Management Practices Survey

Transcription

1 Governor s Environmental Advisory Council 2007 Nonpoint Source Pollution Initiative Management Practices Survey April 5, 2007 Watershed Protection Branch Georgia Environmental Protection Division

2 EAC 2007 Nonpoint Source Management Practices Survey Survey intended to collect information pertinent to NPS control to help EAC s deliberations Survey inquired about major topics (as delineated in January DNR Board Resolution) Erosion and Sediment Control Buffer Implementation Stormwater Management Impervious Surface Control Growth Management

3 EAC 2007 Nonpoint Source Management Practices Survey Nearly 150 surveys sent to variety of organizations and entities involved in nonpoint source management Local Governments (Cities and Counties, Phase I and Phase II Municipal Stormwater Permittees) State and Federal agencies (including Georgia Forestry Commission, Georgia Department of Transportation, Department of Community Affairs, fairs, Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Commission, Environmental Protection Division, Environmental Protection Agency-Region 4) Colleges and Universities Non-governmental organizations Business and industry

4 EAC 2007 Nonpoint Source Management Practices Survey Governor s Environmental Advisory Council 2007 Non-point Source Pollution Initiative Management Practices Survey Respondent (optional): Agency: Date: Best Practice(s) Observed Worst Practice(s) Observed If I could make just one change in this program, I would... (See note below.) Erosion and sediment control: Stormwater management: Buffer implementation: Impervious surface control: Growth management: Other thoughts, issues, or concerns:

5 EAC 2007 Nonpoint Source Management Practices Survey Results: Received 15 surveys back Some groups compiled answers into one response (Erosion and Sediment Advisory Committee, Coastal Nonpoint Source Advisory Committee) Others responded as individuals or representatives of groups Responses included local governments (cities and counties), forestry, transportation, soil and water commission, builders and consultants, and non- governmental organizations.

6 Summary of Results: Best Practices Commonly listed examples of best practices include: Effective oversight and compliance. Focus on limiting erosion at the source: limit grading and disturbance initially, focus on better site design Education/training effective, comprehensive certification andprogram. Better site design and low impact development practices: Georgia's Green Growth Guidelines,, innovative solutions, green infrastructure, conservation subdivisions Properly installed and maintained stormwater controls (Georgia Stormwater Management Manual (Blue Book) Land Conservation and Greenspace Preservation Local governments committed to land use planning

7 Summary of Results: Worst Practices Commonly listed examples of worst practices include: Improper installation and maintenance of control measures Lack of consistent, effective enforcement Mass clearing and grading of construction sites Stream Buffers not protected: Riparian buffer clearcutting by private landowners. No riparian buffer by agricultural producers. Unlimited livestock access to streams. Direct piping of concentrated stormwater into water bodies. Local ordinances requiring practices inconsistent with water quality protection (parking, curbs and gutters), rejecting innovative designs Land-use planning: No zoning or ordinances in place to manage growth, or lack of conformance to comprehensive plans and consideration for infrastructure and/or costs of services.

8 Summary of Results: Suggestions for Changes or Innovations Some suggestions for changes or innovations: : Consistent interpretation and enforcement Provide full funding and/or full appropriation of fees collected to EPD Provide better education and outreach Expand State-wide undisturbed stream buffers. Minimum standards for post-construction stormwater state-wide. Develop/modify and implement ordinances to help local governments limit impervious surfaces, and encourage better site designs. Create credit systems for impervious surfaces and greenspace Enhance planning criteria: Comprehensive Plans tied to zoning, and a growth consistent with approved plan. Focus development into nodes and preserve natural and working landscapes.

9 EAC 2007 Nonpoint Source Management Practices Survey Summary thoughts: Buffers, stormwater management, impervious surface control, and growth management are parts of a comprehensive strategy. A unified approach is needed, to focus on growth management from a water quality and stormwater management perspective to reduce the overall impacts of development.

10 Erosion and Sediment Control Commonly listed examples of best practices include: Properly designed E&S plan, proper installation and maintenance of BMPs, timely stabilization, AND effective oversight and compliance. Focus on limiting erosion at the source: limit grading and disturbance initially (especially mass grading and clearcutting, e.g. Athens-Clarke County mass grading ordinance) Education and training effective, detailed, and comprehensive certification and education program.

11 Erosion and Sediment Control Commonly listed examples of worst practices: Improper installation and maintenance of control measures (especially silt fence) Lack of consistent, effective enforcement. Lack of coordination between EPD and LIAs. Inconsistent practices enforced: Utilities and transportation sediment just as destructive as construction sediment Mass clearing and grading of construction sites Excerpt of note: We estimate that >90% of the construction sites covered by the State S General Permits statewide are significantly out of compliance with the conditions of the permit under which they are operating.

12 Erosion and Sediment Control Some suggestions for changes or innovations: Consistent interpretation and enforcement by EPD Regions and local issuing authorities Hire and train additional E&SC inspectors Provide full funding and/or full appropriation of fees collected to EPD to hire and train inspectors needed Provide better education and outreach the the current certification should do more to improve quality and use of BMPs.

13 Buffer Implementation Commonly listed examples of best practices include: Preservation of entire buffer (all trees and understory.) Local governments that have adopted and enforced additional buffer setbacks (or more stringent requirements) in local ordinances

14 Buffer Implementation Commonly listed examples of worst practices: Stream Buffers not protected not enforced Inconsistent or improper state waters determinations that result in buffer destruction Clearcutting of riparian buffers. Cutting all trees and leaving stumps in place no considered land disturbing activities No riparian buffer by agricultural producers -- row crops or pastures right up to banks Unlimited livestock access to streams

15 Buffer Implementation Some suggestions for changes or innovations: Buffers should be large enough to provide many functions, and should be codified in laws OTHER than E&S Act. Expand State-wide undisturbed stream buffers All programs involved in the implementation of the Erosion and Sedimentation Act and the State General Construction permits should be housed in the same EPD Branch or a new Branch should be created with existing personnel to more effectively implement the Act, Rules, and General Permits.

16 Stormwater Management Commonly listed examples of best practices include: Limiting curbs and gutters, increasing bioswales and vegetated stormwater treatment. Rain gardens and infiltration practices. Georgia's Green Growth Guidelines better site design and low impact development practices Innovative solutions, such as porous pavement, green roofs, green infrastructure Properly installed structural stormwater controls Georgia Stormwater Management Manual (Blue Book) standards.

17 Stormwater Management Commonly listed examples of worst practices: Innovative designs, cutting edge stormwater management techniques rejected by county officials due to unfamiliarity. Regional stormwater utilities, planning, etc., not encouraged (the way that regional reservoirs are managed) Erosion Sedimentation and Pollution Control Plans not addressing requirements of the State General Permits regarding storm water management. Direct piping of concentrated stormwater into water bodies.

18 Stormwater Management Some suggestions for changes or innovations: Minimum standards for post-construction stormwater state-wide. Link E&S and Stormwater Management into one strategic approach: incorporate Green Book and Blue Book Standards for performance or compliance for stormwater in the State General Permit (Construction) Develop and/or modify local regulations to allow and encourage better development site designs

19 Impervious Surface Control Commonly listed examples of best practices include: Use of green infrastructure, green roofs and pervious surfaces in i parking lots and other large areas Commonly listed examples of worst practices: Local ordinances requiring lots of parking Oversized parking facilities that are 100% impervious Local ordinances requiring curb and gutter or other practices that contribute to nonpoint source pollution

20 Impervious Surface Control Some suggestions for changes or innovations: Develop and implement ordinances to help local governments establish guidelines to limit impervious surfaces. Create an impervious surface credit system that discourages the use of impervious materials and rewards the use of pervious/semi- pervious innovative materials

21 Growth Management Commonly listed examples of best practices include: Conservation subdivisions/preservation of greenspace Local governments committed to land use planning to make informed decisions about their communities growth and their citizens quality of life. Land Conservation, Greenspace Preservation and Green Infrastructure Programs effort to preserve/protect important areas to protect water quality, habitat, recreation. Focus development in areas with existing services.

22 Growth Management Commonly listed examples of worst practices: No zoning or ordinances in place to manage growth. Land-use planning and lack of consistency: No land use planning, or comprehensive land use plans that are ignored during decision making and variances are issued right and left. Variances should be the exception, not the rule. Creation of local plans but are continuously changed as commissions change Continued urban sprawl through continuous re-zonings and lack of conformance to an approved land-use plan Growth without consideration for infrastructure and/or costs of services associated with patterns of growth

23 Growth Management Some suggestions for changes or innovations: Create a greenspace credit system that requires a percentage of greenspace to remain on developed sites with a option to purchase/trade credits Enhance planning criteria: Comprehensive Plans tied to zoning, and a growth should be consistent with the approved plan. Focus development into nodes which maintain the best interest of the entire community Coordination of state, regional and local policies and investments ts to promote compact development; to guide new development into existing urban centers and villages, and preserve natural and working landscapes Local ordinances as a management tool to manage growth based on resources available such as sewer, water and compatibility. Increase permit coordination across agencies

24 Discussion