UWRI Releases Free Tool to Calculate Water Quality Capture Volume

If you are an MS4 or a Floodplain Administrator in Nebraska, you should consider using the WQ-COSM tool to get an accurate value of your local water quality rain event.  

If you are interested, we can consider running this simulation for a couple communities in Nebraska when we host the NeFSMA Annual Conference on June 23rd, 2011.  Send an email to jesse.poore@fhueng.com if you want us to consider running the tool for your community at the conference.

URBAN WATERSHEDS RESEARCH INSTITUTE

To all stormwater management professionals:

The Urban Watersheds Research Institute, with the help and guidance of the Urban Drainage and Flood Control District and the Civil Engineering Department of the University of Colorado Denver, developed new software for the sizing of the Water Quality Capture Volume (WQCV), an essential part of stormwater best management practices (BMPs) that control the volume and rates of runoff. 

This software calculates surface runoff using continuous simulation.  To do so, it uses continuous 15- and 60-minute rainfall data available from the National Climatologic Data Center.   Two runoff options are available, the Rational Method and the modified Horton's Equation, similar to that employed by the EPA SWMM 5.0 model.  Runoff is based on the hydrologic properties of the tributary catchment and will work anywhere in the country.  The WQCV is calculated using the runoff volumes generated and the user-input drain time for this volume, something the user should know for the BMP being designed.

The model provides the user with a comprehensive list of WQCVs to choose from along with the percent of all runoff volume captured, as well as the percent of the storm events captured in total for each capture volume.  In addition, the maximized WQCV (i.e., the point of diminishing returns) is also identified for the user to consider.  This information greatly simplifies the sizing and the design of BMPs.  Best of all, it is simple to use and BMP design is then based on continuous simulation results using rainfall data collected over long periods of time (i.e., most of the time exceeding 20 years) and not on synthetic design storms. 

A document describing what the software does, the software itself, and the user manual may be downloaded and used at no cost from the following three links: 

http://urbanwatersheds.org/links/pdf/Description%20of%20the%20WQ-COSM%20Computer%20Model.pdf

http://urbanwatersheds.org/software/WQ-COSM%201.0.msi

http://urbanwatersheds.org/software/WQ-COSM_v1.0-Users_Manual.pdf

UWRI would appreciate hearing from you if you use it, how it performs and what enhancements or changes you would like to see implemented in the future.  E-mail Ben Urbonas your comments at info@urbanwatersheds.org.

Ben Urbonas, PE, D.WRE

President

Urban Watersheds Research Institute

North Platte Rain Garden Workshop

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln Stormwater Management Team will be hosting a rain garden workshop in North Platte.  The event will include classroom and hands-on instruction.

When: Friday May 20, 2011 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Where: West Central Research Extension Center - 402 W. State Farm Rd., North Platte
Cost: $15 - Lunch will be provided

Contact Katie Pekarek at (402) 643-2981 for more information.

EPA Solicits Public Comment on Permit to Reduce Stormwater Discharge From Construction Sites

Contact Information: Enesta Jones, Jones.enesta@epa.gov, 202-564-7873, 202-564-4355


WASHINGTON - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is releasing for public comment a draft permit that will help improve our nation's waterways by regulating the discharge of stormwater from construction sites. Stormwater discharges during construction activities can contain sediment and pollutants that harm aquatic ecosystems, increase drinking water treatment costs and pollute waters that people use for fishing, swimming and other recreational activities.

The proposed Construction General Permit (CGP) includes a number of enhanced protections, including enhanced provisions to protect impaired and sensitive waters. Some of the significant proposed permit modifications include new requirements for: Eligibility for emergency-related construction; Required use of the electronic notice of intent process; Sediment and erosion controls; Natural buffers or alternative controls; Soil stabilization; Pollution prevention; Site inspections; Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans; and Permit termination.

Many of the new permit requirements implement new effluent limitations guidelines and new source performance standards for the construction and development industry that became effective on February 1, 2010. These requirements include a suite of erosion and sediment controls and pollution prevention measures that apply to all permitted construction sites.

The permit will be effective in areas where EPA is the permitting authority, including four states (Idaho, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and New Mexico); Washington, D.C.; most territories; and most Indian country lands.

The public will have 60 days to comment on the draft permit. EPA anticipates that it will issue the final construction general permit by January 31, 2012.

The current permit is scheduled to expire on June 30, 2011; however, EPA is proposing to extend the current permit until January 31, 2012 to provide sufficient time to finalize the new permit.

Click here for more information on the proposed construction general permit.

Two For Tom (Liptan) - Stormwater Webinar and Seminar

The learning opportunities just keep on coming our way.  This post is about two separate events this Wednesday that include speaker Tom Liptan, FASLA, Registered Landscape Architect with the City of Portland, OR.

Below is the information needed to participate in Tom Liptans' Good Housekeeping Webinar.


When: Wednesday, April 27, 9:00 - 10:30 a.m. (45 to 50 minutes of presentation, 30 - 45 minutes for questions and answers if needed)

Topic: "Good Housekeeping for Stormwater Management" - preventing and reducing stormwater pollution from activities such as park and open space maintenance, new construction and land disturbances, and other municipal operations. Focus on controls for reducing or eliminating discharge of pollutants from streets, roads, highways, and municipal parking lots.

How to Participate: The URL is http://connect.extension.iastate.edu/unl for the conference.

Click on the URL; then enter the conference (Connect Room) as a guest. The phone # will be in the Connect room when you login that day. Ideally, please select the option to "receive a call from the meeting". You can call the 800 # from your phone; however, it is preferred that you allow the system to call you. If you have a question for Tom during the webinar or immediately following his presentation, we ask that you type it into the chat box.

Please call Kelly Feehan 402-563-4901 or e-mail her if you have any questions.

Below is the description of Tom Liptans Seminar for that afternoon at 3:30 p.m. at Hardin Hall on East Campus in Lincoln. Click the image to open readable version!

In The News

Two dams that affect river flows in Nebraska were in the news this week.

The Omaha-World Herald reported that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission granted permission to Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District to increase the water level in Lake McConaughy to help alleviate downstream flooding concerns.  Click here for original article.

The Sioux City Journal reported that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will be increasing release rates from the Gavins Point and Fort Randall Dams in order to alleviate flooding upstream of those dams.  Click here for original article.

As we move into the spring flooding season, what is your community doing to prepare?

NeFSMA Stormwater Round Table = Successful on All Accounts

Congratulations to all 70 attendees of the Nebraska Statewide Stormwater Round Table discussion for making the event memorable and extremely worthwhile.  Over 90 people, including 22 sponsors, registered for the event and supported the objective of the meeting which was to advance the discussion about how Nebraska will implement effective Post-Construction Stormwater Quality Programs.

Our apprection goes out to the speakers for their time and knowlege shared: 
Pat Sauer - Iowa Stormwater Education Partnership
Ken MacKenzie - Urban Drainage Flood Control District
Kelly Feehan and Dave Shelton - University of Nebraska Extension
Selma Kessler - City of Omaha
Rock Krzycki - City of Lincoln
Annie Folck - City of Scottsbluff
Ron Poe - Nebraska Department of Roads

Facilitators for the event will compile the meeting summary and list of action items soon.  We will distribute that to as many people as are interested.  The discussion was upbeat and constructive.  Let's carry that energy forward to implement as many of the items that were discussed as possible.  Below are some photos from the event.

Pat Sauer stressed the critical mass for stormwater outreach that was created in Iowa around flooding and how Partnerships are the key to success.  One attendee asked, where can we get a Pat.  Great question.  Thank you Pat!

Ken MacKenzie shared how the UDFCD Volume 3 has drastically improved in 2010.  Local BMP research and consistent funding mechanisms are paving the way for more effective implementation of water quality BMPs in Colorado.  Thank you Ken!

Jesse Poore, Rock Kryzcki, and Rocky Keehn facilitated the break out session that addressed perceived Hurdles to Effective Post Construction Programs in Nebraska.  You can see by the wall, we covered a lot of ground!

Kelly Feehan, Steve Rhodie, and Dave Shelton facilitated the break out session that addressed Resources needed to support Effective Post Construction Programs in Nebraska.  They had a great dialogue that will help inform our next steps.  Everyone has a role to play.

Research Finds Drivers Crossing Flood Waters Are Using Rational Decision Making

University of Arizona Doctoral Student Ashley R. Coles’ research has found that while flooded roads are clearly marked with signs to indicate risk, drivers continue to cross and drive on them. Even the State’s ―Stupid Motorist Law‖ that fines drivers who cross flood barricades, is not a sufficient deterrent to stop risky behavior. Coles wanted to understand why people engaged in this behavior despite warning signs.

Her research found that while popular opinion was that drivers were irrational when choosing to drive on flooded roads, in fact they use a rational decision making process. Coles found that drivers were aware of and had a high degree of trust in flood warning signs, but were unclear if signs represented ―current‖ risk. Coles’ research also found that drivers relied on a variety of information sources to determine current risk including warning signs, actions of other drivers, perception of worsening weather conditions, presence of passengers in the vehicle, available alternate routes, and advice of friends or family.

Coles' research is significant in that it may help floodplain managers and emergency management personnel to better understand factors that contribute to risky behavior and decision making. Knowing what information sources influence actions, how can we as floodplain managers improve outreach and better communicate with citizens about risk?

Click here for more information about Ashley R. Coles research findings reported in the UA News, Flooded Washes: To Cross or Not to Cross?

Originally published in ASFPM Chapter Newsletter.

It's Not Too Late to Register!

NeFSMA will be holding a Stormwater Roundtable Event Wednesday April 20, 2011.

Premise of Meeting:

Nebraska MS4s are each facing similar NPDES Permit requirements and shared common goals.  Of all the minimum requirements for MS4s, the slowest to materialize for compliance has been the Post-Construction stormwater programs which include implementation of concepts such as Low Impact Development, Water Quality Treatment Standards, No Adverse Impact, and Watershed Planning.  With Phase I programs maturing, Phase II programs emerging, academic resources becoming available, and professional resources looking to assist MS4s, a Nebraska Stormwater Roundtable will provide all stakeholders with an opportunity to voice their needs and concerns, identify opportunities to enhance partnerships, and work toward consistent standards for compliance with Post-Construction stormwater requirements.  Please join your colleagues as we collectively chart a way forward that conserves municipal resources, answers the most challenging questions about local Post-construction stormwater programs, and leads to protected water resources across the State.  the information to be discussed is relevant to all Nebraska communities willing to consider improving local water quality.

Special Guest and Content Experts for the Roundtable:

Pat Sauer - Iowa Stormwater Education Partnership www.iowastormwater.org
"Iowa Stormwater Management Manual Success through Partnerships"

Ken MacKenzie - Urban Drainage and Flood Control District www.udfcd.org
"Evolution and Implementation of Design Manual Volume 3)

Kelley Feehan - UNL Extension
"Outlining Resources Available and Opportunities to Grow to Serve MS4s and the State"

YOU - All attendees will bring their knowledge of challenges and opportunities to this comprehensive discussion so we can learn from each other in a facilitated Roundtable.

Program Costs:

NeFSMA is providing an opportunity for MS4s/Agencies/Corporations to produce this Roundtable.  We have established an MS4/Agency/Corporation registration fee of $200 to help us cover the costs of this unique event.  This fee will provide you with a seat for anyone employed by your  MS4/Agency/Corporate office.  If you elect to not submit a group registration, the registration cost is $40 for individuals.

The Roundtable will be held at the Douglas/Sarpy Extension Office located at 8015 W. Center Road in Omaha.  The registration deadline is April 15, 2011.  If you have questions, please contact Lori Laster at (402) 444-6222.

ASFPM Alert - Key Bulletins Issued on Changes in NFIP

On April 1, the NFIP issued two important bulletins regarding changes in the flood insurance program.  The first discusses the changes that will occur in the flood insurance program as of October 1, 2011.  The second discusses a change in how the community's substantial damage percentage can be used to trigger an ICC claim if its ordinance has it set at a number less than 50%.

The following are some highlights:

Changes to the flood insurance program effective October 1, 2011 (Bulletin #W-11020):

• Premiums go up on average just 4%
• Biggest increase is pre-FIRM V zones at 7%
• Standard X, A99, AR, and post/pre-FIRM AE/A# go up 5% (As go up 6%)
• PRPs are left alone
• Some new elevation rating requirements for AH, AO, and unnumbered A zones
• New documentation requirements for applications for buildings in map panels where there are also CBRS and OPAs (to help avoid finding out at claim time that the property is in a CBRS area and is not eligible for flood insurance!!).

New NFIP Policy Issuance (01-2011) regarding ICCs and using the community's substantial damage value (Bulletin #W-11021):

• Effective April 1, 2011, ICC claims can now be adjusted using a threshold contained in the State's or community's Floodplain Management Ordinance that has been adopted and is uniformly enforced prior to the loss by the State or community that may be lower than 50% of the market value of the building or structure at the time of loss.  ASFPM is especially pleased that FEMA has issued this guidance as it was an important element of the 2004 Reform Act that ASFPM supported.

These two bulletins can be found on the Nation Flood Insurance Program page under the National Policy and Programs menu on the ASFPM website.

If you have any questions or comments, please email them to the ASFPM Insurance Committee Co-Chairs:

Gary Heinrichs                              Bruce Bender
Wisconsin DNR                            Bender Consulting Services
gary.heinrichs@wisconsin.gov      babender@cox.net