The Environmental Services Division, in coordination with the Development Services Department and the Engineering and Maintenance Divisions of Public Works, is developing a comprehensive stormwater management program for the City of Springfield. This comprehensive approach provides Springfield with the framework and tools to address stormwater issues on the local, regional, and watershed levels. Issues include collection and discharge of the runoff, as well as program development and implementation to enhance the quality of stormwater runoff to protect threatened species.

These efforts are in response to the listing of Chinook salmon as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and our required permitting under the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Phase II. This federal permit requires the city to monitor and enhance stormwater quality, and maintain basic water quality standards.

The comprehensive stormwater plan will include six minimum control measures required under NPDES Phase II: illicit discharge detection and elimination; public education; public involvement/participation; construction site runoff control; post-construction runoff control, and pollution prevention / good housekeeping practices for municipal operations.

Other elements of the plan include identifying existing stormwater system deficiencies and plans to correct those deficiencies, and planning new stormwater systems to accommodate new growth.

For information regarding stormwater, call 541-726-3674.

Email at Public Works

Last updated April 1, 2008