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TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM <br /> July 13, 1995 <br /> Page 21 <br /> The NPDES program for municipal stormwater discharges may affect Medford during <br /> implementation of the next phase of this federal program. If Phase 3 is implemented, the <br /> municipal stormwater NPDES program may require the city to construct stormwater controls <br /> to limit pollutant discharges to receiving waters. Both the NPDES and TMDL programs may <br /> require construction of water quality treatment facilities to help reduce the concentrations of <br /> pollutants. Once constructed, these facilities will require maintenance, typically at a higher <br /> level of effort than traditional retention /detention facilities. <br /> Environmental Protection <br /> In part, protection of the environment is closely related to water quality. Construction and <br /> maintenance practices that are detrimental to water quality can also negatively affect the <br /> environment. For example, erosion resulting from poor construction methods, or from <br /> inappropriate maintenance of drainage channels and streams, may create a high sediment load <br /> that will accumulate downstream. High concentrations of suspended solids will degrade water <br /> quality and habitat for aquatic species. Some construction and maintenance activities may not <br /> directly affect water quality, yet they can still have a negative environmental impact. <br /> Vegetation correctly removed from development sites and stream banks may protect water <br /> quality but may degrade habitat opportunities for birds and other species of wildlife. The <br /> goal of the stormwater management program must be to limit any negative consequences to <br /> the environment from all construction and maintenance activities. <br /> SUMMARY <br /> The major components of the existing drainage standards and policies are summarized and <br /> assessed in this technical memorandum. Brown and Caldwell has reviewed drainage <br /> standards and policies from a number of other jurisdictions to provide recommendations to the <br /> city of Medford on the type of standards that will best support the city's stormwater <br /> management program. The specific language of policy statements or standards is not <br /> provided. These statements should be developed by the city based upon its knowledge of the <br /> political and legal ramifications of the issues. The recommendations provided in this provide <br /> direction on the type of standards and policy that should be adopted. <br /> Brown and Caldwell will be working closely with the city to help develop a comprehensive <br /> drainage raster plan to the city's overall stormwater management program gels. Final <br /> drainage standards adopted by the city will be included as an appendix to the Drainage <br /> Master Plan. <br /> DRAFT <br /> 1:\:.11'l\l'a,k3Vtn31.eug <br />