Publication Summary

This document is in two downloads.
This file includes Chapters 1 through 9. You also need to download the apppendices for Chapter 9 of the model.
See below for links to the other files.

The primary object of this model program is to help local governments achieve compliance with the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Phase II Municipal Stormwater Permit requirements and protect water quality, both ground water and surface water. A steering committee comprised of eastern Washington cities and counties at a chartering meeting further elaborated on the objective of model NPDES Phase II Program:

"…to describe a regionally and environmentally appropriate Phase II stormwater program that satisfies federal and state regulatory requirements, and that can be implemented by local government. The Model Program will be constructed to assure that local governments can address unique or specific issues within the context of the Model Program." (from Chartering Meeting held June 2001)

It is envisioned that the Model Program described herein can assist eastern Washington communities (elected officials, staff, and citizens) that must plan and implement programs to comply with a Phase II NPDES Permit. It is also envisioned that the Model Program will describe how the State and Federal requirements can be implemented in a way that is the most economical, as well as meaningful to the citizens and environment of eastern Washington.

It is the intent of this document to provide a model that can help communities more easily understand and implement the requirements of a combined State and Federal NPDES Permit. The elements of this Model Program will form the basis of the primary requirements and conditions that will be set forth in Ecology′s eastern Washington "NPDES Phase II Municipal Stormwater Permit." The sections of this Model Program will:

1. Provide guidance to communities concerning what is required under the Phase II municipal stormwater permit, the potential consequences of not having a permit or not complying with permit conditions, and the basic record keeping and reporting requirements.
2. Provide guidance and examples on what can be done to comply with each permit requirement. Examples may include: educational programs, plan review processes, construction site inspection and enforcement activities, examples of required local ordinances,annual inspection and maintenance activities, a program for detecting and eliminating "illicit discharges," etc.
3. Provide examples of activities that are already occurring in communities that can count toward permit compliance and reduce the overall cost of the program.
4. Explain to communities the benefit of implementing a stormwater program.
5. Identify the organizational structures and costs related to meeting each permit requirement (staffing, equipment, planning, etc.).
6. Estimate the costs associated with each permit requirement for two hypothetical Phase II communities (larger and smaller).
7. Provide examples of possible funding sources and mechanisms.

Developing and implementing a comprehensive stormwater management program, as described in this Phase II Model Program, can result in a wide array of benefits for cities, counties, and the environment. Successful implementation of a stormwater program that addresses the six minimum control measures has the potential to generate benefits related to water quality, municipal operations, and other benefits that will positively impact quality of life (e.g., recreational and public health and safety). Ultimately, these types of benefits can translate into economic benefits for cities and counties as a result of factors such as more efficient and costeffective operating practices, increased property values through preservation of green space, and increased revenues from recreation and tourism. Provided below is a description of the various benefits that cities and counties in eastern Washington may generate through implementation of the Phase II Model Program.

Poorly managed stormwater can contribute high levels of pollutants such as excess sediment, nutrients, bacteria, and heavy metals as runoff travels over land and discharges into receiving rivers, lakes, and streams. Stormwater management programs recognize the potential impacts of unchecked stormwater runoff – accelerated stream flows, destruction of aquatic habitat, modified natural hydrologic patterns, and elevated pollutant concentrations. A stormwater management program that promotes or requires smarter land use practices can minimize negative chemical, physical and biological impacts and produce water quality improvements over time. Achieving water quality improvements is a primary benefit of stormwater management that can generate a host of related benefits for cities and counties. A successful stormwater management program that improves water quality can help to ensure that rivers, lakes and streams meet water quality standards – the measuring stick that drives the need for additional pollution controls such as Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs). Avoiding the need for such additional pollution controls can translate into cost-savings for cities and counties. Sound stormwater management programs can also play an important role in reducing the number of impaired water bodies due to bacteria levels and reducing the need for additional expensive treatment technologies for drinking water supplies.

In addition to water quality benefits, stormwater management programs can provide cities and counties with a framework and measures to conduct operational activities in a more efficient and cost-effective manner. Management practices that seek to prevent pollutants from entering the storm sewer system (e.g., construction best management practices, illicit discharge detection and elimination practices) will reduce the need for costly system maintenance and repair activities. Through the various reporting mechanisms required in stormwater management programs, cities and counties will establish the ability to track activities and expenditures related to stormwater management activities, thereby improving communication and coordination among responsible departments.

As mentioned earlier, stormwater management programs can produce a ripple effect in terms of benefits. Other benefits to consider include enhanced fishing and opportunities for recreation. Stormwater management helps to reduce pollutants that can harm important fish habitat and minimize the contaminants that make fish unsafe to eat – often the same pollutants that make swimming and boating unsafe. Stormwater quantity is often addressed through stormwater management techniques intended to improve water quality. Effective management techniques help to limit increases in impervious surface, thereby decreasing the quantity and velocity of stormwater runoff and minimizing flooding events. Stormwater management programs help promote maintaining green spaces in the community, improve visual appearance of waterways, and promote cleaner sites on land (e.g., better maintained parking lots, industrial sites, municipal facilities, etc.).