Stormwater Management Initiative Update ODOTs Goal Develop a

Stormwater Management Initiative Update

ODOT’s Goal Develop a streamlined stormwater runoff treatment program to: u Meet all regulatory needs; u Provide ODOT with certainty regarding scope, schedule, and budget u Result in an overall environmental benefit and promote species recovery.

Components of the Stormwater Initiative Work Plan I. III. Streamline the DEQ Stormwater Management Plan Approval Process Develop Strategy/Process for ODOT Projects with T&E Species and Stormwater Effects Develop a Watershed Approach to Mitigate for Unavoidable Stormwater Effects

I. Streamline the DEQ Stormwater Management Plan Approval Process Problem Statement All applications for SWMPs reviewed in detail by DEQ, which results in u Multiple requests for more information, design changes u Constant danger of schedule slipping u Heavy load on DEQ/ODOT liaison

I. Streamline the DEQ Stormwater Management Plan Approval Process Determine Objectives/ Goal(s) Water Resources Impact Assessment Water Quality Management Design Internal ODOT Quality Control - QC Checklist Optimize Treatment Option Selection ODOT Submits to DEQ - Submittal Application Form - Project Description - Objectives and Goals - Stormwater Treatment Measures - Project Plan Sheets DEQ Reviews SWMP Submittal Package DEQ Approves SWMP

Where We are Now: DEQ u Interagency Agreement with DEQ and ODOT signed u DEQ and ODOT developing training for Region and DEQ staff u Training to be held in late spring/early summer 2007

II. Develop Strategy/Process for ODOT Projects with Stormwater Effects Problem Statement Stormwater had become a major impediment to efficient ESA process due to: Lack of congruence in water quality requirements between DEQ and NMFS u Changing thresholds for effects determinations in ESA Section 7 consultations u Lack of early coordination to identify emerging issues (i. e. , new pollutants of concern) u

II. Develop Strategy/Process for ODOT Projects with Stormwater Effects Proposed Strategy/Process u Compile and synthesize literature on BMPs for stormwater treatment u Define water quality design storm u Develop water quantity guidance

II. Develop Strategy/Process for ODOT Projects with Stormwater Effects Proposed Strategy/Process (cont. ) u Develop a BMP Selection Matrix and User’s Guide u Formalize a process to – Incorporate minimization of stormwater impacts into project design (Low Impact Development techniques) – Select most appropriate treatment BMPs for each project

II. Develop Strategy/Process for ODOT Projects with Stormwater Effects Proposed Strategy/Process con’t Develop ESA Effects Determination Guidance u Develop template language for NLAA and LAA Determinations for Biological Assessments u Link the determinations of effect with the BMP Selection Matrix u Develop a performance measurement and reporting method u

II. Develop Strategy/Process for ODOT Projects with Stormwater Effects Anticipated Benefits Regulatory Agencies u Meet regulatory requirements u Well-defined terms and conditions that allow for flexibility in application u Protect ESA-listed fish u Protect Oregon’s water quality and wetland resources

II. Develop Strategy/Process for ODOT Projects with Stormwater Effects Anticipated Benefits ODOT u Certainty in project development and construction u Reduction in project delays u Support ODOT’s Sustainability goals

II. Develop Strategy/Process for ODOT Projects with Stormwater Effects Where are we now? u BMP Summary Reports Completed u BMP Selection Matrix draft under review u BMP Selection Matrix Users’ Guide under review

II. Develop Strategy/Process for ODOT Projects with Stormwater Effects Where are we now (cont. ) u Draft Water Quality Design Storm under review u Water Quantity Guidance under development u ESA Effects Determination Guidance for Water Quality under development

III. Develop a watershed approach to mitigate for unavoidable stormwater effects Problem Statement u Current approach to mitigate impacts of transportation projects on water resources is project specific, on-site treatment u Energy is devoted to mitigation efforts that can result in little net benefit to the watershed u Projects that can’t meet Resource Agency goals subject to squabbling and uncertain additional requirements

III. Develop Watershed Approach to Mitigate for Unavoidable Stormwater Effects Proposed Strategy/Solution (In Development) u Technical evaluation of needs and opportunities for mitigation u Political effort to achieve agreement on goals, methods, and interagency coordination

III. Develop Watershed Approach to Mitigate for Unavoidable Stormwater Effects u Work will commence when Task II is close to completion