DRAFT
STORMWATER PROGRAM PRIORITIES
1. Develop and implement a comprehensive
Stormwater Program Master Plan that supports all of the stormwater program
priorities.
A Stormwater Master Plan will be developed
based on the
2. Address
stormwater quantity (flooding) as an integral component within the program.
The stormwater management
program will be enhanced to include comprehensive long-range management efforts
to minimize flood risks and the many effects of flooding. These efforts include prioritizing and
addressing stormwater infrastructure needs such as maintenance, repair, replacement,
upgrades and capital improvements.
3. Address stormwater quality as an integral
function within the program.
The stormwater management
program will continue to address stormwater quality. This applies to water quality
regulatory demands, as well as to erosion and sediment controls and to stream
and aquatic system health. The stormwater management program will recognize and
move toward the goals of the Town’s Year 2000 Comprehensive Plan.
4. Protect and restore natural stream
corridors.
The health of the aquatic ecosystem is dependent on
both quality and quantity management. The
Town’s stormwater management program will address both infrastructure
concerns and aquatic habitat health.
5. Develop a formal public education and
involvement program.
Stormwater education efforts
will identify key stakeholders, including institutions, development and
business communities, and the general public.
Education efforts will focus on both causes and solutions for stormwater
problems, including possible regulatory remedies. The goal will be to establish
a clear understanding that stormwater and surface water systems are a public
resource to be protected and managed in the public interest.
6. Define the level of service and
performance standards for the Town’s Stormwater Program.
The stormwater management program will plan, prioritize, design and construct system improvements at a pre-determined level-of-service that is considered to be appropriate for public and private drainage systems. Defining the level and extent of service and performance for the Town’s drainage system provides valuable guidance about how and where stormwater management is to be delivered and enforced.
7. Ensure compliance with Federal and State
regulatory mandates.
The stormwater management program
will implement reasonable regulatory programs that comply with stormwater
quality mandates from Federal and State, agencies, and will address floodplain
management requirements.
8. Establish clear stormwater program
leadership that the public recognizes.
The stormwater management program will clearly identify point(s) of contact responsible for system planning, regulatory compliance and enforcement, system design, construction and maintenance, and addressing stormwater concerns from the public.
9. Integrate programs to utilize resources
efficiently.
The stormwater management program will
minimize duplication and inefficiencies in the management and implementation of
the various stormwater elements in order to improve the overall cost-effectiveness
of the program and to optimize the use of already scarce resources. It will promote integrated programs and
inter-jurisdictional cooperation aimed at ensuring a positive public reception
to the program.
10. Establish
an understanding of the stormwater system as a “utility”.
The stormwater management program
will be funded, at least in part, by the creation of a utility, providing a
stable, dedicated funding source like those already in place for other services
(i.e. water, sewer, gas, electricity)