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What is stormwater?
Stormwater is the runoff generated from rainfall or snowmelt. When the runoff doesn’t soak into the soil, it flows over impervious surfaces like roads, sidewalks, parking lots, and rooftops or even pervious surfaces like lawns. Runoff enters our wetlands and streams including Boeckman Creek, Coffee Lake Creek, and the Willamette River.
How does stormwater impact me and my property?
Stormwater runoff can impact you and your property in a number of ways if not managed properly. When stormwater flows, it can carry pollutants like trash, oil, and dirt/sediment that can harm fish, plants, wildlife, and people. The increased flow due to development (and increasing impervious surfaces) can also lead to stream erosion, flooding, and other in channel impacts.
Why do we need to manage stormwater?
We need to manage our stormwater to protect the environment, property, and support healthy watersheds for fish, wildlife, and recreation. We also need to manage stormwater to meet regulatory requirements from the Oregon Department of Environment Quality (DEQ).
How does Wilsonville currently manage its stormwater?
The Community Development and Public Works departments manage stormwater for the city. In cooperation the departments plan, regulate, operate, and administer the stormwater collection and treatment systems in Wilsonville.
A variety of standards, policies, and regulations guide the program. The City operates under a Municipal Separate Storm Sewer (MS4) permit from Oregon DEQ that requires programs and projects to be implemented to manage stormwater. This permit reflects the City’s compliance with the Federal Clean Water Act and EPA regulations.
Documents that detail stormwater program and project activities include the 2012 Stormwater Master Plan, 2012 Storm Water Management Plan, Wilsonville’s Erosion Control Program, and Public Works Standards for design and construction for stormwater and surface water management.
What makes up Wilsonville’s current stormwater system?
Wilsonville has a comprehensive system to actively manage stormwater runoff.
- pipes, culverts, natural channels, and constructed channels
- 81 miles of public storm water mains; plus, approximately 43 miles of private lines
2,361 public manholes; plus, approximately 640 private manholes
Low impact development, green infrastructure:
Wilsonville’s required method for stormwater management, whereby stormwater runoff is controlled and treated through a system of decentralized and integrated facilities, such as rain gardens, vegetated swales, and planter boxes. In comparison, conventional stormwater management relied on an “end- of-pipe” approach, which utilized large detention ponds and other facilities not integrated into development sites.
Water quality and healthy streams and wetlands:
A variety of aquatic organisms depend on healthy streams and wetlands to support their life cycles. In Wilsonville’s streams and wetlands, such as Boeckman Creek and the Coffee Lake wetlands, Chinook salmon, steelhead, red-legged frogs, and other vulnerable species need clean water and suitable habitat.
What can residents do to help manage stormwater in their neighborhoods?
Here are a few simple things you can do to help manage stormwater in your neighborhood:
- Clean up leaves and debris around storm drains
- Vegetate bare ground to limit erosion and sediment transport
- Pick up lawn clippings
- Clean up after your pets
- Dispose of contaminants properly
- Clean your car at a commercial car wash
- Check your car for leaking fluids and recycle motor oil
How are stormwater services paid for?
Stormwater services are paid for as part of residential and commercial utility bills.