated planning goals. This plan was incorporated into a permit issued by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality in 2016. As of January 2020, Richmond had: • Conserved 113 acres of land. • Restored 15,580 linear feet of streams. • Installed 17 acres of green infrastructure. For more information, please visit EPA's Integrated Planning website. EPA-832-F-21-001 ------- |