Agenda - Public Works Committee - 01/21/2003

Home

The Pio~.Trarns We can assume that contained within, or subsequent to obtaining the general permit, the permit writer will publish a list of regionally appropriate BMPs to be used in permit applications. The general permit will have narrative effluent limitations which describe goals or narrative standards for each of the minimum controls. Each permittee must then develop basic program objectives and measurable standards (not included here) under the goals provided by USEPA for each of the six minimum controls. These measurable standards can be stated in terms of actions taken or results achieved. It is best to state them in terms of things that can be controlled and which do not have uncontrollable and unpredictable results. It is also smart to schedule the programs (the schedule is not demonstrated here) in terms of phases, pilot programs, demonstration projects, trials, etc., with an evaluation process at some point in the permit. It should then be written intq the NOI that this program wilt be modified, expanded, curtailed or even abandoned if it is not effective. Smallville sought to obey only the letter of the law, but did not see many ways to proceed. It had no real stormwater program, no known water quality problems, and few current responsibilities. This community sought to take advantage of "big brother" next door in joint programs or education, and to adopt more regionally uniform development regulations enforced locally. ' Smallville sought to fund any program needs through budget changes and through economies gained by taking advantage of regional programs, free information, and expanding duties of existing staff. Midtown sought to meet the program minimums in a more proactive way focusing on perceived needs within the community. They took advantage, of the strength of existing local programs, a strong economy, a strong environmental awareness, and outside assistance where available in the form of copied resources and shared efforts. Midtown expanded its current program using EPA suggestions to build a more comprehensive and meaningful program in several key areas. Because they did not have the ability to try to work' regionally (the adjacent county had no resources for developing a stormwater program, but would cooperate as necessary) it needed to build the program alone and to work extra-territorially as appropriate. MJdtown looked at each program to insure the existence of: adequate legal authority, competent technical approach, dedicated financial resources and appropriate administrative procedures and staffing. Because program funding became an issue, Midtown sought to establish a stormwater user fee system (often called a st°rmwater utility) to provide stable, adequate and equitable funds. The costs and steps of 'the utility development are not included here. Program Objectives Table 1 develops the basic objectives of each of the programs in each of the six minimum areas. In real life these objectives would be developed through