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CITY OF EUGENE <br /> STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM <br /> DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS TASK <br /> PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT March 8, 1995 <br /> TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM No. <br /> Interim Guidelines For Managing Stormwater Related Natural Resources <br /> Subject <br /> Management guidelines pertaining to open channels, waterways, riparian areas, and wetlands <br /> that provide stormwater related functions. <br /> Recommendation <br /> As an interim guideline until the stormwater code amendment process is complete, implement <br /> the attached administrative management practice. •. <br /> Summary Guideline <br /> The recommended guideline provides a decision making framework for responding to requests <br /> for piping and relocating open channels, waterways, riparian areas, and wetlands that perform <br /> stormwater functions. The guideline is keyed to information and recommendations (as <br /> applicable) contained in existing plans, studies, and inventories. The guideline establishes a <br /> three -step decision making process: 1) determination of stormwater relevance, <br /> 2) management classification, and 3) implementation options. <br /> Issues <br /> 1. Some open channels and natural resources that perform stormwater functions are being <br /> piped or relocated as part of new development projects. These practices may not be <br /> consistent with the goals and policies of the City's Stormwater Management Plan. <br /> 2. There is no formal decision making process for responding to requests for piping or <br /> relocating stormwater related resources. As a result, stormwater related resources are <br /> being lost. These losses could undermine the value of open drainage systems and could <br /> preclude options for their enhancement. Standards are being developed that will provide a <br /> review process for these requests; they are expected to be adopted by early 1997. Until <br /> the standards are adopted, an interim framework is needed for responding to requests for <br /> piping or relocating these, resources. <br /> ,3 Piping of open stormwater systems does not address water quality concerns as required by <br /> the City's NPDES permit. <br /> 4. An interim decision making process will impact City and private sector resources. <br /> 1 <br />