Stormwater Management in the Ash Creek Watershed
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Date
2020
Authors
Meinke, Scottie
Nolte, Marianne
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Department of Planning, Public Policy and Management, University of Oregon
Abstract
Urban stormwater poses several threats to natural watersheds: the higher flow rate of urban stormwater can erode streambanks and destroy natural vegetation and habitat. Higher temperatures can disrupt the chemistry of the stream and has a negative impact on salmon. And contaminants, such as sediment, bacteria, nutrients, and heavy metals lower the quality of the water. These water quality issues are becoming more apparent in three communities in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. The municipalities of Dallas, Monmouth, and Independence are experiencing increased growth and development, and the Luckiamute Watershed Council is concerned about impacts to the Ash Creek Watershed, which lies within the Luckimaute Watershed. This study is meant to help the Luckiamute Watershed Council by identifying and analyzing stormwater management policies and practices in Dallas, Monmouth, and Independence. This study compares the comprehensive plans, stormwater management plans, and development codes in each city and identifies areas of alignment amongst all three cities. This study also analyses Stayton, Oregon; Wilsonville, Oregon; and Lenexa, Kansas to explore the ways that other communities have implemented stormwater management practices that reduce the sediment, pollution, bacteria, and excess flow that degrades watersheds. Finally, this study makes recommendations about how the LWC might create partnerships with Dallas, Monmouth, and Independence; and prioritize strategies that better protect the watershed and improve water quality.
Description
101 pages
Keywords
Stormwater, Ash Creek, Luckiamute