DuPage County Stormwater Management. Created by SCARCE with funding by the Stormwater Management Committee

Transcription

1 DuPage County Stormwater Management Created by SCARCE with funding by the Stormwater Management Committee

2 Stormwater Management An Issue for Everyone on All Levels Federal State Local Residential

3 The Water Cycle: How Water Moves Rainfall Infiltration Evapotranspiration Runoff The addition of impervious (nonporous) surfaces, soil compaction, and tree and vegetation removal result in alterations to the movement of water through the environment. Graphic from Auckland City Council, NZ

4 Stormwater is Rain and Melting Snow that hit the Earth s Surface Transpiration Evaporation Percolation Runoff Runoff Runoff Stormwater Runoff is Rain or Melted Snow that RUNS OFF Hardened Surfaces instead of soaking into the ground.

5 The Problem with Stormwater Increased Urbanization Causes Additional Runoff Resulting in Diminished Water Quality Runoff Contributes to Flooding Events

6 What Does Increased Urbanization Have to do With Stormwater? Before Development After Development Most Surfaces are PERMEABLE. Stormwater infiltrates the ground or is naturally retained on the surface. Stormwater Runoff is minimal. Most Surfaces are IMPERVIOUS. Stormwater Runs Off concrete and asphalt causing low-lying areas to retain runoff and flood. Majority of Stormwater Runoff DOES NOT soak into the ground.

7 Development & Growth in DuPage County Impacts our Water Since 1960 DPC Population has almost TRIPLED ,000 people , * 933,000 *Approximately 2,800 people per square mile MOST RIVERS AND STREAMS SHOW MARKED IMPAIRMENT as populations approach 300 people per square mile (IEPA,1994). DuPage County is over 9 times that population!

8 Imperviousness (hard surfaces) View from Sears Tower Imperviousness the sum of roads, parking lots, sidewalks, rooftops, and other impermeable surfaces of the urban landscape and relates directly to runoff quantity. As imperviousness exceeds 10% Stream channels begin to degrade Habitat is altered Water quality decreases Diversity of biological communities decreases (Center for Watershed Protection) From stock.xchng by kveselyte

9 Where Does the Stormwater Runoff Go? Stormwater Runoff from roads & construction is directed to storm drains in the street. BUT. Where Does It Go From There?

10 The Truth about Stormwater: Stormwater Transpiration Evaporation Runoff is NOT TREATED! Percolation Runoff Runoff Runoff

11 In Other Words: The Event: A 1-Inch Rainfall Type of Surface One-Acre Meadow One-Acre Paved Surface Effect Most Stormwater Soaks into the Ground. The Runoff would Fill a Standard Size Office about 2 feet deep (218 cubic feet) Almost Nothing is Absorbed. The Runoff would Fill that same Standard Office PLUS the 2 Next to It!!! Runoff from 1 acre meadow Runoff from 1 acre of asphalt

12 QUANTITY Affects QUALITY Stormwater QUALITY How GOOD Is Directly Related to Stormwater QUANTITY How MUCH

13 Does the Quality of Stormwater Really Impact Us? Polluted Stormwater Runoff Increases Water Temperature Harming Aquatic Life Destroys Vegetation and Native Ecosystems Erodes Stream & Riverbanks Making them Unsafe Creates Unhealthy Streams, Rivers & Lakes used for Recreational Activities Decreases the Quality of Drinking Water

14 EROSION from Runoff is the #1 Source DPC Deep Pool of Water Pollution New Construction Site in DPC Sedimentation Stormwater Runoff picks up exposed Clay, Silt & Soil & Contaminates Water Erosion Causes Loss of Property New Construction Site in DPC Creates Unstable, Unsafe Stream Banks Lyman Woods

15 Stormwater Runoff Non-Point Source Pollution Stormwater runoff picks up pollution as it runs off impervious surfaces Oils & Vehicle Fluids Metals Pesticides & Herbicides Fertilizer Nutrients (N & P) Sediment (silt) Pathogens (Animal Waste) Road Salts Trash Gas & Oil in Stormwater Runoff Diesel Clean-Up in Wheaton

16 What Can Be Done?

17 Federal Stormwater Regulations to Improve Water Quality Since 1972, the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendment has prohibited the discharge of any pollutants to U.S. waters unless the discharge is authorized by a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit. The Clean Water Act (1977) requires large & medium sized towns to take steps to reduce polluted stormwater runoff, and medium, small & fast-growing cities to take steps to reduce stormwater runoff. The Water Quality Act (1987) focused on water quality-based effluent limits and NPDES permitting of certain non-point source stormwater discharges.

18 Mandates on the State Level Flooding in DuPage County, 1987 After historic floods in both 1986 and 1987 in the Metropolitan Area, the Illinois General Assembly and Governor Thompson enacted Public Act which authorized DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Will Counties to prepare and fund stormwater management plans, programs, and projects.

19 DuPage County s Stormwater Management Currently, there are services in 5 general program areas: Protect & Enhance Water Quality Flood Plain Mapping Watershed Management Operation and Maintenance Permitting & Zoning Provides comprehensive stormwater management strategy and operation of the inter-community drainage system within the County.

20 County & Local Government Mandatory Regulations Federal Clean Water Act US EPA NPDES (National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System) Stormwater Program Regulations Stormwater Discharges from Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4s) Stormwater Discharges from Construction Activities Safe Drinking Water Act Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendment Water Quality Act

21 Where to Begin and to Find Help with Stormwater Management? Photo from stock.xchng by kkiser

22 HELP with Federal Regulation Compliance Local Government Environmental Assistance Network (LGEAN) - Explains Federal & State Regulations applying to Local Governments Lists Organization / Non-Government Programs which provide more information and assistance Provides Databases & Tools Offers Sources of Financial Assistance Allows Local Officials to Interact with their Peers & Others Online Profile of the Local Government Operations Sector Notebook Booklet that describes environmental problems associated with local governments National Compliance Assistance Clearinghouse - Links to Public & Private Compliance Assistance Materials

23 HELP with Funding for Municipalities in Complying with Federal Regulations Clean Water State Revolving Fund Provided more than $5 Billion annually in recent years to fund water quality protection projects Program Features: Low Interest Rates, Flexible Terms Significant Funding for Nonpoint Source Pollution Control & Estuary Protection Assistance to a Variety of Borrowers including Municipalities Partnerships with Other Funding Sources Additional Federal Funding & Grants may also be available through DuPage County. Check for Application Due Dates veronica.valladolid@dupageco.org

24 DuPage County Projects Working with Municipalities Focus Improve Water Quality Restore Natural Ecosystems Reduce Flooding Reduce Community and Personal Losses Help Maintain Natural Ecosystems Improve Quality of Life Sustain Land for Community Use & Enjoyment

25 DuPage County Projects: A Good Place to Start Re-Mapping Flood Plains & Elevations DuPage County is engaged in re-mapping flood plains to take advantage of both historical rainfall data and better assessment technology than used for the existing FEMA maps/elevations. WHY? Accurate maps/elevations are needed for homeowner flood insurance AND for County and city planning and permitting.

26 DuPage County Projects: Flood Control Facilities Quarries and Reservoirs Help keep flooding away from properties and communities during heavy rains by redirecting rising waters. Operational gates are raised and lowered to balance the water flows upstream and down. 1. Fawell Dam in Naperville 2. Wood Dale - Itasca Reservoir 3. Elmhurst Quarry (largest facility) 4. Spring Creek Reservoir in Bloomingdale Non-gated operated flood control storage facilities: Kress Creek Reservoir Gary Kehoe Mecham Grove River Dumoulin Pump Station Elmhurst Quarry

27 DuPage County Projects Stream Bank Stabilization Projects Lacy Creek - Downers Grove Before Wards Creek After

28 DuPage County Project - Watershed Management Wetlands Protection & Restoration What is a wetland? Land areas that are inundated or saturated with water for prolonged durations of time and support vegetation typically found in saturated soil conditions are considered wetlands. The Benefits Prevent flooding by slowing down and containing large amounts of runoff from heavy rains. Lyman Woods Remove pollutants such as nutrients, hydrocarbons and dissolved metals Provide habitats for important wildlife Deep Pools Carol Stream Wetlands Project

29 DuPage County Project - Watershed Management DuPage River Restoration West Branch DuPage River Project: Deep Overwintering Pool A deep pool was constructed as part of the Kerr-McGee remediation and restoration work near the Roy C. Blackwell Forest Preserve Construction Varied water elevations create vegetative and structural habitats that will maximize the diversity of aquatic species, including game and non-game fish species

30 DuPage County Project - Water Quality Muddy Waters Pond - Westmont Re-established native plants to stabilize banks, control erosion and prevent future flooding. Before The County funded 20%, the EPA funded 54%, and the Village funded the remaining. After

31 DuPage County Project - Flood Control Measure: Property Purchase Under the Watershed Management Plan, select properties are purchased, cleared of buildings, and kept open for rain infiltration. These properties on Rte 53 near the Arboretum were purchased to decrease flooding from the West Branch DuPage River across the street.

32 Federal Clean Water Act - Water Quality Research Road Salt Alternatives The County has piloted a Lower Salt program for road deicing using BEET JUICE. The program reduces salt in runoff and adjacent waterways and is effective at lower temperatures. In 2003, the EPA put Prussian Blue, an anti-caking agent in road salt, on the Toxic Pollutant List as a Cyanide. Some road salts contain as much as 165 ppm. Salt can be toxic to roadside plants, fish and other aquatic life, and to animals, including man.

33 Federal Clean Water Act Permitting: Construction Site Management Measures to prevent erosion and movement of sediment into storm drains and waterways Hay bales around storm drain Silt fence reinforced with hale bales

34 BMP s for Your Town (Best Management Practices) Different practices designed to keep pollutants out of runoff and to slow down high volumes of stormwater runoff.

35 DuPage County BMP: Minimize Stormwater Runoff Permeable Pavers Permeable Pavers allow stormwater to pass through spaces between the pavers to soak into the ground. Cut-out from Curb for Runoff The Morton Arboretum Parking Lot Tellabs, Naperville Bioswales hold and carry away any excess stormwater not handled by the Permeable Pavers.

36 New Development BMP: Minimize Runoff Rate and Volume Rain Barrels capture stormwater from roofs & save it for later use.

37 DuPage County BMP: Minimize Stormwater Runoff Native Plant Use & Rain Gardens Using Native Plants in landscaping alllows more STORMWATER to be absorbed. Rain Garden Native Plants DEEP ROOTS pull water into the ground, reducing runoff. Native Plants West Branch DuPage River

38 DuPage County BMP: Minimize Stormwater Runoff Composted Soil Holds More Runoff Compost is Decomposed Scraps Fruits Vegetables Grains Tea Bags & Coffee Grounds Egg Shells Grass Clippings Mixed with Dried Leaves Small Twigs Wet Green Component of Compost Dry Brown Component of Compost Finished Compost

39 DuPage County BMP: Minimize Stormwater Runoff Compost Holds Water & Soil Particles Together & Makes Soil Resistant to EROSION Mix 2 of Compost into Gardens These Compost-Soil Mixtures hold 7.5 Qts. or 1.88 Gal. MORE WATER for each Cubic Foot What Does it Mean? A 10,000 sq ft Lawn would hold 18,800 More Gallons of Water. Rake ½ ¾ Compost into Lawn

40 New BMP Development: Green Roof Benefits Essentially converts roof from impervious surface to pervious surface 50% to 90% annual runoff reduction (from roof) Reduction in event peak flows and volumes Reduction of conventional stormwater infrastructure and detention basin needs

41 DuPage County BMP: Minimize Stormwater Runoff Green (Vegetated) Roofs Villa Park Police Station Green Roofs allow Stormwater to be absorbed by native plants and the special substrate in which they grow so runoff from the roof is greatly reduced. Lace Elementary - Darien Home in Downers Grove Calamos Investments -Naperville Lyman Woods Downers Grove

42 Other Sources of Illegal Activities: Non-Point Source Pollution Routine outdoor washing & rinsing Illegal dumping into storm drain Non-target landscape watering Photos by Center for Watershed Protection

43 Residential Stormwater Management: Collection of Household Hazardous Waste No Dumping into Storm Drains Properly Dispose of ALL Household Hazardous Waste at the Regional Household Hazardous Waste Facility in Naperville or at an IEPA Collection Site. All Car Fluids are Hazardous Waste HHW Collection Facility, Naperville Household Hazardous Waste HHW Collection Facility, Naperville

44 DuPage County Municipalities Making Changes & Making a Difference Permeable Paver Street in Warrenville New LEED Certified Hubble Middle School, Wheaton Villa Park Police Station Permeable Pavers, Green Roof, Energy Conservation Measures New Stormwater Management Park Area off Route 53 LEED Certified Dormitory

45 Public Education is KEY to Community Involvement & Support STORMWATER Management Education starts with Libraries books, DVD s, environmental magazines, etc. Municipal Newsletters informational articles Municipal Cable Programs informative programming Public Seminars Community Sponsored Events

46 DuPage County Environmental Education through SCARCE* SCARCE can help Your Town Host Community Environmental Events Educating the Public Stormwater BMP s for Everyone: Rain Barrels, Native Plants, Rain Gardens, HHW, Permeable Pavers, Bioswales, Compost Water Conservation Groundwater & Watershed Workshops Watershed & Groundwater Models *SCARCE School & Community Assistance for Recycling & Composting Education

47 DPC Funded Community Education SCARCE Help in Developing Practices / Programs for the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus Greenest Region Compact Green Building Workshops for Community Leaders Conservation & Greening Programs for Businesses, Organizations & Schools Greening Your Home Seminars Backyard Composting Workshops Green Building Workshop for Community Leaders Lyman Woods Green Roof

48 The Conservation Foundation: Community Involvement The Conservation Foundation has programs to involve the community in cleaning up our waterways and in protecting our rivers from pollution at home. Rain barrels Storm drain stenciling / embossing River Sweep

49 What Can You Encourage Your Communities to Do Today? Oil Leaking from Car Install Rain Barrels Plant Native Plants & Rain Gardens Mix Compost into Lawns & Gardens Put Litter in Its Place Limit Your Use of Fertilizers, Pesticides & Herbicides Look for Phosphate-Free Detergents Dishwasher Soaps Outdoor Cleaners / Car Wash Fertilizer Pick up Pet Waste from Yards Keep Your Car Maintained to Limit Fluid Leaks Do NOT Drain Swimming Pools into Storm Drains Get Involved Help Clean a River or Stream Adopt a Highway or River River Sweep - TCF

50 We Can ALL Make a Difference! Stormwater Management Involves Everyone s Efforts No Matter How Big or Small!