Stormwater Management Tools Nelly Smith EPA Region 6 Municipal stormwater Coordinator Water Division

Stormwater Management Tools Long-Term Stormwater Planning Integrated Planning for Municipal Stormwater and Wastewater

Background Communities want to: Protect public health by providing clean, safe water and resilient infrastructure. Make smart investments in water systems that promote economic development and attractive communities.

Goals of Long Term Plans Develop Asset Management Program Manage Flooding Sustainably Finance a Stormwater Program Create and Implement Stormwater Development Standards and Educate developers Integrate Stormwater into Downtown Redevelopment areas and other Economic Development Plans Pursue Stormwater Opportunities in Transportation Projects Improve Water Quality and Manage Water Holistically Increase Collaboration Throughout the Local Watershed Increase the Resiliency to Urban Heat and Water Demand

Our Efforts: A Three Pronged Approach Draft Guide for Long-term Stormwater Planning Outline key elements and process for developing long-term stormwater plans so communities invest in development that aligns with their community identity, sustainability and resiliency to reduce costs. Our Efforts: A Three Pronged Approach Our objective is to provide all communities with the tools and technical resources to implement a community-based approach for long-term stormwater planning: “Guide” Provide an online stormwater planning toolkit to help communities develop long-term stormwater plans Post online for all communities to utilize and view federal resources and tools that can help them develop their plans. “Toolkit” Provide Technical Assistance to Communities Work with 5 communities to test tool and develop plans. “Technical Assistance”

Targeted Community Help EPA is working with 5 communities to develop long-term stormwater plans using the beta version of the Toolkit. They will pilot implementation of this approach while providing valuable feedback to improve the Toolkit prior to the public release Results for this assistance will serve as a resource for communities nationwide. Burlington, IA Chester, PA Hattiesburg, MS Rochester, NH Santa Fe, NM

Community-based Solutions for Stormwater Management: A Guide for Voluntary Long-Term Planning (Draft) Developed based on sustained engagement with key partners including states, communities, business/industry groups, academia and nongovernmental organizations.  It includes 3 steps: The draft guide is available online to encourage continued dialogue and feedback. ① Assess Where You are Now Set Goals Drivers Stormwater Systems ② Analyze Opportunities ③ Move Toward Implementation Community Involvement Alternatives Proposals Measuring Success

Initial Mockup of Toolkit The landing page of the Stormwater Toolkit begins to walk users through developing a long-term stormwater plan. It lists the "elements" of the plan that correspond with those found in the Guide.

Integrated Planning for Municipal Wastewater and Stormwater Programs Integrated planning will allow a municipality to balance various CWA requirements in a manner that addresses the most pressing public health and environmental protection issues first sequencing wastewater and stormwater projects in a way that allows the highest priority environmental projects to come first, and innovative solutions, such as green infrastructure

Why an Integrated Approach? Addresses most serious water quality problems sooner More cost-effective, may lower overall cost of compliance Fosters innovative approaches, such as green infrastructure, that are more sustainable

Integrated Plan Elements Element 1: Water Quality, Human Health, Regulatory Issues Element 2: Existing Systems and Performance Element 3: Stakeholder Involvement Element 4: Evaluating and Selecting Alternatives Element 5: Measuring success

Principles for Plan Development The responsibility to develop an integrated plan rests with municipalities Integrated planning will maintain existing regulatory standards that protect public health and water quality Maximize the effectiveness of infrastructure dollars through analysis of alternatives Reflect State requirements and planning efforts and incorporate State input on key issues

FofF For More Information https://www.epa.gov/npdes/stormwater-planning https://www.epa.gov/npdes/integrated-planning-municipal-stormwater-and-wastewater