HomeMy WebLinkAbout02_NCS000427_Budget Summary_20220502 STORMWATER
D ivision
Business Plan
an gu
u 0 D 1871
2022
Stormwater Division Business Plan
Vision
Every Cary citizen is influenced by stormwater during and after rain. It is our hope that these
experiences are not negative. In Cary, a safe, environmentally sound and affordable place to
live and thrive is paramount. As it relates to stormwater, safe streets, protection from flooding,
mitigation of flooding impacts and sound water quality are achievable goals to pursue.
Executive Summary
Cary consistently enjoys the distinction of being one of the most desirable places to live and
work in the country. Cary's robust infrastructure supports residential, commercial, and business
communities while carefully integrating extensive community centers, greenways, lakes, parks,
and recreational areas. The long-term result supports both the vigor of the economy as well as
the well-being of the individuals who live and work in Cary. The balance between growth,
quality of life, and quality of the natural environment is a foundational principal.
An important aspect of complementing economic development and environmental protection is
effective floodplain and stormwater management. Cary has provided consistent leadership in
this respect for over twenty-five years.
The Stormwater Division operates under ten different programs. The National Pollution
Discharge Elimination System (NPDES Phase II Permit) dictates six (6) of these programs. The
programs are as follows:
■ National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES Phase II Permit)
➢ Public Education & Outreach
➢ Public Involvement & Participation
➢ Illicit Discharge Detection & Elimination
➢ Construction Site Runoff Controls (New Development/Plan Review)
➢ Post Construction Site Runoff Controls (New Development/Plan Review)
➢ Pollution Prevention & Good Housekeeping for Municipal Operations
■ Development Services
■ Capital Projects Program
■ Floodplain Management Program
■ Environmental Protection Program
■ Support Services
The six (6) NPDES Phase II Permit programs have documented goals that are required to be
met under the NC Department of Environmental Quality and EPA purview. Each of these
programs have minimum measures that are outlined in the permit and include measurable goals
that are tracked and reported annually.
Development Services are at the core of Stormwater Division and are the catalyst to all
other functions performed. The NPDES Construction Site Runoff Control and Post-
Construction Site Runoff Controls are only a portion of this very important program.
This program begins with the Development Review Committee (DRC) in which staff
meet with developers, engineers, citizens and others to discuss the potential for
proposed development. Subsequent to the meeting plan review commences and
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includes stormwater. Additionally, the Division provides assistance with Rezoning
Cases in which stormwater is an issue as well as other development activities.
The Capital Projects Program has two primary driver, citizen requests through Policy
Statements 35 and 146 as well as the four-year-old Stormwater Asset
Management/Condition Assessment Program. There is also a Street program that funds
emergency repairs and other issues that arise in the R/W. As we continue to develop these
services it is anticipated that addressing citizens private property requests driven by the
Policies will be segregated from the proactive asset management initiative.
Cary's Floodplain Management Program is under the umbrella of the Federal
Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and through Cary's administering our
ordinances, which affords the opportunity for citizens to have access to flood insurance
while also establishing a base line for flood mitigation. The Adaptive Approach to
Stormwater initiated in 2018, included a focus on floodplain management while
leveraging open space specifically established via floodplain management and
environmental protection ordinances. Refining and improving on the program is an
important focus moving forward.
A cornerstone of Cary's success since approximately the year 2000 has been the
Environmental Protection Program which has established extended riparian buffer
protections via the Urban Transition Buffer (UTB). This program coupled with strong
floodplain ordinances provide the most effective flood mitigation policies while protecting
water quality, promoting open space, increase property values, and maintain a health
tree canopy. This program also provides the means to protect wetlands as well as
Cary's and the surrounding areas water supply watersheds in the Neuse and Cape Fear
Basins.
Support Services rounds out the Stormwater Division primary service areas. Stormwater
staff's number one objective is to provide exceptional, friendly customer service to Cary
citizens, other staff members and the public in general. In 2015 we dedicated a staff
member to this being their primary goal, allowing the remainder of Division staff to focus
on other programs within Stormwater but available to assist when called upon by our
stormwater citizen advocate.
An ancillary goal to managing these programs that we continue to work toward is a
sustainable operation via cross training and complete documentation of our programs,
policies, and procedures.
1.0 Division Description
The Stormwater Division operation primarily revolve around fulfilling the requirements of
the 11 programs currently in place, most of which are mandatory by the state and
federal governments. This includes addressing requirements of the NPDES Phase II
Permit as follows:
■ Public Education & Outreach
■ Public Involvement & Participation
■ Illicit Discharge Detection & Elimination
■ Construction Site Runoff Controls (New Development/Plan Review)
■ Post Construction Site Runoff Controls (New Development/Plan Review)
■ Pollution Prevention & Good Housekeeping for Municipal Operations
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The additional fiver programs address Cary's stormwater infrastructure through
maintenance and capital improvement, FEMA requirements to make available
insurance and responsible development along waterways, state water quality and
environmental requirements as well as supporting services for citizens, Cary staff
members and the public in general. These programs are as follows:
■ Development Services
■ Capital Projects Program
■ Floodplain Management Program
■ Environmental Protection Program
■ Support Services
The Stormwater Master Plan was last updated in 2013 and does a good job of detailing
programs, addressing flooding, water quality and discussing future opportunities. Fiscal
Year Budget 2020 includes revising the Stormwater Master Plan within the lens of
Imagine Cary, Adaptive Stormwater and a review of potential funding alternatives.
In 2018 Cary embarked on looking at stormwater from a different lens. The Adaptive
Approach to Stormwater included six (6) committees comprised of 43 staff members
and 10 citizens. The initiative was a comprehensive look at stormwater within Cary
using a pilot area in the downtown Walnut Creek Basin.
The Stormwater Division Programs are illustrated in Figure 1. The organizational
structure includes the six programs under the NPDES Phase II permit and the five
additional programs to serve Cary's stormwater needs.
STORMWATER DIVISION
Stormwaier Master
Admininstrati on Plan
Programs
NPDES Phase 2 Capital Projects Floodplain Managemen Environmental Protection Service Support ❑evelopment Services
Public Education& Public Involvement& Illicit Discharge Pollution Prevention& Construction Site Post Construction Site
Outreach Participation ❑etection&Elimination Good HoUS2keering Runoff Runoff
Adaptive Stormwater
Ordinances Open Spec- Steering Committee Basin Model Maintenance
Figure 1 —Stormwater Program Organization
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Cary's Stormwater Division basis of operation is derived by NC law. Like all other
municipalities in the state with regards to being responsible for safely conveying
stormwater runoff across the Cary R/W and Cary owned property. All other properties
owners are responsible for the same: conveying stormwater runoff across their property.
NC law does not allow public funds to be expended on private property for stormwater
impact improvements. Public purpose directs that purports to benefit the populace as a
whole.
Cary envisions a much higher goal for stormwater and floodplain management, well above the
status quo, which is the standard statewide. This will be accomplished through an adaptive
approach, addressing concerns on a case-by-case basis and further developing robust
programs that advance the effort Town-wide.
1.1 Origin and History
The following descriptive timeline shows how Cary has progressed in its approach to
stormwater management over the years and how many of these changes relate to State
and Federal Regulations.
• 1972 — Cary adopted its first floodplain management ordinance predating the
issuance of the first Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) for the area.
• 1974 — Cary was one of the first communities to adopt a planning approach
where drainage basins were used as a geographic basis for planning and land
use.
• 1985 - Cary proposed its first ordinance to protect water quality in a water supply
watershed (Swift Creek). The ordinance (adopted in 1986) required that
development involving a change in zoning in a water supply watershed must
provide on-site detention of stormwater to protect the receiving stream network.
Cary also assumed responsibility for erosion and sediment control from the State
in this year.
• 1988 —Affected Wake County communities developed and accepted the Swift
Creek Watershed Land Management Plan which set development criteria within
the watershed that became the basis for subsequent plans and ordinances.
• 1990 — Cary began to require a stormwater plan, erosion control plan, and a
grading permit when more than 12,000 square feet of area is disturbed. This
exceeded the State standard requiring a sediment and erosion control
permit when disturbances exceed one acre. (43,460 ft2)
• 1992 — DENR adopted the water supply watershed classification and associated
rules, which must be incorporated into the drinking water protection management
plan for all municipalities. Cary implemented these rules in 1993.
• 1996 (adopted in 1998) - The Environmental Management Commission
established the Neuse River Basin Nutrient Sensitive Waters Management
Strategy, otherwise known as the Neuse Rules. The overall goal of this
legislation was to reduce nitrogen loading to the Neuse River Estuary by 30%.
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• 2000 — In general, Cary no longer allowed development in the floodplain as part
of its Flood Damage Prevention regulations in Section 7.5 of the LDO. This
exceeded the requirements set forth by FEMA which will allow
development in the floodplain under certain conditions. Also, erosion
control inspections became required for every single-family home permitted to be
built in Cary. In addition, Cary adopted its "Stormwater Management Program for
Nitrogen Control in July of 2000.
• 2001 - Cary adopted Urban Transition Buffers (UTB) under the LDO — Section
7.2.14 that requires a 100-foot buffer on USGS mapped surface waters and 50-
foot buffers on Soil Survey mapped surface waters in the Neuse and Cape Fear
River Basin. The UTB ordinance exceeded and predated the buffer
requirements. In this year a rule was also established that would not allow lots
to be platted in the UTB or floodplains.
• 2005 - Cary received an NPDES Phase II stormwater permit. This required
developers of properties with more than 24% imperviousness to control and treat
stormwater volume leaving a project site from the 1-year, 24-hour storm. It also
required an 85% removal of total suspended solids (TSS) from the annual
average loading. Additionally, the Phase II permit required Cary to establish six
programs as outlined in Section 1. Cary began mapping the entire stormwater
infrastructure system, public and private. Municipally Separate Storm Sewer
System (MS4).
• 2006 - Cary revised Policy 35 to include opportunities for cost sharing with
citizens that have problems with structural flooding.
• 2008 — Cary adopted a detention ordinance for the 2-, 5-, and 10-year storms.
Cary also began regulating impervious surface areas on single-family lots.
Additionally, Cary limited mass grading to 25 acres at a time for residential
developments with between 3 and 8 dwelling units per acre.
• 2009 — The Jordan Lake Nutrient Management Strategy became effective. The
rules require Cary to develop a stormwater management plan for new
development and for projects that disturb more than one-half acre of land, and a
program that includes measures very similar to Cary's NPDES Phase II permit
(education program, identify and remove illicit discharges, map the MS4 system).
• 2011 — Cary received its updated NPDES Phase II stormwater permit from the
NC Division of Water Quality.
• 2016 — Cary received its second renewal of the NPDES Phase II stormwater
permit from NC Division of Water Quality.
• 2018 —Adaptive Stormwater approach initiated.
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1.2 Regulatory Environment
Many aspects of the Cary's stormwater program are based on Federal and State
requirements. This section provides the technical details associated with the regulatory
environment affecting stormwater and floodplain management in the Town. The USEPA and
DWQ through legislation and regulations require Cary to monitor, document, and
regulate activities that affect stormwater runoff, flooding, and pollution. Many of these
requirements are mostly expressed in the Land Development Ordinances (LDO) and
are related to development. Cary exceeds a number of these requirements. Virtually all
the Federal requirements have been transferred to the Cary through or in conjunction
with State requirements. As such, it is necessary to review the State and Federal
requirements together. The requirements as they relate to the Cary are as follows:
• NPDES Phase II Stormwater Program
• Neuse River Basin: Nutrient Sensitive Waters Management Strategy (Neuse
Basin Rules)
• Jordan Water Supply Nutrient Strategy (Jordan Lake Rules)
• Water Supply Watershed Rules
• N.C. Sedimentation Pollution Control Act of 1973 (SPCA)
• Swift Creek Watershed Land Management Plan
• Swift Creek Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL)
• Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973
The Black Creek Watershed Association Strategic Plan (BCWA Plan) is not technically
a State or Federal requirement, but DWQ considers it to be important as a way to for
Cary to avoid future State requirements. Figure 2 shows Cary watersheds that are
affected by the various State and Federal requirements described in detail in this
Section.
The Neuse, Jordan Lake, Water Supply Watershed regulations are upheld via the Post
Construction Program and the Environmental Protection Programs. The SPCA
regulations are meet via the Construction Site Runoff Program. The Swift Creek TMDL
is managed through the NPDES Phase II permit. The NFIP is administered by
ordinance through the Floodplain Management program.
Cary's Land Development Ordinances have expanded through the years as they relate
to stormwater. The LDO addresses stormwater runoff under five overlapping
categories:
■ Water quality
■ Runoff quantity and flooding
■ Erosion and sediment control
■ Riparian/urban transition butter (UTB)
■ Enforcement
In 2019, a process has been initiated to amend the LDO by relocating our detention
ordinance from the water quality section to the floodplain section and by adding a
requirement to meet predevelopment conditions for the 100-year design storm.
6
PIN
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Lei �• �
AP +; a
LegendE2 Maynard Loop
=River Basin Divide
P2 1-540 Extension(Future)
ImTown of Cary Extraterritorial
Jurisdiction
Town of Cary Planning
BlackStrategic
Swift Greek TMDL
Jordan Lake Watershed
• -
Swift Greek Watershed Overlay
4 •'
Jordan Lake Basin • .
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FederalRule
TMDL
NPDES Phase Session Law 2006-246,
II Stormwater 40 CFR Part 122 Permit No. NCS000427, 15A N/A
NCAC 02H .0126
Neuse Basin 1972 Clean Water Act, SL 1995-572, 15A NCAC 2B Neuse Estuary
Rules Section 303(d) .0200 TMDL
HB 515, SL 2005-190, SL
Jordan Lake 1972 Clean Water Act, 2009-216, SL 2009-484, 15A Jordan Lake TMDL
Rules Section 303(d) NCAC 2B .0200', SL 2012-
200 and 201
Water Supply GS 143-214.5 and 143-
Watershed N/A 214.6, 15A NCAC 213; SL N/A
Rules 2012-200
SPCA 40 CFR Part 122 SPCA, 15A NCAC 04 N/A
Swift Creek 1972 Clean Water Act, (Part of Neuse Basin) Swift and Williams
TMDL Section 303(d) Creeks TMDL
Flood Disaster
National Flood Protection Act of 1973,
Insurance National Flood Adopted Program in 1997 NA
Program (NFIP) Insurance Reform Act of
1994
Table 1 - Current Federal and State Stormwater Program Requirements
1.3 Organization and Structure
The Stormwater Division is responsible for engaging the citizenry; not only in being
responsive to citizen requests and complaints, but in being proactive with the public and
providing education and mitigation opportunities to protect stormwater quality and
prevent flooding. The Stormwater Division also engages with the development
community to ensure proposed development and redevelopment meets or exceeds
water quality and quantity requirements set forth in the LDO. Stormwater is the only
group in Cary that is a part of every aspect of development from planning to plan
review, overseeing construction and conversion of sediment and erosion control
measures to post construction stormwater control measures that must be maintained in
perpetuity.
The Stormwater Division has undertaking a comprehensive evaluation of all programs,
with a staff goal of becoming a leader at the national level.
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The Stormwater Division is currently composed of 12 employees as follows:
Stormwater Operation Manager Stormwater Field Services Administrator
Stormwater Program Analyst Stormwater Project Manager— Floodplain
Environmental Specialist Stormwater Project Manager—Water Quality
Sr. Civil Designer Sr. Stormwater Engineering Technician
Stormwater Engineering Technician (2) Stormwater Specialist/Floodplain Administrator
Stormwater Communication &Outreach Specialist
Stormwater Division
Field Services
Operations Manager
Admininstratar
SW Engineer = ood Stormwater Anayss: SW Specialist
Flood lain Admin
SW Engineer Qaa :} Sr. SW Tech
Ei., ro7rie7.a
SW Tech 1
S eciiallis
Civil Design Tecr, Outreach & SW Tech 2
C.ommunica o7s
Figure 3—Stormwater Positions Organization
In the summer of 2018, the Public Works Stormwater Facilities Specialist staff member
retired, and it was mutually agreed to move the position to the Stormwater Division.
The Environmental Specialist has taken on that role. Additionally, the Town is working
toward joining the Community Rating System which is a FEMA program to assist with
flood insurance rate reduction. This additional workload will be primarily administered
by the Stormwater Specialist/Floodplain Administrator. Figure 4 depicts current staff.
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Billy Charles
vperationa Field=ervice=_
Vacant Vacant Lisa Booze
vNEnff SW Analr_t SWSpe:ialin/ P.Admin 11
Jan Todd
SW Eng f r.SW Te r h
Eric Kirk
EnvSpeiialist SWTeh
Richard Marie Jeff
Ein TlEh Co-mmuni:ation SWTeth
Figure 4—Current Stormwater Staff Organization
1.3.1 Stormwater Operations Manager
The Stormwater Division Operations Manager oversees the day-to-day activity within
the 11 Division programs in the Division and with an emphasis on citizen assistance,
Capital Improvement Projects, Asset Management, Outreach, IoT, and Floodplain
Management. At least a quarter of the time is in the field addressing citizens concerns
that have elevated due to the stresses that can be realized from impacts from
stormwater. Additional field time includes Capital project construction oversight and IoT
water level sensor maintenance. The operation manager also conducts weekly
meetings with staff to coordinate activities of the Division.
1.3.2 Field Services Administrator
The Field Services Administrator (FSA) overseeing development from plan review
through construction, conversion of a construction site runoff SCM, to a post
construction site runoff SCM, to issuance of certificates of occupancy, to post
construction annual maintenance and certification in perpetuity. The position oversees
two (2) SW Field Technicians that between them periodically inspect on average 120
construction sites. Additionally, the position oversees a third Sr. SW Field Technician
that's primary focus is citizen assistance. The Division take roughly 700 citizen calls a
year and typically conducts over 350 citizen assistance site visits. The FSA also assists
with administering the 11 Division programs with an emphasis on Illicit Discharge
Detection and Elimination, Construction Site Runoff, Post-Construction Site Runoff,
Pollution Preventions and Good Housekeeping of Town facilities.
1.3.3 Stormwater Specialist
The SW Specialist two (2) primary roles are development/redevelopment plan review
and Floodplain Administrator. The SW Specialist assists with overseeing development
within Cary including construction site and post construction site runoff control. This
staff member attends Development Review Committee (DRC) meeting every
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Wednesday. As the Floodplain Administrator activities include issuing floodplain
permits, administering the Community Rating System Program and compliance.
1.3.4 Stormwater Project Manager - Water Quality
The Stormwater Project Manager — Water Quality, assists with maintaining the Capital
Improvements Program. The primary focus is managing Town staff, On-Call consultants
and contractors associated with design and construction of stormwater infrastructure
improvement projects. This position also including design of infrastructure
improvements in-house using AutoCADD. Field support and oversight are frequent
during construction activity and requires coordination with staff, contractors, consultants,
and citizens. The SW Project Manager assists the Environmental Specialist with the
riparian buffer program. This position also works with Public Works and contractors on
stream bank erosion impacting Town infrastructure. They also help with the Town's
Drainage Assistance Programs under Policy Statements 35 and 146 which is a citizen-
based approach. Assist with the IoT stormwater sensor program and GIS based Asset
Management Programs.
1.3.5 Stormwater Project Manager - Floodplain
The Stormwater Project Manager— Floodplain, assist with maintaining the Capital
Improvement Program. The primary focus is maintaining the GIS stormwater inventory
and a GIS based Asset Management and Condition Assessment Programs. This
position also manages the proactive Stormwater Infrastructure CCTV and jet/vacuum
program conducted by dedicated Public Works staff. This PM uses the GIS based tool
to prioritize Capital Improvements and manages the design and construction of projects
associated with floodplain improvements. This position also directs staff with in-house
design and GIS based inventory. Assists with annual capital budget and tracks project
expenditures, and coordinates with other departments in implementation.
1.3.6 Stormwater Analyst
The Stormwater Analyst manages the NPDES Phase II permit programs. This includes
6 programs with annual measurable goals and reporting requirements. Manages the
Neuse River Basin Rules, TMDL Water Quality Recovery Program, Jordan Lake Rules
requirements and reporting. Oversees the Post Construction and Illicit Discharge
Detection and Elimination (IDDE) program, ensuring that the requirements for the
NPDES permits are being fulfilled. These programs are GIS administered and require
constant and immediate attention. Post Construction requires monthly letters to be
remitted to HOAs to maintain SCMs monthly and certify annually. Assists with
floodplain permitting and impervious issues with regards to building permits.
1.3.7 Environmental Specialist
The Environmental Specialist administers the Jordan Lake Buffer Program as delegated
by the State, performing on-site buffer determinations, reviews development plans for
compliance with the buffer rule, issues buffer authorizations for development projects,
and enforces the Jordan Lake buffer and Town Urban Transition Buffer (UTB)
requirements. The position also oversees Town-owned Stormwater Control Measures
(SCMs), Town-owned dams, and the Good Housekeeping Program (20 facilities with
Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans) requirements under the Town's NPDES Phase
II stormwater permit. It also includes an annual training program that the position
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administers to facilities staff. In addition, the Environmental Specialist provides
technical support and 404/401 planning and permitting assistance across Town
departments for both capital projects and Town operations and maintenance. In
addition, position manages on-call environmental science and engineering contracts.
1.3.8 Civil Design Technician
The Civil Design Technician assists the Operations Manager and Project Managers with
numerous tasks. This staff member assist with GIS based and AutoCADD based task.
For in-house projects development of construction drawing is a primary focus. Using
GIS based software this position also enters development plans, as-built and record
drawings. The Civil Design Technician directs survey and subsurface utilities efforts in-
house and through On-Calls. Construction plans development extends to bidding and
some construction oversight.
1.3.9 Outreach & Communication Specialist
The Outreach and Communication Specialist ensures that the Public Education and Public
Engagement requirements of the NPDES Phase II permit are fulfilled. The position provides
educational and outreach opportunities to the community by delivering in-class/in-person
presentations, developing Web page information, staffing and developing festival booth
materials, facilitating the development of videos, participating in steering committee of the
Clean Water Education Partnership that guides the creation and implementation of regional
mass media and direct education materials. The position also is responsible for facilitating
and providing citizen engagement opportunities that support an understanding of
stormwater control measures through hands-on experiences such as tree plantings, storm
drain labeling, litter sweeps, and rain garden installations.
1.3.10 Senior Stormwater Technician
The Senior Stormwater Technician's primary focus is maintaining the citizen assistance
program. Stormwater impacts every citizen on a regular basis. Stormwater receives on
average over 700 calls a year with over half requiring at least one to two site visits.
There are 12 categories of calls that once received through 311 or other
communications such as website reporting the Technician triages and categories the
calls. The majority of the calls are handled by this staff member but on many occasions
other stormwater staff members are brought in for assistance. All Stormwater staff
members assist with 311 calls. The Sr SW Tech also assists the Stormwater
Technicians with Erosion and Sediment Control and S100 inspections
1.3.11 Stormwater Technician
The two (2) Stormwater Technicians conducts Construction Site Runoff inspections for
compliance with federal, state and local regulations. On average each inspector has
rough 60 sites to manage. Duties begin with setting up a preconstruction meeting,
followed by routine inspection through the life of the project. The Techs administer the
conversion process from a Erosion and Sediment Control device to a Post Construction
Site Runoff device. This is coordinated with the Stormwater Analyst so that it can be
inventoried and set up for annual inspection and certification in perpetuity.
Appendix A includes a breakdown of each staff member in the Division by FTE including
a time allocation for all the anticipated task over a calendar year.
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1.3 Budget Summary
Over the past 10 years the Stormwater Division has operated under the Engineering
Department until 2014 when the Water Resources was formed. In February of 2019 the
Stormwater Division joined the Manager Office under Department Director Danna
Widmar. Table 2 summarizes the Stormwater Divisions budget from fiscal year 2015 to
present.
SUMMARY FOR WATER RESOURCES STORMWATER COSTS
Stormwater Revenues FY15* FY16 FY17 FY18 FY19 FY20 FY21 Total
Watershed Maintenance Fees 217,013 431,875_ 594,003_ 735,750 796,329 324,120 409,772_ 3,508,862
Grading Permits 129,921 301,762 197,424 192,148 141,336 96,749 91,765 1,150,125
Total Revenues $345.934 $733,637 $791,427 $927,898 $937.665 $420.869 $501,557 $4,658,987
Stormwater Expenses
Total Personnel 803,053 844,787 924,021 933,507 435,552 1,612,252 1,604,654 3,505,368
Total Operating(PW) 899,738 629,967 633,218 379,264 347,450 267,286 246,710 3,402,634
Total Capital(Wi 1,287,133 1,378,093 924,108 530,905 1,609,323 2,350,083 1,890,247 4,040,515
TOTAL STORMWATER RELATED COSTS $2,988,925 $2,852,847 $2,481,347 $1,843,677 $2,391,325 $4,229,621 $3,141,611 $111
Net(Revenues vs.Expenses) ($2,642,991) ($2,119,210) ($1,111 ($915,779) ($1,453,611 ($3,808,752) ($3,240,054) ($6,289,530)
*Current Stormwater Team Not Complete Until FY15 AVERAGE SPENT ANNUALLY THIS PERMIT CYCLE TO DATE(FY17-21) $2,937,516.29
Over the past decade Cary has spent on average $2.9 M a year on stormwater. The
FY23 budget for Stormwater includes funding to complete an Alternative Funding
Source Study to asset potential revenue sources. The study will update the 2013
Stormwater Master Plan and revisiting Imagine Cary to include a more foundational
approach to addressing stormwater in Cary.
Operating Budget Focus Area Items
Over the past 7 years the Operating Budget has averaged $1.5 M a year with the last 2
years being roughly $1.6M Compilation of the Stormwater Division's Fiscal Year 2023
budget is in process. The past 2 years starting in FY2020 Stormwater has had a
standalone operating budget. Prior to that it was a part of the dissolved Water
Resources or Engineering Department budget.
To maintain Cary's leadership in municipal stormwater we have increased the budget to
include additional professional organizations that are known national leaders in
stormwater as well as the travel and training budget associated with those organization.
Previously the focus has been more of a local effort within North Carolina. Joining the
Southeast Stormwater Association (SESWA), and the Water Environment Federation
(WEF) has expanded to more of a southeastern and national interest.
Capital Budget
Over the past 7 years Stormwater has averaged roughly $1.5 M expenditures for the
capital budget. In FY20 $2.35M was expended and in FY21 $1.9M was spent.
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SW Capital Expenditures
$2,500,000.00
$2,000,000.00
$1,500,000.00
$1,000,000.00
$500,000.00
$0.00
FY15 FY16 FY17 FY18 FY19 FY20 FY21
Apart from the Condition Assessment Capital funding from FY21 forward, the capital
budget has primarily responded to citizen request through Policy Statements 35 and
146. Additionally, funding has been allocated through the streets program for limited
storm drainage improvements of an emergency nature.
The FY22 capital budget maintains these reactive programs as well as funding for the
Condition Assessment Program which is a proactive approach to managing stormwater
infrastructure in Cary. Several phases of the Condition Assessment have been
completed and include 1) development of a GIS Condition Assessment tool, 2)
converting Mapinfo stormwater GIS data to ERSI which required taking 5 data sources,
three field survey, as built and field correction data combining and creating a new GIS
schema, 3) developing comprehensive basin model for downtown Walnut Creek and
Swift Creek, and 4) conducting a maintenance pilot for downtown Walnut Creek and
Swift Creek basins.
Additional capital funding is also being allocated to the Stormwater IoT Program which
is based in Basin Modeling and in real time records water level in streams and rainfall
data during a storm. Stream stage sensors, rain gages and stream flow monitoring
stations to calibrate the model and initiate the stormwater aspect of Smart Cities have
been implemented in the Walnut Basin. FY22 also includes adding Swift Creek Basin to
the program.
Table 4 is a summary of the requested capital funding for FY22. There are two (2) projects
listed in the Table that will require funding in future fiscal years.
FY22 budget includes the following:
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Table 4 Capital Budget Projections
Ca ital Project I Cat Na I Pro- No FY22
Stormwater Capital Improvements Request CAT-0920 GG6000 S300,000
Stormwater Drainage Improvement Request CAT-0922 GG7000 5300,000
Street Drainage CAT-0927 ST6000 5300,000
Stream Sensors&Rain Gages CAT-1799 GG1163 5102,000
Condition Assessment Program CAT-0758 GG1130 $B00,000
New DTWaInut Cre e k Stormwate r Corridor CAT-1,579 0
Jordan Lake Stormwater Retrofits CAT-0351 50
Open Space Acquisition CAT-1585 $500,000
Annual Capital Budget Projections 52,302,000
Looking forward, Table 5 includes projected budget request for stormwater capital projects
through the year 2027 as follows:
Tables Capital Budget Annual Projections Sum maFy
Capital Project Cat No I Pro N01 FY2 21 FY2 31 FY241 FY2.51 FY26 FY27
Stormwater Capital Improvements Request CAT-0820 GG60D0 $300,000 $300,000 $600,300 $6001000 $6001000 $6001000
Stormwater Drainage Improvement Request CAT-0822 GG7000 $300,000 $300,000 $500,000 $5w 000 $500,000 $500,000
Street Drainage CAT-0827 ST5(W $300,000 $300,000 $300,000 $300,000 $4D0,000 $400,000
Stream Sensors&Rain Gages CAT-1789 GG1163 $102,OW $110,030 $112,0w $125,000 $127,000 $100,000
Condition Assessment Program CAT-0758 GG1130 $800,OD0 $800,OD0 $800,OD0 $m'000 $803,000 $8001000
New DT Walnut Creek Stormwater Corridor CAT-1579 $0 $0 $0 $0 $2,400,000 $5,000,000
Jordan Lake Stormwater Retrofits CAT-0351 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
O en space Acquisition CAT-1595 $500,0001 5500,0001 $500,0001 $500,0001 $500,000 $500,000
Annual Capital Budget Projections $2,302,0001 $2,310,0001 $2,912,000 $2,925,000 $5,327,000 $B,900,000
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1.4 Programs
1.4.1 NPDES Phase II Permit
Cary is in the third permit cycle for the NPDES Phase II stormwater permit. A permit
cycle is roughly five years and each renewal requires a stormwater plan narrative
outlining the past five years as well as the goal and objectives for the next five years.
The next renewal will be in calendar year 2022. The Division goal is to develop
sustainable programs through documentation.
The permit coverage includes Cary's authorization to discharge stormwater from the
municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) to receiving waters, Crabtree Creek,
Walnut Creek, Swift Creek, Middle Creek, White Oak Creek and Panther Creek. The
permit authorizes the point source discharge of stormwater runoff and the following
incidental flows only:
■ water line and fire hydrant flushing;
■ landscape irrigation;
■ diverted stream flows;
■ rising groundwater;
■ uncontaminated groundwater infiltration;
■ uncontaminated pumped groundwater;
■ discharges from uncontaminated potable water sources;
■ foundation drains;
■ air conditioning condensate (commercial/residential);
■ irrigation waters;
■ springs;
■ water from crawl space pumps;
■ footing drains;
■ lawn watering;
■ residential and charity car washing;
■ flows from riparian habitats and wetlands;
■ dechlorinated swimming pool discharges;
■ street wash water;
■ flows from firefighting activities
• splash pad water from potable water source only.
1.4.1.1 Public Education & Outreach/Public Involvement & Participation Programs
Based on the measurable goals outlined in our NPDES Permit for these minimum
measures Cary meets the intent of the permit. The permit outlines target pollutants,
stressors, target residential and commercial audiences and issues, website
specification, hotline help requirements and elements of public education and outreach.
There are 3 additional documents that that further outline Cary efforts as follows:
■ NPDES Phase II Permit Narrative (Plan submitted with the permit application)
■ Neuse Basin Plan
■ Swift Creek Water Quality Recovery Program (WQRO)
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The permit also outlines public participation through volunteer programs and other
mechanisms for involvement. The Stormwater Division has a staff member dedicated to
these efforts. Over the past few years staff have combined these efforts with other
Division initiatives such as water conservation. Staff will continue to combine efforts
including Strong Neighborhood initiatives and other outreach programs that span
various Cary initiatives. Appendix B includes a breakdown of the organization structure
staffing and initiatives.
1.4.1.2 Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination (IDDE) Program
As dictated in the NPDES Cary has adequate legal authority by ordinance to prohibit
and enforce illegal discharges to the MS4. Any substance not listed in the table in
Section 1.4 is an illegal discharge. Cary is also required to dedicate manpower each
year to field screen a portion of the system during dry weather and document the
findings. Cary has a hotline and web page where IDDE cases can be reported by the
public at large. Cary has developed procedures manual for conducting investigation of
identified illicit discharges and has a training program. Additionally, by ordinance Cary
can issue notices of violation and enforcement actions administered. Appendix C
includes a breakdown of the organization structure staffing and initiatives.
1.4.1.3 Construction Site Runoff Controls
Cary has a delegated has a delegated Sediment and Erosion Control (S&EC) Program
and thus responsible for compliance with the Sediment Pollution Control Act. This
program is part of a larger effort to manage and regulate development in Cary. Staff are
responsible for reviewing and approving via issuance of a permit for any land disturbing
activity greater than 12,000 square feet. This is roughly 4 time more stringent than the
state requirement of one acre. The plan review process is further detailed in Section
1.4.2 Development Services
There are 2 staff members dedicated to enforcing land disturbing activities across the
54 square mile area. Numerous construction site continually keeps these staff
members busy starting with a required preconstruction meeting in which no disturbance
can commence until all the measure infrastructure is on site, all silt and tree protection
fence is installed, and the owner and contractor acknowledges the requirements of the
permit.
New development including Subdivisions and commercial sites are required to maintain
sediment and erosion control measures with the goal of no off-site sediment is allowed.
As a general rule Stormwater Control Measures (SCM) serve two primary functions, first
the device is used for (1) site runoff control during construction (Sediment & Erosion
Control (S&EC)) and then with required retrofitting it is used for (2) site runoff control
post construction (PC SCM).
During construction the S&EC device is to minimize erosion and thus mitigate sediment
transport off a construction site. PC SCMs serve as water quantity and quality control
devices once construction is complete. It has been the practice in the Town to allow
SCMs to act in a dual role, as construction site runoff control devices and then be
converted over to being post construction site runoff control devices. Again, these are
very different functions.
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Once a development has established vegetation and is stabile is when the process of
converting the construction site runoff controls to post-construction site runoff controls
may commence. This requires 8 documents to be submitted for approval to be
accepted into the Post-Construction Program. This is a very structured program with
set milestones and requirements with an emphasis on regulatory compliance. The
issues that need to be addressed began with the transition period between construction
and post construction for subdivisions as well as the transition from the developer to
property manager/HOA.
1.4.1.4 Post-Construction Site Runoff Controls
Cary is required under the NPDES Phase II permit to implement and enforce a program
to address stormwater runoff from new development and redevelopment projects that
disturb greater than or equal to one acre, including projects less than one acre that are
part of a larger common plan. Cary's LDO further restricts disturbances to less than
12,000 square feet. This program is part of a larger effort to manage and regulate
development in Cary. Staff are responsible for reviewing and approving SCMs
designed to meet all pertinent floodplain and stormwater management requirements for
Post-Construction site runoff. The site plan review includes how the project applicant
meets the performance standards and how the project will ensure long-term
maintenance in perpetuity.
Staff maintains a GIS inventory of post-construction structural stormwater control
measures installed, including both public and private sector sites covered by the post-
construction ordinance requirements. Cary has over 1,200 regulated SCMs of which
Cary owns just over 70. The remainder of the SCMs are privately owned and
maintained. The process requires recorded deed restrictions and protective covenants
that ensure development activities will maintain the SCMs consistent with approved
plans.
Operation and Maintenance plan for each SCM is required and dictates the owner of
each SCM will perform and maintain a record of annual inspections of each SCM.
Annual inspection of the SCMs are required to be performed and certified as operating
as designed by a qualified professional. SCMs found out of compliance are given a set
time frame to correct deficiency and may be issued a notice of violation.
Staff are required to visit all SCMs within a 5-year permit cycle. Staff is also available to
various stakeholders such as engineers, developers, HOAs, property managers,
property owners, SCM contractors, etc. Staff conducts a biannual workshop related the
Post-Construction SCMs. These events are designed to address issues with all the
stakeholders.
The Stormwater Development Manager and Stormwater Special are responsible for
plan review, The Stormwater Program Analyst is responsible for conversion, inventory
and tracking maintenance of private SCMs. The Environmental Specialist is
responsible for overseeing the maintenance and certification of the Cary owned SCMs.
1.4.1.5 Pollution Prevention & Good Housekeeping for Municipal Operations
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Staff maintains a current inventory of Cary facilities and operations with the potential to
generate polluted stormwater runoff. The Stormwater Program Analyst with the
assistance of the Environmental Specialist annually evaluate and as necessary update
operation and maintenance practices including written spill response procedures.
The Environmental Specialist will manage the contracting of maintain the Cary owned
SCMs and dams. This will include monthly maintenance, annual inspection and
certifications. Staff will maintain written records on each SCM and dam.
Staff will provide annual employee training for employees involved in implementing
pollution prevention and good housekeeping practices including those facilities used for
vehicle and equipment cleaning.
1.4.1.6 Other NPDES Phase II Requirements
Staff is required to maintain a Water Quality Recovery Program to reduce levels of
pollutants od concern in accordance with approved Waste Load Allocations assigned to
stormwater. This is to address the Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) on Swift Creek
with the surrogate target being impervious surface. Our current programs satisfy these
requirements at this time.
A new requirement added to the last permit renewal is electronic reporting. This
requires Cary to submit all MS4 reports by no later that December 21, 2020. Cary is
required to submit monitoring data and reports for the MS4 as outlined in the NPDES
Phase !! permit Part III Program Assessment and as per Part IV Reporting and Record
Keeping Requirements.
1.4.2 Development Services
Development is the catalyst for how the Stormwater Division operates. New
development and redevelopment provide revenue to Cary's general fund. The
Stormwater Division has unique role in the development process in that we are involved
directly in every phase and aspect of predevelopment, development as well as post
development. From initial inception of a development concept, the stormwater group is
involved during the rezoning phase, plan review phase, regulation of Construction Site
Runoff Controls including issuance of permits for land disturbing activities phase,
compliance with environmental protection measures such as riparian buffer and wetland
compliance as well as Post-Construction Site Runoff Control regulations for all SCM
public and private in perpetuity.
New development and redevelopment begin with a concept that requires a due
diligence period to assess the feasibility of investing in a project. The Stormwater
Division assists the development community and citizens of Cary with due diligence.
This is a significant undertaking with the complexity of the stormwater regulations.
In many instances rezoning a property prior to any development activity is required.
The Stormwater Division provides the following:
■ Awareness of Issues (pre-existing or perceived)
■ Articulates solutions
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■ Provide understandable background information to Council
■ Due diligence of developers (Stream buffer determination and identification of
other jurisdictional requirements.
➢ Pre-Application meetings
➢ Development Review Committee (DRC)
Site Plan Process
Development • D'
StormwaterErosion and Sediment Control Plan (Construction)
Plan - Plan (Post Construction)
Submittal
Gradingpermit issued and work
Paperwork for - •
A - Final
paperwork submitted/inspectionof device in final form
e Certificate of Compliance issued and SCM enters post
Post
Construction
Figure 5— Development services Process
Rezoning
The Stormwater Division on average, participates in 50 development pre-application
meetings and comments on 100 rezoning cases annually. The Division also attends and
provides technical expertise at all regular Council meetings, all Quasi-Judicial meetings
and all Planning and Zoning Board meetings. In some instances, the Division
participates in neighborhood meetings associated with rezoning.
Plan Submittal
Once a rezoning petition is accepted by Council the Site Plan Process commences.
The following components of Plan Review are addressed by Stormwater Division staff
to confirm develop plans including the Stormwater Management Plan as a companion
document are compliant and applicable:
■ SPCA Rules — Construction Site Runoff Controls
■ Nutrient Sensitive Waters Rules
■ Peak Flow Mitigation Rules
■ Applicable Federal and State environmental permits are issued
■ Mitigation buydowns for nutrients in the Neuse Basin are completed
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■ FEMA Floodplain Ordinances are met, and applicable permits issued
■ All documented Cary Standards and Specifications are met
On average 400 development plan reviews annually to verify compliance with Cary
programs and ordinances. Staff also confirms all State required mitigations are
completed prior to plan approval and tracks each approved stormwater plan for audit
purposes.
Plat Submittal
All plats generated and associated with new or redevelopment are reviewed for
compliance with all Stormwater requirement to meet Cary standards. This includes
tracking and verifying:
■ Applying maximum impervious surface for each new single-family lot as
applicable
■ Recording SCM legal access to a public R/W
■ Recording all stream buffers
■ Recording all Floodplain limits 50 acres or greater
■ Recording all Storm drain easements
■ Recording Stormwater Management signature verifying all watershed
requirements are met
Stormwater staff review on average 250-300 plats annually.
Construction
During Construction Stormwater Division staff provides technical and field services as
follows:
■ Regulation of SPCA (Erosion & Sediment Control/Construction Site Runoff
Control)
■ Permitting of land disturbance
■ Implementation of Standards and Specifications for stormwater infrastructure
■ Construction revisions
■ Transition from S&EC SCM to a Post-Construction SCM (completion, legal docs)
■ Issuance of a Certificate of Compliance for all SCMs
■ Citizen inquiries regarding compliance
■ Council and staff inquiries regarding compliance
■ Construction related complaints (Drainage, discoloration and quantity of runoff)
■ Stakeholder in issuance of certificate of occupancy (CO)
Stormwater staff issues on average 80 grading permits per year for new development
plans. Staff are responsible for organizing projects, scheduling and leading all pre-
construction meetings, and are the first point of contact for the owners developing
projects. Stormwater staff are also responsible for issuing all Certificate of Compliances
for new development projects which enables building permits to be issued.
The Construction Site Runoff Control Program is audited by the state of North Carolina
every three to four years to ensure consistency with state and Federal rules under
Cary's delegation.
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As part of plan review and construction Stormwater Staff ensures all development
complies with Sections 4 and 8 of the Towns Standards and Specifications for storm
drainage and erosion control. These standards and specifications include materials,
design criteria, installation requirements and sizing for both public and private property.
An important component of the construction program is transitioning erosion control
devices (S&EC SCM) to permanent Post-Construction SCM. Staff transitions
approximately 75 permanent SCM annually and includes close collaboration between
the SW Engineering Technician and the SW Analyst. The transition from construction to
post-construction SCMs includes numerous other stakeholders and requires 8
documents and a security fee are in place in order to meet compliance. The following
items are required for the conversion:
■ Property Deed • SCM Access Easement Recorded
■ Maintenance Agreement • Record Drawing
■ Operations & Maintenance Manual • Professional Certification
■ SCM Easement Plat Recorded • Bioretention Media Profile
• SCM Maintenance Fee
77.
Figure 6—Conversion Construction to Post-Construction
Post-Construction
To ensure goals for the Post-Construction Site Runoff Control Program are met Staff's
tasks include:
■ Ensure the implementation of permanent stormwater plans
■ Ensure the regulation of all SCM's public and private in perpetuity
■ Ensure that HOAs maintain their legal responsibilities through Town ordinances
■ Ensure functionality: SCM's that need maintenance or fail inspection are repaired
■ Track progress, Deadlines, ownership information, photos, inspection reports,
etc. using GIS based system
■ Maintain an up to date stormwater infrastructure inventory for Asset
Management, Condition Assessment and Permit Compliance.
Other task that arise during the post-construction that require staff attention but are not
limited to include:
■ Transition SCM compliance from Developer to HOA
■ Transition SCM compliance to new property owner
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■ Maintain secure fee compliance
■ Address stakeholder issues to include the following:
➢ Designers (PE, RLA)
➢ HOA/Developer/Citizen
➢ SCM Contractors
➢ Cary
Biannually Cary Stormwater Staff conduct a SCM Seminar/Workshop for stakeholders.
Topics include Division structure, programs origination, construction site runoff control
program, site plan process, conversion of SCMs from construction to post-construction,
conversion of SCMs, SCM paperwork, records, annual maintenance and inspections,
compliance, SCM overview, stakeholder roles, and maintenance versus compliance.
1.4.3 Capital Projects
The Stormwater Division has a robust Capital Projects Program. The organization
make up as to where it fits is illustrated in Figure 7 below:
Programs
Development
NPDES Phase 2 Capital Projects Floodplain Management Environmental Protection Service Support
Services
Policy Statement Streets Utilities Condition Assessment Green Town
35/146 Projects PWJ Projects Asset Management Infrastructure Facilities
GIs Condition Infrastructure
GIS Inventory Basin Models Fleld services
Assement Tool Maintenance
Figure 7—Capital Projects Organization
The cornerstone of Capital Projects to date has been Policy Statements 35 and 146.
These Policies provide a mechanism for Cary citizens to petition Cary staff to provide
assistance with structural flooding on private property. PS 35..., PS 146... Managed
variety of ways including On-Call....
Stormwater staff work closely with Public Works Operations in...
The Condition Assessment/Asset Management Program began Xx...
Adaptive Stormwater led us to basin models etc.
Design and Management, Engineering On-Calls, Public Works, Asset
Management/Condition Assessment, PS 35/146
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1.4.4 Floodplain Management Program
The Stormwater Division is currently working towards a CRS Program which is
Programs
Capital Projects Floodplain Management Environmental Protection
■
Regulatory
Administration
Town CRS FEMA
Flood lain Program Flood lain
Plan/Plat Review
Development Projects Mapping
Capital Projects &
BuildinFloodplain Insurnace
Permits
documentation intense. The application is currently being populated to send to
FEMA
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1.4.5 Environmental Protection Program
Permitting, NCDEQ Notifications
Program s
Capital Projects Floodplain Management Environmental Protection Service Support
Citizen Staff
Assistance Support
Wetland/Stream Watershed Protection
Riparian BufferJUTB Determination Land Management Plans open Space
Discussion................
The Town of Cary Floodplain Management Program can be broken up into four
components; Residential permitting, Floodplain Map maintenance, Capital Project
permitting and
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1.4.6 Support Services
Citizen and Customer Interaction
Capital Projects Floodplain Management Environmental Protection Service Support
Citizen Staff
Assistance Support
drainage Environmental Floodplain NPDES
-Public Works
-Citizen outreach
1.5 Future Considerations
1.5.1 Level of Service
The Town of Cary clearly delineates Stormwater infrastructure maintenance
requirements based upon the Public ROW. Approximately 30% of all stormwater
infrastructure is maintained by the Town and the remaining70
% is maintained by our citizens and business owners. Stormwater maintenance
responsibilities are clearly articulated on all legal plats, our Standards and
Specifications and our Land development Ordinance.
Town staff has begun to look at our policies and standards and specifications to
address stormwater infrastructure maintenance responsibilities in situations
where our ROW is being impacted by failing infrastructure.
1.5.2 Ordinance Changes
In an effort to proactively manage our floodplain, the Town will begin to require
new development to mitigate or model the 100-year storm to demonstrate no
adverse impact. A significant portion of the Town was built prior to our current
regulations which resulted in structures and residential lots being built in areas
prone to flood inundation. This ordinance revision will ensure that new
development does not create new or exacerbate existing flooding conditions on
downstream properties. It will also ensure our Floodplain limits do not change
significantly as a result of new development or redevelopment.
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Stormwater staff is in the process of revisiting all of our Ordinances to ensure we
have appropriate levels of service and appropriate levels of risk management.
Open Space (? — Danna, or defer to Parks and Rec?)
GIS
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