Title
Storm and Surface Water Management Plan Scoping
Recommended Action
UAC Deliverable:
Review and provide input.
Report
Issue:
UAC and staff will identify and discuss key emerging issues facing the Storm and Surface Water Utility in preparation for development of the 2015-2021 Management Plan.
Staff Contacts:
Andy Haub, Interim Water Resources Director, 360.753.8475
Laura Keehan, Senior Planner, 360.753.8321
Background and Analysis:
Recognizing the need, the UAC and Utility staff are preparing to update the 2003 Storm and Surface Water Plan and its 2010-2011 revisions to program goals, objectives, and strategies. The new Plan will set the policy, technical, and financial stage for the Utility through the early 2020s. We anticipate that the Plan will be formally adopted by City Council in mid to late 2015.
The Olympia Storm and Surface Utility in its current form was conceived by City Council and Public Works Department staff in 1990. Over the years, the program has maintained its organizational structure and core responsibilities while adapting to new environmental and community needs.
Goals for the Utility responsibilities of managing flooding, water quality, and aquatic habitat were refined several years ago with UAC input and City Council support:
• Flooding - Reduce the frequency and severity of flooding so hazards are eliminated, except during major storm events.
• Water Quality - Improve water quality City-wide, while focusing infrastructure upgrades to reduce stormwater contaminant loads from untreated areas of the City.
• Aquatic Habitat - Improve aquatic habitat functions City-wide, while focusing on protecting intact habitat, improving Budd Inlet and managing riparian area vegetation.
In order to best accomplish these goals, the Utility supports a comprehensive program that includes:
• Environmental planning and program development
• Engineering
• Operations and maintenance
• Education
• Technical assistance
• Code enforcement
• Development review and regulation
• Environmental monitoring.
Current priorities of the Utility include:
• Evaluating the structural condition of the extensive stormwater pipe system so that potential future financial needs can be understood
• Improving maintenance of both public and private facilities
• Gradually retrofitting older areas of the City for water quality treatment
• Implementing low impact development techniques
• Encouraging regional coordination of aquatic habitat enhancement work
• Increasing our hand-on involvement in local land stewardship and habitat enhancement
• Fully complying with State and federal requirements (e.g., NPDES)
The Storm and Surface Water Program is a key environmental management entity in the City. Through the 2015-2021 Plan, we seek to better define our role in the community and set the stage for an effective future.
During the February 6th UAC meeting, we anticipated discussing the attached list of staff-generated key issues facing the Utility.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
We expect appreciable community interest in the Plan. Public input and productive decision-making processes will be important.
Options: N/A
Financial Impact: None at this time
Staff Recommendation:
Incorporate UAC’s suggestions into the scoping process and forward the issue to City Council’s Land Use and Environment Committee for their consideration. Return to the UAC in September for an update.
Attachments: Draft Key Issues- 2015-2021 Storm and Surface Water Management Plan