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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSCENIC VIEWS PUD - FINAL - 3-96A - SUBMITTAL DOCUMENTS - ROUND 2 - STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PLAN2.3 Wetlands Transfer There is an existing area of about 8,000 sq.ft. near the northwest property boundary which is a wetlands created accidentally when the CSU Detention Pond and City water lines were installed in Overland Trail in 1988. This wetlands is too small to qualify for U.S. Corp of Engineer regulations, but will be relocated to the Detention Pond area to enhance stormwater quality and to create a visual amenity for residents. 2.4 Stormwater Quality and Best Management Practices 2.4.1 Existing Stormwater Quality --Prior to Development a. The existing storm runoff now contains fertilizers and pesticides used to grow alfalfa, plus wastewater and stream particulates from the CSU Veterinary School and Equine Center. In storm conditions these particulates are deposited into the canal. b. In periods of storm runoff, particulates from the horse pastures to the north of the Scenic Views site enter the canal. c. According to the ditch company representative, it is a common occurrence to have illegal dumping of oil, trash, and organic materials into the canal. d. Under present conditions, the canal water quality is poor quality due to runoff for up to 24 hours after a storm,. The canal representative has advised the Happy Heart Farm and other water users "NOT TO USE the canal water for irrigation purposes within 24 hours of a storm because of its poor quality during storm events." After 24 hours the sediment will settle out in the canal bottom, and the water quality vastly improves for irrigation. e. The irrigation canal water is NOT for human consumption. f. The ditch company has NO WATER QUALITY delivery standards or criteria to meet or to guarantee for any of its users. Users of the irrigation ditch take whatever water is in the ditch and use it for irrigation purposes. They have operated this way for many generations without service disruption or dissatisfied customers. g. The irrigation company sees the creation of a retention pond as an effective tool for limiting peak flows, which could also improve the stormwater quality which would flow overland into the ditch. They also recognize there would be less risk of overtopping of the ditch due to flooding. They are also aware that detaining the stormrunoff would cause less damage to the ditch embankments, and would result in greater effective use of the ditch capacity in flood periods. They also recognize the detention basin would reduce the historic flow of stormrunoff into the ditch. Rocky Mountain Research Institute 3 By reviewing the Mean Number of Storm Days each month in Table 3, it is easy to estimate how much of the time the retention area will be in use as a storm runoff collector and how much of the time the area will be useable as open space for residents. In the months of December, January, and February only ONE STORM a month is expected to occur which will cause runoff... leaving an average of 25 days a month of active open space for residents. During the months of September, October, and November TWO STORMS are expected to occur which could produce runoff... leaving an average of 22+ days a month for recreation. In the months of March, April, June, and August THREE STORMS a month are expected to produce runoff... leaving 18+ days a month for resident open space use. In May and July as many as FOUR STORMS a month could produce runoff... leaving 15+ days for open space use by residents. Based upon typical rainfall patterns for the area, the site would be available for active open space use 258 days out of the year (71 % of the time), or an average of 21+ days per month per year. NOTE: These estimates are very conservative and assume it will take 2 full days to drain the retention pond for each storm which exceeds 0.1 inch of rainfall. From Tables 1 and 2 it is clear that for 80% of the storms which produce 0.1 inch of rainfall or more, the pond can be pumped within 7 hours time, if desired. Thus, the estimate of DRY days usable as Open Space shown above is the MINIMUM TIME estimate. Rocky Mountain Research Institute 5 2. FUNCTIONAL DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE DETENTION & RETENTION POND 2.1. Definition of Detention, Extended Detention, and Retention Ponds A detention pond holds runoff and may be releasing runoff simultaneously at the 2-yr historic rate. The primary function of a detention or retention pond is moderating flood flows. An added benefit is their ability to provide water quality enhancement. An extended detention pond is designed to totally empty after runoff ends. The extended pond extends the emptying time of the more frequent storms to facilitate pollutant removal and does so with a smaller outlet. A drain time of the brim -full capture volume of 40 hours is recommended to remove a significant portion of fine particulate pollutants found in urban stormwater runoff. Soluble pollutant removal is enhanced by providing a small wetland marsh or ponding area in the basin's bottom to promote biological uptake. The basins or ponds are considered DRY because they are designed not to have a significant permanent pool of water. A retention pond has a permanent pool of water with a base flow to flush the permanent pond, that is replaced with stormwater, in part or in total, during storm runoff events. Temporary detention is provided above the permanent pool to allow more sedimentation. Retention ponds are similar to extended basins because they are designed to capture in total, and detain a volume of runoff from frequently occurring storms. Retention ponds differ from extended detention basins because the runoff water mixes with the permanent pool water as it rises above the permanent pool. The water quality capture volume above the permanent pond is released over 40 hours, the same as for an extended detention basin. The 40-hr discharge period allows the sediment removal process to be more efficient when the outflow occurs above the bottom of the basin. (See Utility Plan pond profile) Sediments become trapped below the outlet and sedimentation continues in the pool after the captured surcharge volume is emptied. Retention ponds are very effective in removing pollutants. They are used to improve the quality of urban runoff from roads, parking lots, residential neighborhoods, commercial areas, and industrial sites. They are generally used as regional or follow- up treatment ponds. Determination of the classification of the Scenic View basin as a retention pond or as an extended detention pond is determined by the pond outlet elevation, the rainfall - runoff data, the groundwater elevation, and the volume storage capacity. 2.2. Pond Water Levels for 2-Yr, 5-Yr, 10-Yr, and 100-Yr Storm Events and Impact on Open Space Use In a typical year the amount of runoff that needs to be detained can be estimated by examining the mean inches of rainfall and storm frequency by month. Tables 1 and 2 contain the estimated amount of annual rainfall for the site. Table 3 shows the seasonality of rainfall for the site. In general, 0.1 inches of rainfall depth is the amount necessary to cause runoff. On average, about 35 storm events occur each year that are equal to or greater than 0.1 inches in precipitation depth. Rocky Mountain Research Institute n Rocky Mountain Research Institute 3 1. RAINFALL, RUNOFF, AND POND DEPTH 1.1 Rainfall and Runoff data for the site show that 57% of the annual storms will create practically NO RUNOFF producing events. These are storms with rainfall from .0 to 0.1 inch. About 34% of the storms will have rainfall depths from .10 to .50 inches. These two categories of storms represent 91 % of the annual storms which will impact the site and can be handled readily with only minor water depths in the retention pond. The average depth would be 0" in the pond for a Storm of up to .5" if we were retaining only site -generated runoff. With the pond designed to retain the off -site flows from the CSU Equestrian Center and areas north of the site, the pond depth would rise to 21" for a storm up to 0.5". Pond Depth refers to the area of the Pond which is above the wetlands water quality control volume, which is graded a few feet below the overall pond. The Pond would be DRY for resident use as Open Space, 97% of time, if we were retaining solely on -site generated runoff. By increasing the capacity of the pond to retain all off -site flows from the CSU facility and the area north of the site, the pond will be dry 85% of the time during the year. Please refer to Table 1 and 2 on the following page for these explanations. Rocky Mountain Research Institute R M R 1 ,A91 rocky mountain research institute marketing. real estate and economic consultants DATE- February 5, 1997 6645 a txri[age place sc. = engiewcoo. cc 60 1 : 1 c 3=3 7Z. .9--54 TO: City of Ft.Collins Planning Staff and STORMWATER UTILITY FROM: Bill Veio, Manager SOLITAIRE PROPERTIES,LLC RE: OUTLINE OF OUR RESPONSES TO THE DEVELOPMENT ISSUES RAISED AT THE PAST P & Z MEETING, DECEMBER 16, 1997 After reviewing the video tape of the December 16 meeting and after hearing Staff's concern in our phone conversation this January, we have prepared this outline of the development issues we intend to resolve. The issues are these: 1. Rainfall, Runoff, and Pond Depth 1.1 Rainfall and Runoff Patterns 1.2 The Groundwater Table Impact 2. The Functional Differences between the Detention vs. Retention Pond 2.1 Detention, Extended Detention, and Retention Ponds 2.2 Water Levels, Frequency, Open Space Use 2.3 Wetlands Transfer 2.4 Stormwater Quality & Best Management Practices 2.5 Overall Detention Pond Appearance, Dry -Wet Areas, Depth to Bottoms 2.6 Summary of The Detention Pond Benefits 3. Exhibits to Clarify Detention, Water Quality, and Open Space 3.1 Water Table Profile Pond Area --As Detention Pond -As Retention Pond 3.2 Pond Area in Plan View —As Detention --As Retention Pond 3.3 Rendering Showing Pond Functioning with Best Management Practices Identified The following text is for your technical benefit and study. After reviewing the text, we would like a meeting to discuss your comments and suggestions. The outline addresses what we believe from an engineering, legal, and water quality perspective meets or exceeds the City of Ft. Collins requirements for development approval. We would like to have your support for the Stormwater Quality plan before scheduling a meeting with the neighboring property owners. innovative ideas for industry since 1972 STORMWATER QUALITY AND MANAGEMENT CONTROL PLAN Prepared for Scenic Views, 2nd Replat City of Ft. Collins Stormwater Utility RMRI � �► , rocky mountain research institute 6645 e. ner¢age pmca so , engiewppp co 90111 J 003-721-0054 hex 303-721-0245 r bi,e 303-546.4540 marketing, real estate and economic consultants FINAL SUBMITTAL February 5, 1997 Rocky Mountain Research Institute JAN-24-97 FRI 16:13 DEPT OF ATMO SCIENCE FAX N0, 970 491 8449 P.07 MEDIAN LENGTH OF TIME BETWEEN MOISTURE FORT COLLINS, COLORADO 1889 - 1991 25 m a 0 15 w 0 Er w m 10. 0 Z 5 M JAN-24-97 FRI 16:11 DEPT OF ATMO SCIENCE FAX NO, 970 491 8449 .M FORT COLLINS -- DRY -DAY PROBABILITIES BASED ON 1889 - 1991 DAILY DATA CI i0 M .o] 20 L < .10" FOR Y� 6 DAYS AA wv < .01" FOR 6 DAYS J F M A M J J A S 0 N D 2.4.3 Conclusions Drawn From Stormwater Quality Management Practices An effective strategy for reducing stormwater pollution loads is to use multiple BMPs, including Non -Structural measures, source controls, and Structural BMPs. These water quality facilities are designed to capture and treat the 80% percentile storm runoff event. Capturing and treating this volume is estimated to remove between 80% and 90% of the annual TSS (total suspended solids) load. Multiple BMPs can provide complementary water quality enhancement to achieve desired results. A multi -level approach deals with many pollutant and runoff sources throughout a watershed and shows that combining most effect BMPs in a series can be an effective strategy to reduce pollutant loads being transferred to receiving waters by stormwater. This is the BMPs Strategy that is being employed for stormwater control and quality enhancement at Scenic Views. 2.5 The Overall Detention Pond Appearance, Dry -Wet Areas, and Depth to Bottoms The Scenic Views Pond could be just as easily be called an Extended Detention Pond as a Retention Pond. With the smaller permanent pond and wetlands being charged by groundwater and periodic stormwater runoff, it is the calculation of the water quality capture volume which determines the more accurate description of the basin. The WQCV computations show a required volume of .42 ac-ft. This translates to a permanent triangular -shaped wetlands pond of about 170'length by 130' width by 3' deep. The remaining volume of 13.8 ac-ft is the DRY portion of the basin which varies in depth from 9' to 12' and will handle 2 times the 100-yr storm. The exhibits specified in Section 3 of the outline are being prepared for the neighbors and the Final Plat hearing. You will receive copies for review when they become available. The purpose of the exhibits is to show how the pond will look in Plan and Profile view, and how the BMPs work together on the site. 2.6 Summary of The Detention Basin Benefits The above storm drainage basin will handle all on -site runoff for the 100-year storm, plus has additional capacity to hold the off -site runoff volume from CSU and the northern flows for the 100-yr storm. This excess storage capacity insures enhanced stormwater quality to the downstream users. Of major importance is that Plum Basin downstream property owners and homeowners should never again be flooded in the 5-yr, 10-year, or 100-yr storm event. This basin improvement is estimated to save downstream residents over $2,800,000 in potential flood damages over the next 50 years. 3. Exhibits to Clarify Detention, Water Quality, and Open Space 3.1 Water Table Profile Duplex Area --Now vs. Underdrain 3.2 Water Table Profile Pond Area --As Detention Pond -As Retention 3.3 Pond Area in Plan View --As Detention --As Retention 3.4 Rendering Showing Pond Functioning with Best Management Practices Identified Rocky Mountain Research Institute 14 contaminants and can require from 12 to 40 hours to settle out of suspension. Extended detention allows smaller particles to agglomerate into larger ones, and for some of the dissolved and liquid state pollutants to adsorb to suspended particles, thus removing a larger portion of them through sedimentation. Filtering. Here particulates are removed from water by filtering. Particles attach to small diameter collectors such as sand, pebbles, or gravel. Infiltration. Pollutant loads in surface runoff are removed or reduced as the water infiltrates or percolates into the ground. Particulates are removed at the ground surface by filtration through the vegetation and soil, while soluble constituents are also adsorbed into the soil, at least in part. Biological Uptake. Plants and microscopic animals require soluble constituents such as nutrients and minerals for growth while are found in stormwater runoff. Soluble constituents are ingested or taken up from the water and concentrated through bacterial action and phytoplankton growth. In some instances plants could be harvested to remove the constituents permanently. In addition, certain biological activities can reduce toxicity of some pollutants and/or possible adverse effects on higher aquatic species. Pollutant Removal Efficiencies Table 4 presents the ranges of pollutant removal efficiencies which are expected using the Structural BMPs with the above processes. ....... .:......... I1� 4 lit 1t�It�Ii i NtA'Vr:tr l»s ::::::..: Mi SrAi: tt'aRt t x ?GLilyTtiVL:A .:.:.:.... . Stiapettdedtatsta. Tin¢ 1)arterEa.: ::..:>;`:.':::;:. Ssttxd§.... .Phasphoru3 1~litzvgn Grass Buffer Strips 10-20 0-10 0-10 0-10 n.a. Grass -Lined Swales 2040 0-15 0-15 0-20 n.a Extended Detention Pond 50-70 10-20 10-20 30-60 50-90 (Dry) Retention Pond (Wet) 60-95 0-80 0-80 0-70 n a. Constructed Wetlands 40-50 10-60 0-20 50-60 n.a Source: Observed BMPs reported for Extended Detention and Retention Ponds by Environmental Protection Agency (1983), Grizzard (1982), Whipple and Hunter (1982) and Urban Drainage and Flood Control District, Metro Denver (1992). Wetland data from USGS for all constituents except Total-P; Lakatos and McNemer (1987) for Total-P as reported by Urban Drainage Flood Control District, Metro Denver (1992). Rocky Mountain Research Institute 13 The HOA will check the retention pond pumps prior to the start of the rainy season, and during major storms. In the event of a pump malfunction, possible repairs will be made, and the ditch company and city stormwater department notified, if repairs are unsuccessful, and a storm is occurring or forecasted. 4. Water Quality Retention Pond (Wet Pond) Retention ponds are designed for a 40-hour drain time above the permanent pond because the sedimentation process is more efficient and some mixing and dilution between a permanent dry weather pool and storm runoff occurs. The wet pond also provides for treatment between storms which provides a long period of time for fine particles to settle out and for biological activity to occur. Outflow occurs above the bottom of the basin allowing sediment to be trapped below the outlet with sedimentation continuing after the captured surcharged volume is emptied. A continuing source of water flow is needed to support the permanent pond (WQCV). Refer to Pond Plan in the Utility drawings. 5. Constructed Wetlands Wetland basins are designed to drain the water quality capture volume (WQCV) in no less than 24 hours, thereby providing for some biological uptake during the contact with wetland media. The depth of the WQCV is under 2'. The permanent pool area is divided between free water surface area (30% to 50%) which will be 2' to 4' deep ... and the wetland zones with vegetation (50% to 70%) which are typically 6" to 12" deep. A skimmer device is installed on the pond outlet about one-half the depth below the permanent water surface and rises to the maximum capture volume depth. The full WQCV should be above the permanent pool level. Refer to the Landscape Plan and Utility Drawings for the wetlands area design. 6. Sand, Gravel and Other Filters, Skimmer, Perforated Raised Pipe These are other BMPs that work in conjunction with the above Structural BMPs which enhance the stormwater quality before it enters the canal or other waterways. Effectiveness of BMPs Measures Runoff Pollutants can be grouped into two categories: particulate and soluble. Particulates are considered larger than .4 microns in diameter. In many cases, constituents, such as metals and oxygen demand compounds, become adsorbed to particulate matter. If the particulate matter is removed, so are the adsorbed or attached constituents. A combination of the following basic pollutant removal processes is used to remove pollutants at Scenic Views: Sedimentation is the process of particulate matter settling out of stormwater runoff. Smaller particles under 60 microns in size (fine silts and clays) can account for 80% of the metals in stormwater attached or adsorbed with other Rocky Mountain Research Institute 12 Structural BMPs to be Used at Scenic Views The following Best Management Practices are being employed for the Scenic Views development: 1-2 Irrigated Grass Buffer Strips and Grass -Lined Swales. Adjacent to all buildings and parking areas are large patches of grass to which roof top drains will direct storm runoff. Passing through the grass and vegetation slows the storm runoff peak and promotes pollutant fallout prior to the water entering the stormwater drains. Grass lines Swales direct stormwater flow, contribute to lowering the peak flow, and reduce pollutant loads into the stormwater basin. A swale will occur in the detention pond bottom to direct water flow to the wetlands. This wetlands bottom channel will be gravel lined and filter particulates. NOTE: Healthy grass can generally be maintained without using fertilizers because runoff from lawns and other areas contain the needed nutrients. Periodic inspection is needed in the first few years to identify any problems areas and to plan for long-term restorative maintenance. 3. Water Quality Extended Detention Basin (Dry Basin) Extended detention basins are designed to drain their brim -full volume in about 40 hours through a perforated riser pipe to remove a significant portion of the particulate pollutants found in the stormwater runoff. Soluble pollutant removal is enhanced by providing the small wetland marsh or ponding area in the basin's. bottom to promote biological uptake. The basin is considered dry because it is designed not to have a large permanent pool of water. The flood detention volume is provided above the water quality capture volume (WQCV)'of the basin. No more than 50% of the WQCV will be released in 12 hours. The extended detention basin reduces peak runoff flow rates into the canal and prevents periodic flooding of properties downstream while improving water quality and providing recreation and open space opportunities. The basin is effective in removing particulate matter and associated heavy metals and other pollutants. On -Going Monitoring of the Stormwater Outfall The HOA will be responsible for the drainage basin maintenance and will have instructions for using bio-degradable pesticides, debris removal, grass mowing, and wetlands monitoring. The HOA will keep a log of basin grounds maintenance including pumps, recycling pickups, resident attendance at on -site ecological seminars, and use of outdoor litter disposal conveniences. Annually in May, July, August, and September the HOA will monitor pond discharge by water sampling and send results to an independent lab for content analysis. Results will be evaluated by the HOA Board annually to track the effectiveness of the Best Management Practices program. Rocky Mountain Research Institute 11 activities by far exceed the quantities from urban areas. Establishing and maintaining landscaping and vegetation in existing urban areas can assist in reducing stormwater runoff rates and volumes, sediment loads, and pollutants associated with sediment from entering streams and lakes. Vegetation acts to reduce raindrop impact on soil, slows runoff rates, and encourages infiltration of precipitation into the soil. Pollutants, such as metals, nutrients, and bacteria that are attached to sediment will also be removed. The overall volume of runoff from a vegetated area is less than from an area of bare soil. Although bare soil will also allow some infiltration, its surface has a tendency to seal and erode. The eroded soils are a source of sediment transport to the receiving waterway. The landscape plan for the site contains over 100 trees, bushes, shrubs, and several acres of grass vegetation. The landscaping and vegetation will reduce the sediment load from existing conditions and enhance stormwater quality. Maintenance of the planted areas will be the responsibility of the HOA. Advantages of Structural BMPs Reduced runoff, particulate removal, and some measure of flood control are the principal benefits of Structural BMPs. Pollutants are removed by adsorption, settling, precipitation, infiltration, filtration, and biological activity. The advantages are: * Enhanced stormwater runoff quality * Can reduce runoff volumes through infiltration and interception * Can reduce peak rates of runoff, especially for smaller storms, by capturing and slowly releasing urban runoff * Can be constructed first and then used to control erosion and sedimentation during site construction * Can be combined with other municipal or public uses such as active and passive recreation, open space, and wildlife habitat * Can sometimes integrate BMPs into site landscaping to supplement irrigation of vegetation * Can be combined with drainage and flood control objectives at incremental costs to minimize and control downstream flooding Rocky Mountain Research Institute 10 Other on -site actions that will be taken to improve resident and visitor awareness and personal responsibility for stormwater quality: * Distribution of the Irrigation Ditches brochure in the rec center, sales offices, and on the bike and walking paths along the canal * DON'T LITTER signs in open space and along canal * Neighborhood clean-up day for parks, bike paths, open areas * Pet Waste disposal bag containers along paths and park areas * Waste containers distributed throughout the open spaces and walks 4. Guidelines for Proper Use of Pesticides, Herbicides, and Fertilizers Pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers are chemicals used in landscape maintenance. Pesticides are used for insect control, herbicides for weed control, while fertilizers are used for the growth and greening of grass. Pesticides and herbicides are toxic to aquatic life at low concentration, and fertilizers can be toxic at high concentrations. Fertilizers tend to promote algae growth which can deplete dissolved oxygen for fish and other aquatic organisms. - The rate and timing of the use of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers are important to minimize potential transport by stormwater runoff. Overapplication and overspraying onto impervious areas needs to be avoided as well as too frequent or excessive use. Following manufacturer's recommendations can prevent most of the surface water contamination being attributed to their use. With the HOA"in control of all open space applications, manufacturer's specifications can be followed. 5. Illicit Discharge Controls Educating residents and visitors about illegal dumping practices, about the potential hazards to public health and the environment, and encouraging the immediate reporting of spills can create a citizen sensitivity to deter illicit dumping. Controlling public automobile access to the neighborhood would go a long way to prevent the dumping of trash, refuse, and fluids or toxic substances into the canal. Controlled access to the neighborhood was part of the original design to presented to the city planning staff, but was refused "as an undesirable neighborhood element". 6. Landscaping and Vegetation Practices Soil erosion and transport from urban areas produces only a fraction of total sediment arriving at streams and waterways. Agricultural Rocky Mountain Research Institute 0 Non -Structural BMPs Used at Scenic Views The following Best Management Practices are being employed for the Scenic Views development: 1. Preparation of this Storm Water Quality Control Plan which states water quality control objectives, the description of stormwater quality management practices, contains exhibits and drawings showing the structural BMPs, the hydrological and hydraulic calculations documenting sizing and stability of drainage features, and descriptions of maintenance responsibilities and access. 2. Preparation of an Erosion Control Plan This Plan is a part of the Final Drainage Plan and Utility drawings which have been submitted to city staff. The objective of the Plan is to mitigate the potential for soil erosion and to control sediment movement during the construction process until final landscaping and stormwater quality measures are effectively in place. 3. Proper Disposal of Household Waste and Toxins The developer and the Homeowners Association will create a resident and visitor information program that teaches the proper disposal of household waste, litter, pet waste, yard waste, used oil, and toxic waste. Facilities for proper disposal will be provided throughout the development. Neighborhood newsletters, HOA monthly billing inserts, recreation center bulletin boards, the HOA covenants, and periodic HOA meetings will reinforce these policies. Proper disposal of household waste and toxics can reduce the deposition of solids, organics, nutrients, oxygen -demanding substances, solvents, caustics, paints, automotive fluids, toxic substances and fecal material on the land and reduce their presence in the stormwater reaching receiving waters. Improper disposal of used oil and automotive fluids causes receiving waters to be contaminated with hydrocarbons and residual metals that can be toxic to stream organisms. Used oil and other petroleum products can be recycled. Information on the location of recycling centers, the benefits of recycling, prevention of fluid leaks, and the importance of proper disposal for improving stormwater quality can reduce the amount of oil and used automobile fluid reaching receiving waters. Through an on -site communication program residents and visitors will be alerted about their everyday use of toxic wastes: paint, solvents, putties, cleaners, waxes, polishes, oil products, aerosols, acids, caustics, pesticides, herbicides, and certain medicines or cosmetics. Seminars will present non -toxic, safe, biodegradable product alternatives and discuss proper disposal points within the community. Rocky Mountain Research Institute h. The irrigation company is willing to allow the discharge into the ditch after peak flow periods of a storm, because of the benefits cited above. 2.4.2 Stormwater Quality with Development —Best Management Practices Urban stormwater runoff contains a variety of constituents that originate from a number of different sources. To reduce the concentrations and the loads that would reach the irrigation canal or other receiving waters, Best Management Practices (BMPs) have been suggested by EPA, other Federal and State Agencies, and professionals who deal with stormwater. There are two categories of BMPs, both of which will be utilized in improving stormwater quality at Scenic Views: Non -Structural BMPs include pollution prevention and source control BMPs. Structural BMPs include facilities constructed to passively treat stormwater runoff before it enters the canal or other receiving waters. Advantages of Non -Structural BMPs Non-structural BMPs prevent or limit the entry of pollutants into stormwater at their source. Prevention is desirable and can be cost effective because it avoids pollution in the first place and thereby reduces the amounts that need .-. to be removed by subsequent treatment. The advantages of Non -Structural BMPs are: * The quality of stormwater runoff is improved * The volume of sediment, debris, and other pollutants deposited in receiving waters is reduced * The operation and maintenance of structural controls is reduced * There are benefits to air quality, ground water quality, and waste control * Open space and wildlife habitat is enhanced * Public awareness of water quality problems is heightened and personal involvement in solutions happens * Public awareness of stormwater quality issues increases * Most require only a modification of existing practices, are simple to understand, and make good sense * Implementation can occur rapidly Rocky Mountain Research Institute d