Small Community Considerations and Case Studies

1. Small Community Considerations and Case Studies Steve JohnAgricultural Watershed Institute

2. CSOs and Watersheds

3. EPA CSO Control Policy Provisions • Sec. I.B • States are encouraged to use watershed approach to control of CSOs and other pollution sources • Sec. II.C.4.b • LTCP demonstration approach must address other sources impacting water uses Small Community Considerations and Case Studies

4. Traditional Planning Approach • Main focus on point sources • Technology-based controls • If WQS not met, tighten controls • Made progress toward clean water • Relatively simple to administer BUT… • Fairness & effectiveness limited Small Community Considerations and Case Studies

5. Watershed Approach • Focus on the water body • All pollution sources addressed • All stakeholders involved • Necessary to achieve further progress toward WQ goals • Clear goals & greater equity BUT… • Means to reach goals not always available Small Community Considerations and Case Studies

6. Small City – Big River • Many stakeholders • Consider forming coalitions to represent small communities Small Community Considerations and Case Studies

7. Small City – Small Stream • Relatively few stakeholders • CSO plan may be catalyst for watershed plan Capisic Brook Portland, ME Small Community Considerations and Case Studies

8. On the one hand… The presence of other pollution sources is not an excuse to do nothing. On the other hand… The public is unlikely to support expensive projects that do not produce real water quality improvement. It’s a dilemma…for small cities in watersheds with many pollution sources Small Community Considerations and Case Studies

9. So what is the small CSO city to do? • Accept responsibility for dealing with the impacts of its overflows • Negotiate in good faith to use the flexibility built into the CSO policy • Cooperate with regulators and other stakeholders to formulate and carry out a broad vision for long-term improvement of the receiving waters Small Community Considerations and Case Studies

10. CSOs and Greenways Deep thought… “Multiple benefit opportunities” (MBOs) along receiving waters and adjacent lands can greatly increase public acceptance with minimal cost increases. Think beyond what is required to envision what is possible. Small Community Considerations and Case Studies

11. Remember the BIG QUESTION… What are you buying with your ratepayers’ money? MBOs are not explicitly mentioned in the CSO policy but local officials should consider the possibilities for “value-added” elements in CSO control plans. Small Community Considerations and Case Studies

12. First, waterfront improvement;then, CSO control… Lock 2 Park Akron, OH Brush Creek Kansas City, MO Small Community Considerations and Case Studies

13. Uniontown, PA Unique historic depot structure… overlooking a CSO outfall Small Community Considerations and Case Studies

14. First, CSO control;then, waterfront improvement… • Chicago, IL • Decatur, IL Small Community Considerations and Case Studies

15. The Chicago River Long dismissed as Lake Michigan’s ugly cousin – the city’s embarrassment… Quietly, almost secretly, the river has made its comeback, thanks in large part to the Deep Tunnel Project. The river has become so attractive that it’s now a major selling point for new housing. A River Reborn, Chicago Tribune, 8/95 Small Community Considerations and Case Studies

16. A River Reborn • Canoeists, motorboats, jet skis and tour boats ply its waters • Fish are being caught, and some day may even be safe enough to eat • The foul smells are gone • Land is being cleared for new development Source: Chicago Tribune Small Community Considerations and Case Studies

17. Decatur, ILCSO control facilities in an urban greenway Small Community Considerations and Case Studies

18. Sangamon Valley below Lake DecaturLand Use and CSO Facilities 18 Small Community Considerations and Case Studies

19. Sanitary District of DecaturTypical Process Diagram forSatellite CSO Treatment Facilities 19 Small Community Considerations and Case Studies

20. Lincoln Park CSO Facility Aerial view View from Greenwood Cemetery 20 Small Community Considerations and Case Studies

21. Sangamon River Greenway 21 Small Community Considerations and Case Studies

22. If we had it to do over… • Trails along sewer route linked to neighborhoods • More attention to landscaping & aesthetics • Improved river access • Wetlands for habitat & effluent polishing? • Stream habitat restoration Small Community Considerations and Case Studies

23. Integrating waterfront improvement and CSO control • Portland, OR • Portland, ME • Lima, OH Small Community Considerations and Case Studies

24. Portland, OR:“Community Benefit Opportunities” • Adopted local guidelines for evaluating and financing CBOs associated with CSO plan • Public input to identify CBOs • Identify early in CSO planning process • Council reviews as planning proceeds Small Community Considerations and Case Studies

25. Portland, OR:Funding of CBOs • If part of “ordinary and necessary” CSO project construction … • Use city sewer funds • If not … • Fund by partnership of City with other public or private partners. • Use sewer funds as catalyst to attract public or private investment. Small Community Considerations and Case Studies

26. From NIMBY to WIMBY*Outcome of CBO concept in Portland • Public acceptance / support for CSO construction • Built two satellite facilities instead of one because residents wanted facilities in their neighborhood!!! * Welcome in My Back Yard Small Community Considerations and Case Studies

27. Portland, MECapisic Brook Study • Primary goal – mandated: • Improve water quality by eliminating CSOs and reducing NPS discharges • Additional goals – not mandated: • Enhance wildlife habitat • Control flooding • Recreational opportunities Small Community Considerations and Case Studies

28. Capisic Brook Pond spillway Next to CSO outfall 28 Small Community Considerations and Case Studies

29. Integrated Plan for Capisic Brook Includes: • Flood control • CSO control • NPS control (stormwater ponds) • Erosion control • Environmental enhancement (wetlands) • Recreational opportunities (bike paths, trails) Small Community Considerations and Case Studies

30. Lima, OHOttawa River Corridor Plan • Multi-use river walkway • Regraded, landscaped river banks • Water-oriented recreation • “Water cascades” in river • Greenway improvements to be coordinated with CSO controls including near-surface storage in riverfront parks Small Community Considerations and Case Studies

31. Ottawa River Corridor Plan 31 Small Community Considerations and Case Studies

32. CSO project – recreational facility:Basketball courts over CSO storage tank Small Community Considerations and Case Studies

33. CSO project – aesthetic design:Landscaped CSO storage in highway corridor Small Community Considerations and Case Studies

34. CSO project – river connection:Columbus GA River Walk Small Community Considerations and Case Studies

35. Deep thought…Streams and their valleys are special places. It is up to us to treat them with care. Small Community Considerations and Case Studies

36. Why ARE you spending your ratepayers’ money? What are you getting for it? Small Community Considerations and Case Studies