Title
Draft Storm and Surface Water Plan and Habitat Program
Recommended Action
Information only. No action requested.
Report
Issue:
Briefing on Draft Storm and Surface Water Plan and Habitat Program.
Staff Contact:
Susan Clark, Senior Planner, Public Works Water Resources, 360.753.8321
Jesse Barham, Associate Planner, Public Works Water Resources, 360.753.8164
Presenter(s):
Jesse Barham, Associate Planner, Public Works Water Resources, 360.753.8164
Background and Analysis:
A team of Storm and Surface Water Utility (Utility) staff members from Planning and Engineering, Environmental Services and Operations have worked collaboratively to update the current Storm and Surface Water Plan. There is no regulatory requirement for the Utility to have a master plan. An update is necessary to inform of Utility programs and projects, ensure efficient and effective management, and comply with new regulations and development.
The Utility’s mission is to prevent flooding, improve water quality, and protect and enhance aquatic habitat. The Draft Plan contains the policy and financial direction to guide the Utility in operating, maintaining, and improving its built infrastructure and city-wide aquatic and associated habitats. The Draft Plan also explains the challenges the Utility faces and current responsibilities, core services, specific strategies and programs.
The Utility Advisory Committee (UAC) and Land Use and Environment Committee (LUEC) are involved in the plan update process. The Draft Plan is available for a public comment period from November 17 to December 20th, 2017. Public comments will be addressed by the UAC in January 2018 and a recommendation will be sought. LUEC will also be asked for a recommendation in January 2018. A public hearing is planned in February 2018.
The aquatic habitat mission of the Utility is a renewed focus in the plan. These refined habitat efforts are based on combination of the findings of the 2014 Habitat and Stewardship Strategy, Habitat Pilot Project (fall 2014- 2017) and public and staff input over the development of the updated plan. A number of enhanced strategies are proposed that will increase the scope and effectiveness of Utility and other City habitat stewardship efforts.
Current Utility habitat related staff and resources include an associate planner focused on habitat, an environmental education and outreach biologist (senior program specialist), a half time habitat biologist (program specialist), a six person Washington Conservation Corps (WCC) Crew, and an AmeriCorps member focused on volunteer coordination, outreach and supporting habitat assessments. Utility staff participate in local salmon recovery planning and South Puget Sound recovery planning with regional partners as well as providing technical assistance on habitat related issues across various city departments.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
The Utility conducted a survey, open house, and hosted an aquatic habitat stakeholder focus group during the development of the plan update. The Draft Plan will be available for public comment between November 17 and December 20, 2017. Over the last three years the Pilot Project and ongoing Habitat Program have partnered with other City departments, neighborhoods, local schools, and community groups to further habitat stewardship efforts in many locations across the community.
Options:
Information only
Financial Impact:
The Draft Plan enhancement strategies will have utility rate implications.
Attachments:
2017 Draft Storm and Surface Water Plan Summary Booklet
Storm and Surface Water Plan Strategies Table
Core Services Enhancement Strategies Table