Texas Commission on Environmental Quality URBAN DEVELOPMENT AND WATER QUALITY Texas Commission on Environmental Quality October, 2008

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Impacts of Urban Development Hydrologic Impacts Increased impervious surfaces yield increased storm water runoff Pollution Impacts Activities generate pollutants and storm water carries pollutants to the bay

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Hydrologic Impacts Rainfall / Runoff Relationship

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Hydrologic Impacts Storm Hydrograph

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Pollution Impacts

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Storm Water Management Flood Control Objectives  Minimize threat of flooding  Comply with National Flood Insurance requirements  Provide drainage facilities for 100-year event  Maintain existing flood plain delineation

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality What is the 100-year Event? 100-year event is about 13 inches 90 th percentile event is about 4.2 inches

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Storm Water Management Water Quality Objectives

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Achieving Water Quality Objectives Green Infrastructure  Definition Use natural processes to reduce and treat storm water runoff  Natural Processes Infiltration, filtration, and biological treatment  Benefits Reduced storm water runoff, pollutant reductions, enhanced recharge, reduced costs, increased recreation

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Green Infrastructure Management Practices Minimize clearing, grading Save permeable soils Limit lot disturbance Soil Amendments Alternative Surfaces Reforestation Reduce pipes, curb and gutters Reduce impervious surfaces Site Planning and Design

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Green Infrastructure Management Practices Description - Constructed basins with a permanent pool of water. Among the most effective stormwater practices. Offer aesthetic value. Natural Processes - Settling and biological uptake. Applications – Larger scale storm water management facilities Constructed Wetlands

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Green Infrastructure Management Practices Description – Drainage conveyance facilities designed to slow storm water runoff and allow it to infiltrate into the subsurface Natural Process – Slow runoff velocities, infiltration, storage, filtration, biological treatment Applications – Drainage conveyance network Vegetated Swales

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Green Infrastructure Management Practices Bioretention Description - A conditioned planting soil bed and planting materials Natural Processes – Filtration, adsorption, biological treatment of runoff stored within a shallow depression Applications – Parking lots, streets, residential and commercial landscaping

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Green Infrastructure Management Practices Description - A load-bearing, durable surface with an underlying layered structure. Unobtrusive Natural Processes - Temporarily stores water prior to infiltration or drainage to a controlled outlet. Application - Residential, commercial and industrial applications are possible. Light vehicle loading in parking areas.. Spatially constrained areas. Pervious Paving

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Green Infrastructure Management Practices Description - Direct roof runoff away from paved areas and direct it to rain barrels, infiltration trenches, and planting areas. Natural Process – Storage, infiltration, filtration, biological treatment Applications – Residential and commercial roofs Roof Runoff Controls

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Green Infrastructure Municipal Programs Milwaukee, Wisconsin Goal – Reduce the volume of storm water runoff Disconnection Program – Redirect building downspouts to rain barrels and pervious areas Rain Gardens - Install 60 rain gardens Greenways – Protect wetlands and other drainage features through acquisition and conservation easements BMP Pilot Projects – 19 projects were monitored over a 3-year period to evaluate environmental, implementability, O & M, and costs factors. Rain Garden at Miller Brewing Company Headquarters

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Green Infrastructure Municipal Programs Lincoln, Nebraska Holmes Lake Watershed Goal - Increase awareness about lawn care; Improve storm water quality by reducing the amount of storm water runoff and the use of low phosphorus fertilizer. Program - Three segments of the program are: Rain gardens – 90% discount for installation Rain barrels - Free No/low phosphorus fertilizer – One bag free

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Green Infrastructure Municipal Programs Goal – Watershed management approach to address flooding, water quality and habitat Project Area – Ecologically important wetland complex Integrated Approach – Land use planning, environmental analysis, engineering, public involvement Multiple Funding Sources – Local, state, and federal Management Plan – Structural and non- structural BMPs Ingleside, Texas Lake Whitney - Drainage Improvements

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Watershed Management Funding Environmental Finance Center at Boise State University The Watershed is a Mosaic of public, private and nonprofit land ownership and a myriad land uses. Using a broader collection of terms can broaden the sources of funding for your watershed management plan. Identify land owners and land uses within a watershed to create a patchwork of funding opportunities. “Community Quilt” concept of financing

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality State Funding Programs TCEQ – Nonpoint Source Grants TWDB – State Revolving Fund, EDAP GLO – Coastal Impact Assistance Program, Coastal NPS Grants TSSWCB – Nonpoint Source Grants TPWD – Recreation Grant Program Watershed Management Funding Federal Funding Programs EPA - Catalog of Federal Funding Sources for Watershed Protection Housing and Urban Development- Community Development Block Grants Dept. of Agriculture - EQIP

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality National Association of Counties Programs Coastal Counties Restoration Initiative Five Star Restoration Grants Water Quality Technical Assistance Watershed Management Funding Local Funding Options Storm Water Utility Fees Capital Improvements Impact Fees Special Assessments General Appropriations

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Applies natural solutions (including biological treatment concepts, soil sciences, and wetland dynamics) to the design, operation and maintenance of drainage infrastructure Engineering and construction administration for decentralized storm water management and watershed restoration projects Utilize an integrated design process including hydrology, ecology, water quality, public participation, and recreational criteria Recognized “experts” in the field with publications, awards and participation in peer review of technical works and the development of public policies and documents Watershed Management Consultant Qualifications

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Contact Information Water Quality Planning Division Charles Maguire, Assistant Division Director, 512/ , Arthur Talley, TMDL Team, 512/ , Bill Carter, NPS Team, 512/ , Gail Rothe, Coastal Coordinator, 512/ , Jeff Foster, Coastal Bend Bays Estuary Program, 361/ ,