Stormwater Forum May 8, 2007 Clarion Townhouse Hotel Columbia, SC

Stormwater ForumMay 8, 2007

Clarion Townhouse HotelColumbia, SC

Linking Land Use and Water Quality:Linking Land Use and Water Quality:A Challenging (But Critical) Message to ConveyA Challenging (But Critical) Message to Convey

WatershedsImpaired Watersheds

Are You At the Top of the Org Chart…?Are You At the Top of the Org Chart…?

Ever Feel Overloaded…?Ever Feel Overloaded…?

Ever Get Mixed Signals…?Ever Get Mixed Signals…?

Ever Required to Consider Economics…?Ever Required to Consider Economics…?

Ever Been Confronted with What Might Ever Been Confronted with What Might Have Been a Poor Decision…?Have Been a Poor Decision…?

OverviewOverview Working with Local OfficialsWorking with Local Officials

– Tough audienceTough audience NEMO StrategyNEMO Strategy

– Comprehensive planningComprehensive planning– Site designSite design– Best Management PracticesBest Management Practices

Facts About Local OfficialsFacts About Local Officials

Most are volunteersMost are volunteers

Limited trainingLimited training

Complex issuesComplex issues

Politically motivatedPolitically motivated


Regulator vs. administratorRegulator vs. administrator

High turnoverHigh turnover


Reaching Local OfficialsReaching Local Officials

Focus on rational decisionsFocus on rational decisions

Present information in context of Present information in context of

responsibilitiesresponsibilities

Watch informational material Watch informational material

overloadoverload

Reconcile regulations with Reconcile regulations with comprehensive planscomprehensive plans

Continuity of messageContinuity of message

Follow up!Follow up!


Understand legal roles and Understand legal roles and

responsibilitiesresponsibilities

Address site and “big picture” issuesAddress site and “big picture” issues

Don’t be afraid of saying “I don’t Don’t be afraid of saying “I don’t

know”know”


Use local data and Use local data and

informationinformation

Use humor…they need every Use humor…they need every

bit they can get!bit they can get!

Use latest technologyUse latest technology

Logistical TipsLogistical Tips

NNonpointonpoint EEducationducationfor for MMunicipalunicipal OOfficialsfficials

Linking Land Use to Water Quality Linking Land Use to Water Quality in South Carolinain South Carolina

SC NEMO Goal SC NEMO Goal SC NEMO Goal SC NEMO Goal

Develop a process to educate elected and appointed municipal officials about the impacts of land use on water quality and about options available for managing those resources

WaccamawWaccamawCouncilCouncil

of of GovernmentsGovernments

BCDBCD

Council of Council of GovernmentsGovernments

Ocean and Ocean and Coastal Coastal

Resource Resource ManagementManagement

Community Decision-MakersCommunity Decision-Makers

EPA and NOAAEPA and NOAA

USCUSC

Center for Center for Environmental Environmental

PolicyPolicy

USCUSC

Earth Science Earth Science and Resources and Resources

InstituteInstitute

Clemson Clemson UniversityUniversityExtensionExtension

SC Sea GrantSC Sea GrantExtension Extension ProgramProgram

Point Source PollutionPoint Source Pollution Nonpoint Source PollutionNonpoint Source Pollution

Photo: AM JohnsonPhoto: AM Johnson

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HANAHAN

CLEMSON

ANDERSON

EASLEYGREENVILLE

SPARTANBURG

ROCK HILL

GREENWOOD

IRMO

NORTHAUGUSTA

AIKEN

COLUMBIASUMTER

FLORENCE

MYRTLEBEACH

SUMMERVILLE

ORANGEBURG

HILTON HEAD

GOOSE CREEKNORTH CHARLESTON

CHARLESTONMT. PLEASANT

SANTEESANTEE

PEE DEEPEE DEE

EDISTOEDISTOSAVANNAHSAVANNAH

SALUDASALUDA

BROADBROADCATAWBACATAWBA

SALKEHATCHIESALKEHATCHIE

Major Watersheds in Major Watersheds in South CarolinaSouth Carolina

Land Use Impacts on Water QualityLand Use Impacts on Water Quality

50%50%50%50%10%10%10%10%

15%15%15%15%55%55%55%55%

Development Impacts On the Water Development Impacts On the Water CycleCycle

STUDY AREA WATERSHEDSTUDY AREA WATERSHED

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Newberry

West Columbia

LexingtonSaluda

Batesburg

CountiesSaluda WatershedLakesRivers

# Cities/ Towns

Fecal Coliform ImpairmentFecal Coliform Impairment

(X(X

(X(X(X (X

(X (X(X (X

(X(X(X (X

(X

(X(X

(X(X (X(X

(X

(X

(X(X (X(X

(X

(X (X (X

(X

(X

(X(X

(X(X

(X(X(X(X (X

(X(X(X

(X(X

(X

(X

WQ Monitoring Stations(X

RiversLakesUrban/Deveoped AreasImpaired Subwatersheds

Phosphorous ImpairmentPhosphorous Impairment

(X

(X(X

(X(X

(X

(X(X (X

Impaired Sub-WatershedsUrban/Developed AreasLakesRivers

(X WQ Monitoring Stations

Heavy Metal Impairment:Heavy Metal Impairment:

(X

(X

Impaired SubwatershedsUrban/Developed AreasLakesRivers


Biological ImpairmentBiological Impairment

(X

(X

(X(X

(X(X

(X(X

(X

(X

(X

(X(X

(X(X

(X

Impaired SubwatershedsUrban/Developed AreasLakesRivers

(X WQ Monitorig Stations

Dissolved Oxygen ImpairmentDissolved Oxygen Impairment

(X

(X

(X(X (X

(X(X

Impaired Sub-watershedsUrban/Deveoped AreasLakesRivers


Aggregated Impaired Sub-WatershedsAggregated Impaired Sub-Watersheds

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Fecal Coliform ImpairmentBiological ImpairmentDissolved Oxygen ImpairmentHeavy Metal ImpairmentPhosphorous ImpairmentUrban/Developed AreasRiversLakes

#S WQ Monitoring Stations

Composite of All ImpairmentsComposite of All Impairments

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Impaired Sub-watershedsUrban/Developed AreasRiversLakes

#S WQ Monitoring Stations

Land Cover or Land Use?Land Cover or Land Use?Land Cover or Land Use?Land Cover or Land Use?

CoverCover - - what is physically on the groundwhat is physically on the ground

- Forested- Forested- Wetlands- Wetlands

CoverCover - - what is physically on the groundwhat is physically on the ground

- Forested- Forested- Wetlands- Wetlands

UseUse - - what is practiced, permitted or planned what is practiced, permitted or planned - Recreational- Recreational

LAND COVERLAND COVER

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Saluda West ColumbiaLeesville

Newberry

Forested/ WetlandsAgriculture/ Open SpaceUrban/ DevelopedLakesRivers

# Cities/ Towns

What to Look For:What to Look For:

Polluted runoff from Forested & Wetland areas

Nutrients:Nutrients:Pathogens:Pathogens:Sediment:Sediment:

Toxic:Toxic:Debris:Debris:

Thermal:Thermal:

wildlifewildlife

removal of streamside vegetationremoval of streamside vegetation

erosion from timber harvestingerosion from timber harvesting


Polluted runoff from Open and Agricultural Areas

Nutrients:Nutrients:Pathogens:Pathogens:

Sediment:Sediment:Toxic:Toxic:

Debris:Debris:Thermal:Thermal:

pet & wildlife wastepet & wildlife waste

removal of natural vegetative buffers,removal of natural vegetative buffers,shallow water impoundments shallow water impoundments

erosion from agricultural fieldserosion from agricultural fields

fertilizer from farms, parks, golf coursesfertilizer from farms, parks, golf courses

pesticides from farms & golf coursespesticides from farms & golf courses

litter & illegal dumpinglitter & illegal dumping


Polluted runoff from Residential areas


Sediment:Sediment:

Toxic:Toxic:Debris:Debris:

Thermal:Thermal:

malfunctioning septic systems, pet wastemalfunctioning septic systems, pet waste

heated runoff, removal of naturalheated runoff, removal of naturalvegetative buffers vegetative buffers

construction, road sand, erosion from construction, road sand, erosion from lawns & gardenslawns & gardens

lawn fertilizers & septic system effluentlawn fertilizers & septic system effluent

household products, pesticideshousehold products, pesticides



Polluted runoff from Commercial & Industrial areas


Sediment:Sediment:Toxic:Toxic:

Debris:Debris:Thermal:Thermal:

malfunctioning or overloaded septic malfunctioning or overloaded septic systems & lagoonssystems & lagoons

heated runoff, removal of natural buffers heated runoff, removal of natural buffers

construction, road sand, roadside erosionconstruction, road sand, roadside erosion

acid rain and car exhaustacid rain and car exhaust

auto emissions, industrial pollutantsauto emissions, industrial pollutants


Wait a minute Cal. All that material can be so

overwhelming. What can I really do to address stormwater?

Three-tieredThree-tiered Strategy Strategy for for Coping with Polluted RunoffCoping with Polluted Runoff Three-tieredThree-tiered Strategy Strategy for for Coping with Polluted RunoffCoping with Polluted Runoff

1st:1st: Natural Resource Based PlanningNatural Resource Based Planning (Community Scale)(Community Scale)

2nd:2nd: Site Design Site Design (Community & Site Scale)(Community & Site Scale)

3rd:3rd: BMPs & Remediation BMPs & Remediation (Site Scale)(Site Scale)

1st:1st: Natural Resource Based PlanningNatural Resource Based Planning2nd:2nd: Site Design Site Design3rd:3rd: BMPs & Remediation BMPs & Remediation

Strategy for coping with polluted runoffStrategy for coping with polluted runoff

Inventory natural resourcesInventory natural resources Prioritize areas for protection and for developmentPrioritize areas for protection and for development Incorporate open space planningIncorporate open space planning Develop plans of actionDevelop plans of action Revise zoning and land development regulations to Revise zoning and land development regulations to

support planssupport plans

COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ELEMENTS

ComprehensivePlan

Population

Land Use

Housing

Nat

ura

l R

eso

urc

es

Comm

unity Facilities

Economics

Cultura

l Res

ources

For ExampleSuggested Language for Local OrdinancesFor ExampleSuggested Language for Local Ordinances

1. Consider it’s location within the watershed

2. Minimize disturbance of natural grades and vegetation

3. Protect natural wetlands and stream buffers.

4. Maximize infiltration of stormwater

5. Minimize impervious surfaces.

1. Consider it’s location within the watershed

2. Minimize disturbance of natural grades and vegetation

3. Protect natural wetlands and stream buffers.

4. Maximize infiltration of stormwater

5. Minimize impervious surfaces.

The Town of _____ wishes to protect the health of its water resources, and seeks to reduce the impact of development on those resources.

In particular, the commission requires that all new or re-development projects :

The Town of _____ wishes to protect the health of its water resources, and seeks to reduce the impact of development on those resources.

In particular, the commission requires that all new or re-development projects :

Planning for Open Space

Encourage incentives & flexibility to promote conservation of water and land resources

Conduct Open Space (Natural Resource) Inventory

Prioritize for preservation Categorize open space by

function Organize into corridors or

greenways

1st:1st: Natural Resource Based PlanningNatural Resource Based Planning

2nd:2nd: Site DesignSite Design3rd:3rd: BMPs & Remediation BMPs & Remediation


Reduce impervious areaReduce impervious area

Contain stormwater on-siteContain stormwater on-site

Reduce Impervious Area• Reduce Road Widths – Alternative street lay-outs, one way streets,

queuing streets, back alleyways for utility infrastructure and parking, setbacks, alternative materials

• Reduce Parking Area – Lower allocation ratios, angled parking, narrower slots

• Alternative Driveway Design – Shared driveways, lot frontage setbacks, pervious materials

• Reduce Paved Sidewalk Area – On one side of street only, alternative materials

Site Design StrategiesSite Design StrategiesSite Design StrategiesSite Design Strategies

Contain Stormwater On-Site Use inverted streets as stormwater collectors – Bio-

filters Invert parking islands to collect water Reduce use of street curbing – Grassed or vegetative

swales Direct rooftop runoff from gutters onto pervious areas

Site Design StrategiesSite Design StrategiesSite Design StrategiesSite Design Strategies

Site Plan ReviewSite Plan ReviewSite Plan ReviewSite Plan Review

65%Transportation65%Transportation

35%Structures 35%Structures

Parking LotsRoadsDrivewaysSidewalks

Parking LotsRoadsDrivewaysSidewalks

Derived from the City of Olympia, WA ISRS Final ReportDerived from the City of Olympia, WA ISRS Final Report

The Impervious Surface BudgetThe Impervious Surface Budget

OfficesStoresHousesPatios

OfficesStoresHousesPatios

Pavement = 24’Pavement = 24’Pavement = 24’Pavement = 24’

R.O.W. = 48’R.O.W. = 48’R.O.W. = 48’R.O.W. = 48’

SubbaseSubbaseSubbaseSubbase

Shoulder/swale= 12’Shoulder/swale= 12’Shoulder/swale= 12’Shoulder/swale= 12’

Pavement Width can be much less than the Pavement Width can be much less than the right-of-wayright-of-way

Pavement Width can be much less than the Pavement Width can be much less than the right-of-wayright-of-way

Right-of-Way WidthsRight-of-Way WidthsPaved right-of-ways contribute a significant amount to the imperviousness of a community.

• Narrowing roadwaysNarrowing roadways• Reducing sidewalk widths or restricting sidewalks to one side Reducing sidewalk widths or restricting sidewalks to one side

of the streetof the street• Requiring ROWs be permeable (grass, dirt, permeable Requiring ROWs be permeable (grass, dirt, permeable

pavement)pavement)• Reducing the border width between the street and the Reducing the border width between the street and the

sidewalksidewalk• Installing utilities under street pavementsInstalling utilities under street pavements• Placing sidewalks and utilities within easements outside of Placing sidewalks and utilities within easements outside of

the ROWthe ROW

Redesign the main components of the ROW by:Redesign the main components of the ROW by:

Street Lengths and WidthsStreet Lengths and WidthsStreets are the greatest source of impervious cover in most subdivisions.

Vary pavement width according to the proposed useVary pavement width according to the proposed use

LocalLocalLocalLocal

18 to 24 feet18 to 24 feet18 to 24 feet18 to 24 feet

CollectorCollectorCollectorCollector

22 to 30 feet22 to 30 feet22 to 30 feet22 to 30 feetArterialArterialArterialArterial

24 to 32 feet24 to 32 feet24 to 32 feet24 to 32 feetA hierarchy of road standards A hierarchy of road standards

Reduced Road WidthReduced Road WidthReduced Road WidthReduced Road Width

Examples of Reduced Road WidthExamples of Reduced Road WidthExamples of Reduced Road WidthExamples of Reduced Road Width

SetbacksSetbacks

Relax Side Yard Setbacks & Relax Side Yard Setbacks &

Narrow Narrow FrontagesFrontages• Reduce total road lengthReduce total road length• Increase # homes/unit lengthIncrease # homes/unit length

Relax Front Setback Relax Front Setback RequirementsRequirements

• Minimize driveway lengthsMinimize driveway lengths

• Reduce overall lot Reduce overall lot imperviousnessimperviousness

Alternative Cul-de-SacsAlternative Cul-de-SacsAlternative Cul-de-SacsAlternative Cul-de-Sacs

Cul-de-sacs = huge bulb of impervious cover

Applicable to all development types

Reduces impervious cover and stormwater runoff

Source: Center for Watershed Protection

40 foot cul-de-sac with landscaped

island

30 foot radius cul-de-sac

T-shaped hammerhead

Loop Road

Examples of Alternative TurnaroundsExamples of Alternative TurnaroundsExamples of Alternative TurnaroundsExamples of Alternative Turnarounds

ParkingParking

Reducing the Effects of ImperviousnessReducing the Effects of Imperviousness• Require on-site treatment of stormwater using bio-Require on-site treatment of stormwater using bio-

retention medians or other filter typesretention medians or other filter types• Require landscaping and buffersRequire landscaping and buffers

Regulations should require no more parking than Regulations should require no more parking than the amount actually needed for specific land uses the amount actually needed for specific land uses and encourage pervious areas for the high-and encourage pervious areas for the high-demand overload.demand overload.

Reducing ImperviousnessReducing Imperviousness• Allow smaller parking spaces for compact carsAllow smaller parking spaces for compact cars• Encourage use of alternative pavement typesEncourage use of alternative pavement types• Require use of non-black materials for pavementRequire use of non-black materials for pavement

Good candidates for permeable parking areas …Good candidates for permeable parking areas …

• Sports complexesSports complexes

• Small office parking lots Small office parking lots

• ChurchesChurches

• MuseumsMuseums

• Overflow parking areasOverflow parking areas

DrivewaysDrivewaysDrivewaysDriveways

Problems …Problems …Problems …Problems …• Can contribute 15% to the Can contribute 15% to the

impervious surface areaimpervious surface area• Are hot spots for pollutant Are hot spots for pollutant

accumulationaccumulation• Can be “heat islands”Can be “heat islands”

• Shared driveways

• Minimal front yard setbacks

• Limits on pavement

• Alternative paving surfaces

• Various driveway designs

Reducing Imperviousness …Reducing Imperviousness …Reducing Imperviousness …Reducing Imperviousness …

• Grassed swalesGrassed swales

• Disrupt the connectionDisrupt the connection

• Non-black paving materialNon-black paving material

Allow on-street parking to count towards the Allow on-street parking to count towards the driveway requirement per dwelling.driveway requirement per dwelling.

• Can be “heat islands”• Can collect, concentrate, and

convey stormwater

SidewalksSidewalks

Problems …Problems …

• Only as wide as necessary• Strategically located• Pavement alternatives• Non-black paving materials

Reducing Imperviousness …Reducing Imperviousness …

Rooftop RunoffRooftop RunoffThe annual runoff volume from residential The annual runoff volume from residential development sites can be decreased by as much development sites can be decreased by as much as 50% by...as 50% by...

• Turning downspouts toward grassed areasTurning downspouts toward grassed areas• Directing flow into stormwater treatment practices Directing flow into stormwater treatment practices

(vegetated swales)(vegetated swales)• Removing gutters to allow sheet flow of runoff through Removing gutters to allow sheet flow of runoff through

vegetated areasvegetated areas• Using rain barrelsUsing rain barrels• Using light-colored roofing materialUsing light-colored roofing material• Utilizing green roof technologyUtilizing green roof technology

Include the building footprint as impervious areaInclude the building footprint as impervious area

DrainageDrainage

• Curb and gutter systems…do not treat stormwater and Curb and gutter systems…do not treat stormwater and contribute to floodingcontribute to flooding

• Vegetated channels remove pollutants on-site and raise Vegetated channels remove pollutants on-site and raise times of concentrationtimes of concentration

• Bio-retention areas can be used in parking lots to meet Bio-retention areas can be used in parking lots to meet landscape requirementslandscape requirements

• Sand filters use layers of sand to filter pollutantsSand filters use layers of sand to filter pollutants• Permeable pavers allow runoff to naturally filter into Permeable pavers allow runoff to naturally filter into

groundwatergroundwater

On-site drainage systems range from simple On-site drainage systems range from simple grassed swales to more complex bio-retention grassed swales to more complex bio-retention medians and sand filters…medians and sand filters…

Encourage mostly natural & vegetated stormwater Encourage mostly natural & vegetated stormwater controlscontrols

Ensure maintenance of roads, lots, and catch basinsEnsure maintenance of roads, lots, and catch basins Support restoration where effectiveSupport restoration where effective Encourage redevelopment and infilling to avoid further Encourage redevelopment and infilling to avoid further

sprawlsprawl

1st:1st: Comprehensive PlanningComprehensive Planning2nd:2nd: Site DesignSite Design

3rd:3rd: BMPs & RemediationBMPs & Remediation


Engineered SwalesEngineered Swales Promote infiltrationPromote infiltration Most effective at sediment Most effective at sediment

removalremoval Open, above ground systems Open, above ground systems

are easier to maintain and are easier to maintain and troubleshoottroubleshoot

Installation costs are favorable Installation costs are favorable compared to piped drainagecompared to piped drainage

They look better!They look better!

Cost FactorsCost Factors

Traditional Drainage $150 - $250 per linear footTraditional Drainage $150 - $250 per linear footTraditional Drainage $150 - $250 per linear footTraditional Drainage $150 - $250 per linear foot

Don’t forget, Maintenance Includes:Don’t forget, Maintenance Includes:

Inspection Sediment/debris removal Structural repairsInspection Sediment/debris removal Structural repairs

Who will Maintain?Who will Maintain?

Engineered Swales $10 - $25 per linear footEngineered Swales $10 - $25 per linear footEngineered Swales $10 - $25 per linear footEngineered Swales $10 - $25 per linear foot

• Curbing

• Catch basins

• Piping

• Outlet Structure

• Detention/Retention Ponds

• Curbing

• Catch basins

• Piping

• Outlet Structure

• Detention/Retention Ponds

Stormwater PondStormwater Pond Bio-retention AreaBio-retention Area

WetlandsWetlands

Bio-retention MediansBio-retention Medians

Permeable PaversPermeable Pavers

Want to save money. Want to save money.

Want to sell lots. Want to sell lots.

Want to know the rules. Want to know the rules.

(Clearly Written Regulations can do that) (Clearly Written Regulations can do that)

(Reducing impervious surfaces can do that) (Reducing impervious surfaces can do that)

(Green areas can do that) (Green areas can do that)

What About The Developers?What About The Developers?What About The Developers?What About The Developers?

In Conclusion….In Conclusion….

Nonpoint source pollution is the #1 water quality Nonpoint source pollution is the #1 water quality problem in the USproblem in the US

There are a variety of pollutants in runoffThere are a variety of pollutants in runoff Nonpoint source pollution does not pay attention to Nonpoint source pollution does not pay attention to

jurisdictional boundariesjurisdictional boundaries As growth continues, water quality becomes increasingly As growth continues, water quality becomes increasingly

importantimportant

In Conclusion….(continued)In Conclusion….(continued)

Impervious surface coverage is a key indicator of water Impervious surface coverage is a key indicator of water qualityquality

Through comprehensive planning, innovative site design, Through comprehensive planning, innovative site design, and the implementation of BMPs, communities can and the implementation of BMPs, communities can protect water quality protect water quality andand still grow in a productive way still grow in a productive way

To Make It Work…

PlannersPlanners EngineersEngineers CouncilsCouncils Stormwater ManagersStormwater Managers General PublicGeneral Public

Special ThanksSpecial Thanks

Jim Gibbons, Land Use Jim Gibbons, Land Use Planning Specialist, CT Planning Specialist, CT Cooperative ExtensionCooperative Extension

April Turner, Coastal April Turner, Coastal Communities Specialist, Communities Specialist, SC Sea Grant Extension SC Sea Grant Extension ProgramProgram

Cal SawyerCal SawyerExtension Water Quality CoordinatorExtension Water Quality Coordinator

Clemson UniversityClemson University233 McAdams Hall233 McAdams Hall

Clemson, SC 29634Clemson, SC 29634864/656.4072864/656.4072

[email protected]@clemson.edu

Stormwater Forum May 8, 2007 Clarion Townhouse Hotel Columbia, SC

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Transcript of Stormwater Forum May 8, 2007 Clarion Townhouse Hotel Columbia, SC