10-18-2010 Planning Commission Packet

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SWMP Update October 14,2010 Page 2 SWMP Contents Summary ' The plan is organized as follows: 1. Section 1 offers an introduction to and purpose of the Plan, including a location map of Orono, an overview of Orono's land use and philosophy of ecologically based planning. 2. Section 2 of this Plan provides an inventory of land and water resources within the City including a description of the physical setting, available and pertinent water resources data, and important natural and conservation areas. 3. Section 3 includes a comprehensive documentation of the regulatory agencies influencing the management of surface water resources in Orona 4. Section 4 provides a current assessment of surface water management in Orono, including stormwater modeling, NPDES permitting process, comparison of regulatory standazds, and identification of issues and corrective actions. 5. Section 5 describes in detail Orono's surface drainage system. 6. Section 6 presents Orono's wetland management program and identifies wetland restoration and enhancement opportunities. 7. Section 7 provides technical background for designing surface water management systems in Orono. 8. Section 8 lists the goals and policies identified to address surface water management needs in the City. 9. Section 9 summarizes capital projects currently planned with known funding sources to implement the goals and policies listed in Section 8, as well as potential activities and funding mechanisms including the MCWDs modeling program, Orono's MS4 permits, and an identification of potential issues and corrective actions. The capital improvement program plan items institute a series of projects over the next 10 years to reduce Orono's phosphorus discharge. 10. Section 10 outlines the continued administration of this plan with respect to plan updates and amendments, as well as annual reporting requirements to Minnehaha Creek Watershed (MCWD). Items for Discussion Please particularly read through Chapter 9 of the SWMP, as it contains the implementation elements of the Plan. In order to meet MCWD requirements for phosphorus removal, a number of stormwater system improvement projects have been identified and placed in a 10-year CIP that is fairly ambitious, but necessary given that many of these projects were included in the 2002 SWMP CIP but never were accomplished, due to a variety of factors. Orono's Stormwater Utility generates approximately $135,000 per year, while the proposed CIP has an annual cost of $250,000-300,000. Options for making up this deficit may include limited increases to the stormwater utility rates, partnering with MCWD or others, and a more aggressive approach to pursuit of grant money. Additionally, note that while MCWD currently administers the Wetland Conservation Act (WCA) for Orono, proposed Water Resources Management Policy 8.Sa on page 90 of the SWMP indicates Orono will within the next 12 months consider the option of assuxning administration of WCA responsibilities to ensure no net loss of wetland functions and values.