WHATCOM COUNTY NPDES PHASE II 2013 STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

Transcription

1 WHATCOM COUNTY NPDES PHASE II 2013 STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM Whatcom County Public Works Department Stormwater Division March 2013

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3 WHATCOM COUNTY NPDES PHASE II 2013 STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. INTRODUCTION Overview and Background Components of the SWMP Whatcom County Regulated Areas Whatcom County Responsibilities... 7 TABLE 1.1: SWMP Implementation Responsibilities Document Organization STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION Permit Requirements Accomplishments in Planned Activities for PUBLIC EDUCATION AND OUTREACH Permit Requirements Accomplishments in Planned Activities for PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT Permit Requirements Accomplishments in Planned Activities for ILLICIT DISCHARGE DETECTION AND ELIMINATION Permit Requirements Accomplishments in Planned Activities for CONTROLLING RUNOFF FROM NEW DEVELOPMENT, REDEVELOPMENT, AND CONSTRUCTION SITES Permit Requirements Accomplishments in Planned Activities for POLLUTION PREVENTION AND OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE FOR MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS Permit Requirements Accomplishments in Planned Activities for

4 WHATCOM COUNTY NPDES PHASE II 2013 STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM 8. COMPLIANCE WITH TOTAL MAXIMUM DAILY LOAD REQUIREMENTS Status of the Lake Whatcom TMDL MONITORING Permit Requirements Accomplishments in Planned Activities for APPENDIX A: MAP OF THE WHATCOM COUNTY NPDES PHASE II REGULATED AREA APPENDIX B: REVIEW AND SUMMARY OF CURRENT STORMWATER OUTREACH AND EDUCATION EFFORT BY WHATCOM COUNTY.24 APPENDIX C: WHATCOM COUNTY PLAN FOR REDUCING STORMWATER IMPACTS FROM ROAD MAINTENANCE ACTIVITIES...49 APPENDIX D: WHATCOM COUNTY INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT AND NUTRIENT CONTROL PLAN FOR PARKS AND OPEN SPACE APPENDIX E: WHATCOM COUNTY PROPERTY AND FACILITY MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR POLLUTION REDUCTION

5 WHATCOM COUNTY NPDES PHASE II 2013 STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM 1. INTRODUCTION 1.1. Overview and Background Whatcom County has developed the 2013 Stormwater Management Program (SWMP) to meet the conditions of its Western Washington Phase II Municipal Stormwater Permit (Permit) under the National Pollutant Discharge and Elimination System (NPDES). The Permit applies to the operators of regulated small municipal separate stormwater sewer systems (MS4s). A small MS4 is a municipality having a population less than 100,000 according to the U.S. census that are: Owned and operated by a public entity that discharge to waters of the U.S.; Designed or used to collect or convey stormwater (including roads with drainage systems, municipal streets, catch basins, curbs, gutters, ditches, manmade channels, or storm drains); Not a combined sewer; and Not part of a Publicly Owned Treatment Works (sewage treatment plant). MS4s are allowed to discharge stormwater runoff into water bodies of the State (such as rivers, lakes, and streams) as long as they implement programs that protect water quality by reducing pollutants to the maximum extent possible (MEP) through requirements of the NPDES Phase II Permit. Those requirements are reported and submitted to the Department of Ecology through the SWMP and the Annual Compliance Report. The NPDES Phase II Permit can viewed be on the Department of Ecology s website at: Additional information on Whatcom County s NPDES Phase II Program and associated documents can be found at: Components of the SWMP Public Education & Outreach Public Involvement Illicit Discharge Detection & Elimination (IDDE) Construction Site Stormwater Runoff Control Pollution Prevention, Good Housekeeping, and Operation and Maintenance Post Construction Stormwater Management for New Development & Redevelopment Compliance With Total Maximum Daily Load Requirements Monitoring 1.3. Whatcom County Regulated Area Regulated areas within Whatcom County can be found in APPENDIX A: Map of the Whatcom County NPDES Phase II Regulated Area on page 23. 6

6 WHATCOM COUNTY NPDES PHASE II 2013 STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM 1.4. Whatcom County Implementation Responsibilities Whatcom County Public Works Stormwater Division is the lead in developing the SWMP and coordinating the administration and tracking of Permit requirements to achieve compliance. The Stormwater Division coordinates with other County departments, coordinates with other jurisdictions or agencies as necessary, contracts for specific tasks related to the Permit, and seeks funding opportunities to assist in implementation of Permit requirements and compliance. Table 1-1 summarizes the County departments participation and responsibilities related to the Permit s program components for Table 1-1 SWMP Implementation Responsibilities Program Component County Department Partnering Organization Stormwater Management Program Public Education and Outreach Public Involvement Illicit Discharge and Elimination Controlling Runoff from New Development, Redevelopment, and Construction Sites Pollution Prevention and Operation and Maintenance for Municipal Operators Public Works Public Works Planning & Development Services Health Public Works Planning & Development Services Health Public Works Planning & Development Services Health Public Works Planning & Development Services Facilities Parks Public Works Veda Environmental (subcontractor) Winward Environmental WSU Extension Otak RESources for Sustainable Communities Wilson Engineering Brown and Caldwell Wilson Engineering Monitoring Public Works Brown and Caldwell City of Bellingham Western Washington University 7

7 1.5. Document Organization WHATCOM COUNTY NPDES PHASE II 2013 STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM Sections of this document are organized in order by the program area components found in the Permit. The program components reference the associated Permit section in parentheses. Section 2.0 addresses Stormwater Management Program Administration (S5.A & B) Section 3.0 addresses Public Education and Outreach (S5.C.1) Section 4.0 addresses Public Involvement (S5.C.2) Section 5.0 addresses Illicit Discharge, Detection, and Elimination (S5.C.3) Section 6.0 addresses Controlling Runoff from New Development, Redevelopment, and Construction Sites (S5.C.4) Section 7.0 addresses Pollution Prevention and Operation of Maintenance for Municipal Operations (S5.C.5) Section 8.0 addresses Compliance with Total Maximum Daily Load Requirements (S7) Section 9.0 addresses Monitoring (S8) 8

8 WHATCOM COUNTY NPDES PHASE II 2013 STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM 2. STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION This section provides a description of the Permit requirements related to stormwater management program administration, and descriptions of 2012 accomplishments and activities planned for Permit Requirements The Permit (Section S5.A, B, & C) requires the County to perform the following tasks: Update the SWMP and submit to Ecology by March 31, The SWMP represents accomplishments from the previous permit cycle and planned activities for the upcoming permit cycle. Specific requirements included in the SWMP are: o o o o o Report on implementation schedules. Track cost estimates for implementation of tasks for continued evaluation of SWMP development. Develop coordination mechanisms between departments of the County. Develop coordination mechanisms between jurisdictions with shared waterbodies covered under the respective MS4s on stormwater-related policies, programs, and projects Design SWMP to achieve reduction of the discharge of pollutants from Whatcom County s MS4 to the maximum extent possible (MEP), meet all known and reasonable methods of prevention, control, and treatment (AKART) requirements of the State Water Pollution Control Act (RCW Chapter 90.48), and to protect water quality. Submit the annual compliance report for the previous calendar year with supplemental documentation to Ecology by March 31, Accomplishments in 2012 Submittal of the SWMP and Annual Compliance Report, for the calendar year 2011, by March 31, Maintained compliance with required implementation schedules of the Permit. Continued tracking cost estimates for implementation tasks. The County utilizes permit tracking software, work orders, and databases to compile annual Permit cost tracking. Continued implementation of coordination mechanisms within Whatcom County departments and with other jurisdictions to achieve compliance with the Permit Planned Activities for 2013 Continue process for SWMP and Annual Compliance Report submittal by deadline set forth in the Permit. Continue implementation schedules for Permit tasks. 9

9 WHATCOM COUNTY NPDES PHASE II 2013 STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM Continue to improve and refine cost estimate tracking of implementation tasks. Currently, cost estimate tracking is developed and maintained within each division of the respective departments of the County through varying software programs. Whatcom County will work towards enhancing and streamlining the individual processes and procedures to improve consistent countywide reporting compliance. Maintain and enhance coordination mechanisms within the departments of the County and with other jurisdictions as necessary to maintain compliance with the Permit. Continue and update necessary process, procedures, and amendments to incorporate AKART requirements set for the by the State Water Pollution Control Act. 10

10 WHATCOM COUNTY NPDES PHASE II 2013 STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM 3. PUBLIC EDUCATION AND OUTREACH This section provides a description of the Permit requirements related to Public Education and Outreach, descriptions of 2012 accomplishments, and activities planned for The Phase II Public Education and Outreach activities focus on providing information regarding permit requirements and stormwater management to the general public, elected officials, and those working or residing in the NPDES Phase II areas Permit Requirements The Permit (Section S5.C.1) requires the County to perform the following tasks: Provide an education and outreach program with prioritized audiences. Measure the understanding and adoption of target behaviors for at least one subject area. Track and maintain records of public education and outreach activities Accomplishments in 2012 Contracted with Winward Environmental to develop a comprehensive review and summary of Whatcom County s recent and current stormwater outreach and education efforts. (APPENDIX B) An outreach event in the Silver Beach Creek neighborhood in June highlighting and educating on a newly constructed bioswale, and educating on pet waste management and best compost practices. Contracted with WSU Extension for NPDES Phase II Community Outreach- Runoff/Phosphorus Reduction through Residential Landscape Practices. WSU provided a Sustainable Landscape session (6 classes of 25 participants) held in the fall of 2012, provided sustainable practices outreach with a diorama, provided the public with a tour of three examples of sustainable landscaping practices, and a post-class survey to evaluate knowledge, attitude, and confidence changes. Staff attended the Geneva Neighborhood Association meeting in December to discuss stormwater management, NPDES requirements, and options for homeowner retrofits. Staff provided contractors and builders information and education on Permit requirements and general stormwater management BMPs through the building permit application process. Staff continued providing education and outreach materials to businesses regarding source control BMPs and stewardship actions as part of the Health Department s Local Source Control Program. Coordinated with RESources for Sustainable Communities in the distribution of their Stormwater University Preventing Water Pollution brochure series addressing: o Tips for Equipment Rental Businesses 11

11 WHATCOM COUNTY NPDES PHASE II 2013 STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM o o o Tips for Mobile Cleaning Businesses Tips for Vehicle Washing and Detailing Businesses Tips for Boat Repair Businesses Additionally, RESources held workshops in Bellingham on preventing water pollution for boat repair businesses and boat owners in October 2012, and for mobile cleaning business in December Published an article in the July 2012 Lake Whatcom Management Program e-newsletter. Continued improvements to the Whatcom County NPDES website. Staff provided ongoing education and outreach opportunities through phone, , and site visits in response to inquiries from the public. Provided ongoing program and permit updates to elected officials Planned Activities for 2013 Continue with WSU Extension contract for NPDES Phase II Community Outreach- Runoff/Phosphorus Reduction through Residential Landscape Practices. Participate and hold LID workshops for contractors, designers, and suppliers. Participate in administering the Homeowners Incentive Program through coordination with the City of Bellingham and a grant from Ecology. Program focuses on LID retrofits options for homeowners by providing incentives on the cost of materials and services. This program is funded through a grant lasting until 2014, with a focus on the Silver Beach Creek sub-basin. Improve and enhance Permit updates and general stormwater education to the Whatcom County NPDES website. Continue with education and outreach through staff communications and duties. 12

12 WHATCOM COUNTY NPDES PHASE II 2013 STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM 4. PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT AND PARTICIPATION This section provides a description of the Permit requirements related to Public Involvement and Participation, descriptions of 2012 accomplishments, and activities planned for The Phase II public involvement and participation activities focus on providing opportunities for the public to share input into the program development and implementation through various committees and venues of the County Permit Requirements The Permit (Section S5.C.2) requires the County to perform the following tasks: Provide ongoing opportunities for public involvement through advisory councils, watershed committees, and participation in developing rate structures, stewardship programs, environmental activities, or other similar activities. Make the SWMP, Annual Report, and all other related submittals and Permit information available to the public Accomplishments of 2012 Provided current and past SWMP, Annual Compliance Report, and all other related submittals on the Whatcom County NPDES Phase II website. Provided contact information on website to solicit comments from the public on the SWMP, and provide opportunities for the public to inquire about the NPDES Phase II Permit. Provided updates to the public and elected officials on the NPDES Phase II Permit at the Joint Lake Whatcom Policy Group. Provided opportunities for the public to submit comments at all Whatcom County Council meetings and annual Lake Whatcom Joint Councils and Commissioners meeting regarding the SWMP and/or NPDES Phase II Permit Planned Activities in 2013 Continue providing current and past SWMP, Annual Compliance Report, and other related submittals on the Whatcom County NPDES Phase II website. Continue with public meeting announcements for opportunities to comment on the SWMP through the website and submit press releases for major updates. 13

13 WHATCOM COUNTY NPDES PHASE II 2013 STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM 5. ILLICIT DISCHARGE, DETECTION, AND ELIMINATION (IDDE) This section provides a description of the Permit requirements related to IDDE, descriptions of 2012 accomplishments, and activities planned for The IDDE Permit activities focus on the identification, investigation, termination, cleanup, and reporting of illicit discharges. These activities include both municipal staff and the general public Permit Requirements The Permit (Section S5.C.3) requires the County to perform the following tasks: Implement an ongoing program to detect, report, and remove illicit discharges, connections, or spills that includes storm sewer mapping, implementing ordinances, and a local hotline for reporting. Provide staff and the public training on IDDE response processes and procedures. Track and summarize illicit discharge reporting, responses, and enforcement actions for the Annual Compliance Report and SWMP Accomplishments in 2012 Continued implementation of IDDE ordinance adopted from Continued ongoing training and updates regarding IDDE for Whatcom County staff. o The following staff have been provided training resources and the IDDE Program, Policies, and Procedures Manual: Public Works Divisions: Maintenance & Operations crew, Stormwater Division staff, Roads staff, Engineering Services staff, and Facilities staff. Planning & Development Services Divisions: Environmental Permitting staff, Watersheds Team inspectors, and Building Services inspectors. Environmental Health inspectors. o Illicit discharges can be reported through the following avenues: Whatcom County Spills and Illicit Discharge hotline advertised on the Whatcom County NPDES Phase II website and phone book (Call for all illicit discharges.) Whatcom County Stormwater Division main number (Call for all illicit discharges.) Whatcom County Planning & Development Services main number (Call for illicit discharges related to development activities, such as land clearing and construction site activities.) Whatcom County Health Department (Call for illicit discharges other than land clearing and construction site related, e.g. toxic spills, chemicals, etc.) 14

14 WHATCOM COUNTY NPDES PHASE II 2013 STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM Washington State Department of Ecology Environmental Report Tracking System (Call for all illicit discharges.) Whatcom County has a system is in place to coordinate with other agencies, jurisdictions, and departments so the appropriate responders are notified to identify, investigate, terminate, and clean-up illicit discharges. Illicit discharges occurring within Whatcom County are tracked by Public Works Stormwater Division staff, and reported to the Department of Ecology as required. Whatcom County staff responded to 7 reports of illicit discharges, with 1 verified as naturally occurring foam in creek and not an illicit discharge. Whatcom County Health Local Source Control Program continued visits to businesses educating on illicit discharges, spill prevention, and waste management, and provided educational brochures on the program. Whatcom County coordinated with RESources for Sustainable Communities in the distribution of their Stormwater University Preventing Water Pollution brochure series addressing: o o o o Tips for Equipment Rental Businesses Tips for Mobile Cleaning Businesses Tips for Vehicle Washing and Detailing Businesses Tips for Boat Repair Businesses Additionally, RESources held workshops in Bellingham on preventing water pollution for boat repair businesses and boat owners in October 2012, and for mobile cleaning business in December Wilson Engineering conducted field assessments for the purposes on verifying outfall locations and detecting illicit discharges. A field assessment was specifically conducted on Silver Creek as part of program to address non-stormwater discharges, including spills and illicit connections. Silver Creek is within the Bellingham Urban Growth Area. Continue maintenance and updates of map of MS4 outfalls, receiving waters, and structural BMPs Planned Activities in 2013 Continue annual IDDE training updates and refresher workshops for Whatcom County staff. Continue coordination with RESources for Sustainable Communities on future IDDE training opportunities for the public and staff. 15

15 WHATCOM COUNTY NPDES PHASE II 2013 STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM Continue assessment and streamlining process for comprehensive IDDE reporting and tracking. Improve visibility for IDDE reporting through more targeted promotion of the Spills and Illicit Discharge hotline on the Whatcom County website. Continue to expand and enhance educational opportunities on IDDE through the website updates and public meeting presentations. Identify and improve educational opportunities for the public and Whatcom County staff based on IDDE reporting results and staff feedback. Birch Bay watershed (to be included into Permit cycle): o o o o o Continued inspections and maintenance on catch basins, Installation of a water quality treatment swale. Develop sub-watershed master plan. Installation of drainage improvement in the Cottonwood neighborhood. Continued education and outreach on spills and illicit discharges. 16

16 WHATCOM COUNTY NPDES PHASE II 2013 STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM 6. CONTROLLING RUNOFF FROM NEW DEVELOPMENT, REDEVELOPMENT AND CONSTRUCTION SITES This section provides a description of the Permit requirements related to controlling runoff from new development, redevelopment and construction sites, descriptions of 2012 accomplishments, and activities planned for Permit Requirements The Permit (Section S5.C.4) requires the County to perform the following tasks: Develop, implement, and enforce a program to reduce pollutants in stormwater runoff to a regulated MS4 from new development, redevelopment, and construction site activities. Adopt regulations to address runoff from new development, redevelopment, and construction site projects from both public and private projects utilizing the Minimum Requirements, technical thresholds, and definitions of Appendix 1 of the Permit. Provide provisions to allow for non-structural preventative actions and source reduction approaches, such as Low Impact Development (LID) techniques, measures to minimize the creation of impervious surfaces, and measures to minimize the disturbance of native soils and vegetation Accomplishments in 2012 Continued implementation of regulations adopted in 2010 to address runoff from new development, redevelopment, and construction site projects from both public and private projects utilizing the Minimum Requirements, technical thresholds, and definitions in Appendix 1 of the Permit. (ORD ) Continued review of all stormwater site plans per Permit requirements. Continued required inspections for development before, during, and post-construction for sediment and erosion controls and stormwater facility construction per Whatcom County Development Standards Chapter 2 and Whatcom County Code. Required recertification of all site inspection staff for Certified Erosion and Sediment Control Leads (CESCL). Trained Watershed Inspection staff on implementation of ORD Initiated appropriate amendments to incorporate NPDES Phase II requirements into the development code. Initiated proposal to enhance stormwater regulations to achieve TMDL compliance. Provided options for implementing LID techniques within the development code, referencing the 2005 Low Impact Development: Technical Guidance Manual for Puget Sound. Adopted the 2012 Stormwater Management Manual for Western Washington within the Whatcom County development codes. 17

17 WHATCOM COUNTY NPDES PHASE II 2013 STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM 6.3. Activities Planned in 2013 Continue implementation of regulations adopted in 2010 to address runoff as stated in Whatcom County Ordinance Enhance and refine processes and procedures for tracking and performing maintenance requirements for stormwater facilities. Continue with appropriate staff training on controlling runoff from construction sites. Continue supporting legislative process on proposals regarding enhanced stormwater regulations. Continue providing updates to construction and stormwater regulations to the public on the County website, NPDES Phase II website, and at the Permit Center. Enhance and improve access to educational materials and references to Low Impact Development techniques. 18

18 WHATCOM COUNTY NPDES PHASE II 2013 STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM 7. POLLUTION PREVENTION AND OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE FOR MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS This section provides a description of the Permit requirements related to pollution prevention and operation and maintenance for municipal operations, descriptions of 2012 accomplishments, and activities planned for Permit Requirements The Permit (Section S5.C.5) requires the County to perform the following tasks: Develop and implement an operations and maintenance (O&M) program to prevent and reduce pollutant runoff from municipal operations. Establish maintenance standards as, or more, protective than specified in the 2005 Stormwater Management Manual for Western Washington. Conduct inspections of stormwater flow control and treatment facilities on an annual basis, and implement appropriate maintenance actions. Spot check permanent treatment and flow control facilities (other than catch basins) after major storm events. Inspect all catch basins and inlets owned and operated by Whatcom County. Comply with maintenance standards established in the 2005 Stormwater Management Manual for Western Washington if inspection indicates cleaning is needed. Achieve an annual inspection rate of at least 95% of Whatcom County owned or operated stormwater facilities. Establish and implement practices to reduce stormwater runoff associated with runoff from streets, parking lots, roads, highways, and all lands owned and operated by Whatcom County. Train staff to implement appropriate standards and procedures to protect water quality for Permitee construction, operations, or maintenance activities Accomplishments in 2012 Contracted with Wilson Engineering to conduct stormwater asset management inspections, and identified 1,857 catch basins within the NPDES Phase II areas. In 2011, 1,943 catch basins were identified in GIS. The difference of 86 from 2011 to 2012 is attributed to: o o o Small annexations into the City of Bellingham and Ferndale effective after estimates catch basin estimates were generated. Catch basin estimates varied based on GIS selection criteria utilized between 2011 and Wilson Engineering verified/identified 1,857 catch basins through on-the-ground activities. 19

19 WHATCOM COUNTY NPDES PHASE II 2013 STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM o o 1,797 catch basins were inspected, approximately 96% of the inventory. Remaining 4% were did not have completed inspections due mainly to access and safety issues at the of inspections schedules. Based on spot checks, and follow-up visits from Wilson Engineering, approximately 75% of the inspected catch basins were cleaned (estimated 1,300). Contracted with Brown and Caldwell to develop the following plans for O&M activities to address Permit requirements: o o o Whatcom County Plan for Reducing Stormwater Impacts From Road Maintenance Activities (APPENDIX B) Whatcom County Integrated Pest Management and Nutrient Control Plan for Parks and Open Spaces (APPENDIX C) Whatcom County Property and Facility Management Plan for Pollution Reduction (APPENDIX D) Conducted spot check inspections at the Geneva and Lahti Drive Bio-infiltrations swales after major storm events. Conducted inspections and maintenance on Whatcom County s 9 public stormwater facilities covered by the Permit Planned Activities in 2013 Enhance and improve inspection and cleaning/maintenance activities of catch basins and inlets based on GIS and stormwater asset management data provided by Wilson Engineering contract deliverables, and provide M&O with refined maps with GIS software to improve reporting accuracy. Develop a comprehensive plan and schedule for catch basin maintenance based on GIS and stormwater asset management data provided by Wilson Engineering deliverables. 20

20 WHATCOM COUNTY NPDES PHASE II 2013 STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM 8. COMPLIANCE WITH TOTAL MAXIMUM DAILY LOAD (TMDL) REQUIREMENTS 8.1. Status of Lake Whatcom TMDL Currently, the Lake Whatcom TMDL has not been submitted to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for approval, and the requirements of Section S8 of the Permit do not apply. The Washington State Department of Ecology published the Lake Whatcom TMDL on February 25, The public comment period is open and will end on May 28, After the comment period has ended, the Department of Ecology will submit the TMDL with public comments and their agency responses to the EPA. EPA has 60 days to approve or amend the TMDL. At the time of approval, Whatcom County will coordinate with Ecology on the timeframes for Permit requirements become applicable to the Lake Whatcom TMDL per Section S7 of the Permit. Additional information regarding the Lake Whatcom TMDL can be found online at: 21

21 WHATCOM COUNTY NPDES PHASE II 2013 STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM 9. MONITORING This section provides a description of the Permit requirements related to monitoring, descriptions of 2012 accomplishments, and activities planned for Permit Requirements The Permit (Section S8) requires the County to perform the following tasks: Conduct water quality sampling within the NPDES Phase II areas to characterize illicit discharges. In the Annual Compliance Report, provide a description of any stormwater monitoring studies conducted, or contracted by, Whatcom County. In the Annual Compliance Report, provide an assessment of the appropriateness of BMPs identified by Whatcom County for each component of the SMWP. Implement long-term stormwater monitoring, and identify and sample (3) outfalls or conveyances Accomplishments in 2012 Conducted field assessments on Silver Creek as part of the program to address nonstormwater discharges, including spills and illicit connections. Silver Creek is within the Bellingham Urban Growth Area. Continued partnership with the City of Bellingham and Lake Whatcom Water and Sewer District for the Lake Whatcom Tributary Monitoring Project as part of implementation of Whatcom County s long-term stormwater monitoring plan. Continued baseline effectiveness monitoring of the Silver Beach Creek Watershed Pilot Project. Continued effectiveness monitoring of the Britton Road Lahti Drive bio-infiltration swale. Continued the effectiveness monitoring program of the Geneva area bio-infiltration swales. Continued with the Microbial Source Tracking project in the Silver Beach Creek Watershed with the City of Bellingham Planned Activities in Extended contract with Brown and Caldwell for Lake Whatcom Tributary Monitoring. Continue effectiveness monitoring with Whatcom County projects on Britton Road-Lahti Drive, Geneva, and the Silver Beach Creek watershed. 22

22 WHATCOM COUNTY NPDES PHASE II 2013 STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM APPENDIX A: MAP OF THE WHATCOM COUNTY NPDES PHASE II REGULATED AREA 23

23 WHATCOM COUNTY NPDES PHASE II 2013 STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM APPENDIX B: REVIEW AND SUMMARY OF CURRENT STORMWATER OUTREACH AND EDUCATION EFFORT BY WHATCOM COUNTY 24

24 REVIEW AND SUMMARY OF CURRENT STORMWATER OUTREACH AND EDUCATION EFFORT BY WHATCOM COUNTY Residents of Silver Beach Creek neighborhood in Lake Whatcom participate in a tour of the new Silver Beach Creek Bioswale. Photo by Sarah Brace PREPARED FOR: Whatcom County Public Works PREPARED BY: December 14, 2012

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26 Table of Contents I. Introduction... 1 Background... 1 NPDES Permit Requirements for Education and Outreach... 1 II. Approach... 2 III. Summary of Whatcom County s Education and Outreach Efforts... 3 Permitted Areas... 3 Past and Current Programs and Efforts... 4 IV. Summary of Interview Results... 6 Overview... 6 What Is Working Well... 6 Challenges for Outreach... 6 V. Relevant Resources... 7 WA Department of Ecology... 7 US Environmental Protection Agency... 8 Other States... 9 OTHER... 9 VI. Gaps, Opportunities, and Recommendations Overall Gaps in Whatcom County Public Outreach on Stormwater Opportunities and Recommendations Appendices Appendix I: NPDES Phase II Permit Requirements for Public Education and Outreach Appendix II: Interviewees and questions... 16

27 WHATCOM COUNTY PUBLIC WORKS Review of NPDES Phase II Stormwater Outreach Efforts I. Introduction Background Whatcom County has undertaken a variety of successful public outreach and involvement efforts in the past years aimed at reducing the harmful effects of stormwater runoff. The majority of these efforts are a component of the county s NPDES Phase II Stormwater Permit (permit) requirements. However, several efforts, notably in the Birch Bay watershed, were undertaken to address stormwater runoff issues in sensitive water bodies that are outside the permitted area. As stormwater issues have become more complex in recent years and permit requirements have evolved and expanded, the County deemed it necessary to take a fresh and comprehensive look at its stormwater outreach and involvement efforts to ensure that they were as focused and effective as possible. Whatcom County contracted with Windward Environmental, with Veda Environmental as a sub-contractor, to help them meet the goal of better understanding both the strengths and gaps in existing stormwater outreach and involvement efforts. A review of these efforts took place from March 1 through September 19, 2012 and consisted of online research, interviews with County staff and contractors, and an examination of existing documents. Three core tasks associated with this report include: a. Review stormwater education and outreach program efforts being carried out by Whatcom County. b. Review EPA s stormwater outreach digital toolkit to identify existing tools and resources utilized by other jurisdictions throughout the country that will be useful for Whatcom County s efforts. c. Identify gaps and opportunities for improving outreach programs across Whatcom County s programs. NPDES Permit Requirements for Education and Outreach Whatcom County is a permittee under the Washington State Department of Ecology s (Ecology) Western Washington Phase II Municipal Stormwater Permit program. Urban areas that collect stormwater runoff in municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4s) and discharge it to surface waters are required to have a permit under the Federal Clean Water Act. In addition to helping Whatcom County identify strengths and gaps in its current outreach efforts, this report will assist the County in meeting its permit requirements for public Review of Whatcom County s NPDES Phase II Stormwater Outreach Efforts 1

28 involvement and outreach. The goal of the Public Education and Outreach element of the permit is to reduce or eliminate behaviors and practices that cause or contribute to stormwater pollution. 1 In general, there are two key education and outreach requirements of Phase II permitees: 1. Efforts should target specific audiences, such as homeowners and businesses. 2. Jurisdictions should achieve measureable improvements in the target audience s understanding of the problem and what they can do to solve it. The permit requires the County to a) create focused public education, outreach, involvement, and participation programs for stormwater management, and b) develop tools to measure the understanding and adoption of targeted behaviors by program participants. The specific requirements can be found in Sections S5.C.1 (Public Outreach and Education) and S.5.C.2. (Public Involvement and Participation) of the permit. 2 For reference, S5.C.1 is included as Appendix I of this report. Ecology uses the following four criteria to evaluate a Phase II jurisdiction s compliance with the stormwater permit s education and outreach requirements: 1. How were target audiences determined and what efforts were made to reach out to them? 2. What specific local pollution problems does the outreach program address? 3. Was there measureable change of behavior and increasing knowledge and awareness? If not, how was the information measured to help improve the program? 4. How does the program build on past education and outreach efforts? Ecology takes into account a community s size and demographics as well as whether it is a new or existing program. 3 Ecology may also consider the kinds of resources (staff time, materials, etc.) that have been devoted to developing, implementing, and evaluating programs. Whatcom County is responsible for reporting outreach efforts in the form of a written report and question/answer table. II. Approach In order to determine where opportunities exist to strengthen current stormwater outreach and education efforts, a complete review of Whatcom County s stormwater education and outreach programs was undertaken. This review included both past and current programs, and spanned all County departments df 3 Review of Whatcom County s NPDES Phase II Stormwater Outreach Efforts 2

29 Four specific activities were undertaken, including: 1. Materials review: Reviewed reports, websites, and outreach materials available through Whatcom County s Stormwater Program. 2. Interviews: Interviewed County staff, contractors, and other individuals connected to current or past education and outreach programs to collect additional program details and information such as target audience, duration of program, funding, and any foreseeable gaps. 3. Additional resources and tools review: Reviewed EPA s stormwater outreach digital toolkit and other resources to identify existing tools and resources utilized by other jurisdictions throughout the country that will be useful for Whatcom County s efforts. 4. Synthesis and reporting: Based on review of programs and interviews, developed recommendations for strengthening the County s ongoing stormwater education and outreach programs. III. Summary of Whatcom County s Education and Outreach Efforts This section includes a brief overview of the eight geographic areas that are covered by the Phase II permit, as well as a synopsis of Whatcom County s stormwater education and outreach programs to date. Permitted Areas Whatcom County has implemented a variety of public education and outreach programs, including targeted presentations and outreach efforts to homeowners, businesses, and elected officials. These efforts have included an array of subjects including residential storm drain maintenance, responsible landscaping practices and Lake Whatcom Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) education. Whatcom County conducts these programs within the eight areas that are regulated under the Phase II stormwater permit. These eight areas include: 1. Chuckanut Bay 2. Chuckanut/Padden Watershed 3. Lake Whatcom 4. Hillsdale/Emerald Lake 5. North Bellingham/King Mountain 6. Northwest Bellingham/Airport 7. Silver Creek & Barrett Lake Watershed UA 8. Ferndale East and West UGA A more detailed description of each of these eight areas, including land use and water quality issues, is included in the Whatcom County Phase II NPDES Stormwater Management Program available at Review of Whatcom County s NPDES Phase II Stormwater Outreach Efforts 3

30 Whatcom County also conducts significant stormwater education and outreach efforts in the Birch Bay watershed through the Birch Bay Watershed and Aquatic Resources Management (BBWARM) District stormwater program. This is due to the fact that Birch Bay is a sensitive water body, an important recreational shellfish area, and recently went through a period of rapid growth. These factors led the local community to work with Whatcom County to create a stormwater management plan and stormwater management district for the Birch Bay watershed. Although it is currently outside of the County s permitted area, the Birch Bay UGA will be included in the next permit effective August For more information on the BBWARM program visit Past and Current Programs and Efforts Table 1 lists the various stormwater education and outreach activities that have been undertaken by Whatcom County since Table 2 shows how these various activities are organized by NPDES Phase II regulated areas, audiences, and issues. Table 2 is intended to show exactly how Whatcom County s suite of stormwater outreach programs addresses each of the audiences and issues identified in the NPDES Phase II Stormwater permit (see Appendix I). This table also shows where efforts have been focused in each of the eight regulated areas within Whatcom County plus Birch Bay. Appendix III contains more detailed information on Whatcom County s stormwater related education and outreach activities. To date, these efforts have not been compiled in one place; Appendix III is designed to address this need. Appendix III, which also exists as an excel spreadsheet, is intended to provide Whatcom County staff the ability to easily record and update stormwater education activities that meet Phase II permit requirements, making end-of-year reporting simpler. It should also allow staff to identify where additional efforts are needed. The programs and efforts included in Table 1, Table 2, and Appendix III are divided into five categories: 1. Programs (e.g. Sustainable Landscaping Educational Program) 2. Coordination Efforts (e.g. Lake Whatcom Education Team) 3. Presentations 4. Events (e.g. outreach booths at Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association s annual summit) 5. Trainings Many of these programs are accompanied by relevant outreach materials in the form of brochures, booklets, posters, or letters. Some of these outreach materials are sent out to specific audiences, while others are given away at events or workshops. Review of Whatcom County s NPDES Phase II Stormwater Outreach Efforts 4

31 County-wide Chuckanut Bay Chuckanut/Padden Lake Whatcom Hillsdale/Emerald Lake N. B ham/king Mtn NW B ham/airport Silver Creek/Barret Lake Watershed UA Ferndale East & West UGA Birch Bay County Staff Table 1. List of Whatcom County Education and Outreach Activities Code Name PROGRAMS a Birch Bay Watershed & Aquatic Resources Management District (BBWARM) b Local Source Control Program/EnviroStars c On-site Sewage Systems (OSS) Homeowner Certification Training d Private Stormwater Facilities Maintenance and Operation Education Program e Silver Beach Creek Watershed Outreach Pilot Program f Sustainable Landscaping Educational Program COORDINATION EFFORTS g Birch Bay Education Coordination h Lake Whatcom Education Team PRESENTATIONS i Geneva Neighborhood Association j Geneva Neighborhood Association k Lake Whatcom Joint Policy Group l Sudden Valley Community Association m Whatcom County Council n Whatcom County Flood Control Zone Advisory Board o Whatcom County Utility Coordinating Council EVENTS p Birch Bay Discovery Days q Salmon Summit r Silver Beach Creek Bioswale Outreach s Water Week TRAININGS t Staff trainings u Staff trainings Table 2. Whatcom County Stormwater Related Education and Outreach Activities Summary AUDIENCE* ISSUES* *Audiences and issues as identified in the NPDES Phase II Stormwater Permit. Please see Appendix I. General public General public, businesses, including home-based and mobile businesses Homeowners, landscapers and property managers Engineers, contractors, developers, review staff and land use planners General impacts of stormwater flows into f e, f, h a, f, p surface waters. Impacts from impervious surfaces. f e, f, h a, f, p Source control BMPs & environmental stewardship actions and opportunities in the areas of pet waste, vehicle maintenance, landscaping and buffers. BMPs for use and storage of automotive chemicals, hazardous cleaning supplies, carwash soaps and other hazardous materials. Impacts of illicit discharges and how to report them. Yard care techniques protective of water quality. f e, f, h, j, r, s b f e, f, h, r, s BMPs for use and storage of pesticides and fertilizers. BMPs for carpet cleaning and auto repair and maintenance. Low Impact Development techniques, including site design, pervious paving, retention of forests and mature trees. f e, f a, f Stormwater pond maintenance. d d d u Other: Septic system maintenance. c c c Other: Funding issues. i, j, l Technical standards for stormwater site and erosion control plans. Low Impact Development techniques, including site design, pervious paving, retention of forests and mature trees. Stormwater treatment and flow control BMPs. OUTREACH ACTIVITY SUMMARY BY AREA a, f, p a a, f Other: Phase II Permit requirements Elected Officials Funding issues. Phase II Permit issues. m, n, o m, n, o k, m, n, o Review of Whatcom County s NPDES Phase II Stormwater Outreach Efforts 5 m, n, o m, n, o m, n, o m, n, o m, n, o u t

32 IV. Summary of Interview Results Overview Six in-person interviews were conducted as part of the research for this report. Five interviewees were either County staff involved directly with stormwater outreach and education in Whatcom County, or were contracted by the County to conduct outreach. One interviewee is an Ecology staff member involved in stormwater outreach/education compliance. A complete list of interviewees and interview questions is included in Appendix II. The following is a summary of the information gathered from these interviews. What Is Working Well Whatcom County is very supportive of other entities stormwater outreach and education efforts and takes steps to support them. This is an efficient way to stretch resources. For example: o WSU Whatcom County Extension s work on the Sustainable Landscaping Program. Several Whatcom County staff are in the field, talking directly with homeowners and businesses about a variety of issues on a (nearly) daily basis. These issues include: o Septic maintenance/repair o Stormwater management o Hazardous material handling, storage, and disposal Whatcom County staff are doing a good job of leveraging existing efforts. For example, bringing septic maintenance materials to the County fair and the Salmon Summit. There has been a fair degree of cooperation and coordination with the City of Bellingham on stormwater issues, particularly in the Lake Whatcom watershed. For example: o Interlocal agreements for septic outreach, with quarterly workshops in the Lake Whatcom watershed. Challenges for Outreach There is a lack of consistent documentation of outreach efforts (numbers reached, evaluation of program, follow-up, materials handed out). Inconsistent funding negatively affects outreach efforts. For example, the Sustainable Landscaping program needs to have a predictable offering of classes, with consistent follow-up. There is a need to go beyond the classroom to web-based education. This has not yet occurred. For example, notebooks created for the Sustainable Landscaping program could easily be online but are not. There is a need for getting a better handle on existing conditions. Demonstration sites are needed, particularly for Low Impact Development/Green Stormwater Infrastructure practices. Review of Whatcom County s NPDES Phase II Stormwater Outreach Efforts 6

33 Many different departments and people are doing outreach so information is scattered and not always reported completely or accurately. Incentive programs are still in their infancy; they need to be explored further and expanded. Programs need to be targeted more effectively. Some efforts are being targeted in areas where issues are not as dire as in others. Attendance at events can be challenging. A lot of organizers expressed disappointment by low turnout. Better use of social and other media is needed to spread the word. There needs to be a comprehensive program aimed at businesses. It is currently scattered. A stormwater hero program should be created as incentive to change behaviors. Outreach conducted in Birch Bay has too many target audiences; staff are spread too thin. Sudden Valley, a private community association located within the Lake Whatcom Watershed, is the most populated area of the County s portion of the watershed and has unique problems. These have been extremely difficult to address and will require a targeted approach. V. Relevant Resources There is an abundance of educational materials and tools relating to stormwater and nonpoint pollution that have been created and made available for public use. Many of these can be found through EPA s resources although some information is spread across multiple pages within EPA s massive website and can be difficult to locate. Individual states have also created custom outreach materials for their programs and there are dozens of websites offering free tools for engaging communities on stormwater pollution. The following section provides a summary of many of the outreach tools and resources available and may allow for customization by municipalities that wish to use the materials in their outreach efforts. While not an exhaustive list, it includes several of the essential EPA and Ecology outreach resources available, and many of the sites listed offer links to additional tools, manuals, and materials. WA Department of Ecology 1. Focus on Stormwater Public Education and Outreach This document provides general guidance on important elements of an outreach program including linking the program to permit requirements, customizing to reach target audience, and the importance of evaluation. The document also provides links to other resources including EPA, Puget Sound Partnership, and Ecology s stormwater outreach pages. Review of Whatcom County s NPDES Phase II Stormwater Outreach Efforts 7