Springfield Oregon Speaks: Stormwater Post-Construction Requirements Update

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Stormwater Post-Construction Requirements Update

The purpose of the Stormwater Post-Construction Requirements Update is to amend the Springfield Development Code and the Engineering Design Standards and Procedures Manual (EDSPM) to comply with the City’s requirements to regulate post-construction site runoff and minimize barriers to low impact development and green infrastructure under the City’s Municipal Seperate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Permit.

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Project Overview

Summary

Background

In accordance with the 1972 Federal Clean Water Act, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) issued a permit to the City of Springfield called a Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit. The permit regulates pollution from stormwater released to surface water, including the McKenzie and Willamette Rivers. The current MS4 permit characterizes Springfield’s stormwater drainage system, establishes goals, policy and implementation actions; and measures, reports, and adaptively manages the City’s water resources and stormwater runoff. The permit implements and enforces post-construction site runoff controls within the Springfield Urban Growth Boundary, including unannexed areas through an intergovernmental agreement with Lane County. The post-construction site runoff control program reduces discharge of pollutants and addresses stormwater runoff from new development and redevelopment. For general information on the City of Springfield’s approach to protecting clean water and managing the stormwater system, see https://springfieldstreams.org. Regulations for post-construction stormwater runoff are contained in the Springfield Development Code and the Engineering Design Standards and Procedures Manual (EDSPM).

Project Purpose

The purpose of the MS4 Post-Construction Requirements Update is to amend the Springfield Development Code to comply with Oregon DEQ’s requirements of the City, including requirements to regulate post-construction site runoff and minimize barriers to low impact development and green infrastructure under the City’s MS4 Permit. These amendments would allow and encourage the use of stormwater treatment facilities including swales, rain gardens, and pervious pavements and strengthen requirements that address stormwater quality issues and improve the quality of water in the City’s drinking water protection areas.

The project objectives are to:

Review and update enforceable post-construction stormwater management requirements in ordinance or other regulatory mechanism that includes a site performance standard.
Review and update post-construction requirements for development and redevelopment, especially for project sites that create or replace 5,000 square feet or more of impervious area.
Review development code and remove barriers to low impact development and green infrastructure.

Frequently Asked Questions?

What does the MS4 Permit do?

It meets the State and Federal water quality requirement and local water resource management objectives by establishing goals, policies, and implementation actions, and establishes a means for measuring, reporting, and adaptively managing the City’s water resources and stormwater runoff.

What are some examples of municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4)?

Public stormwater refers to runoff from urban areas that flow to storm drains, gutters, ditches, swales, or a system of pipes that is managed by the City and eventually ends up in the McKenzie or Willamette Rivers.

What kind of development will be impacted by this code update?

The code amendments will apply to development applications that disturb one or more acres of land, or development that adds or replaces 5,000 square feet or more of impervious surfaces (I.e. hardscaped or paved areas).

What will be required for development that is subject to this code?

Onsite stormwater controls will need to either retain the first one-inch of rainfall on site, or propose a combination of on-site retention and water quality treatment to meet city standards. Privately-owned and maintained stormwater facilities will also be required to implement ongoing operations and maintenance requirements after construction and occupancy.

Project Timeline & Updates

Below is a high-level timeline that shows the project’s intended phasing from June 2023 through February 2024. It represents the process and estimated timeline for review, feedback, and ultimate adoption of the Stormwater Post-Construction Requirements Update.

Project Documents & Resources

Community Involvement Strategy
Project Timeline
Stormwater Management Plan
MS4 Permit
Wastewater versus Stormwater Infographic
Public Hearing Agenda Packet - City Council and Board of County Commissioners

Meeting Recordings, Materials & Testimony

The project scope and schedule provide opportunities for engagement that range from one-on-one communications and workshops with project staff to formal hearings.

Project Contact Information

City staff welcome all questions about the project. We are here to help you. Thank you!

Project Manager

Haley Campbell, Senior Planner

541.726.3647

[email protected]

Workshop: Stormwater Post-Construction Requirements Update, Springfield Oregon Development Code 2023

Representatives

Haley Campbell

Senior Planner

Resources

Community Involvement Strategy ( 0.2 MB )

Project Timeline ( 0.12 MB )

Stormwater Management Plan ( 4.49 MB )

MS4 Permit ( 1.89 MB )

Wastewater versus Stormwater Infographic ( 2.54 MB )

Agenda Item Summary Stormwater Post-Construction Requirements Update City Council 11-6-23 ( 0.02 MB )

Attachment 1 Council Briefing Memo Stormwater Post-Construction Requirements Update ( 0.07 MB )

Attachment 2 Proposed Ordinance ( 0.05 MB )

Attachment 2 Exhibit A Code Amendments and Appendices ( 4.82 MB )

Attachment 2 Exhibit B Staff Report Stormwater Post-Construction Requirements Update ( 0.38 MB )

Attachment 3 Explanation of Appendices to the Development Code ( 4.81 MB )

Attachment 4 Key Changes to the Development Code ( 0.16 MB )

Attachment 5 Legislative Version of EDSPM Amendments ( 0.58 MB )

Attachment 6 Legislative Version of EDSPM Table of Contents ( 0.12 MB )

Attachment 7 Clean Version of EDSPM Chapter 4 Appendices ( 1.31 MB )

Attachment 8 Explanation of Appendices to Chapter 4 of the EDSPM ( 0.12 MB )

Attachment 9 Planning Commission Order and Recommendation ( 0.1 MB )

Attachment 10 Springfield and Lane County Planning Commission Meeting Minutes ( 0.35 MB )