HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010 04 06 Communication Clean Water GardensCOMMUNICATION MEMORANDUM CITY OF SPRINGFIELD
DATE: April 6, 2010
TO: Springfield Planning Commission PLANNING COMMISSION
COMMUNICATION
FROM: Susie Smith, Public Works Director MEMORANDUM
Ron Bittler, Environmental Services Manager Rachael Chilton, Public Information &
Education Specialist SUBJECT: Clean Water Gardens Program
ISSUE
Enclosed for your information is a handout outlining a new program called Clean Water Gardens. This
program was developed by staff in the Environmental Services Division of Public Works and will be implemented this spring/summer. The program has been developed in accordance with the City of
Springfield’s Stormwater Management Plan (SWMP). This item is for your information, and no action is requested.
DISCUSSION
Education and outreach to the public is a cornerstone of the City’s stormwater management program. The
Water Resources section of Environmental Services Division implements mandated educational programs
under requirements of the City’s Stormwater Management Plan (SWMP), and the Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Plan. Stormwater education programs also support the City Council’s goals, policies, strategic plans,
as well as the Council’s adopted “7 Key Outcomes for Stormwater.” The SWMP establishes Six Minimum Control Measures that will achieve compliance with State and Federal water quality requirements. These measures are listed below.
1. Public Education and Outreach on Stormwater Impacts 2. Public Involvement/Participation
3. Illicit Discharges Detection and Elimination 4. Construction Site Stormwater Runoff Control 5. Post-Construction Stormwater Management for New Development and Redevelopment
6. Pollution Prevention in Municipal Operations
This program will address Minimum Control Measure #1 by encouraging Springfield private property owners to
adopt gardening and landscaping practices that have a low-impact on stormwater quality. The five topics included in the Clean Water Gardens program are: naturescaping, rainwater harvesting, rain gardens, invasive
plant species, and pervious surfaces. A brief booklet has been produced for each of these topics to provide
citizens with a helpful guide to protecting stormwater quality. ATTACHMENTS
Attachment 1: Clean Water Gardens program handout.
ACTION REQUESTED
This is an informational item only. No action is requested at this time. For copies of the guidebooks, or for additional information about the program please contact Rachael Chilton, Public Information & Education
Specialist, at 726-3695.
Clean Water Gardens Program
Public Works, Environmental Services Division
Program Overview:
The program is based on a series of booklets for homeowners: naturescaping, rain gardens, rainwater harvesting, common
invasive plants, and pervious surfaces. The program addresses the City of Springfield Stormwater Management Plan’s
Minimum Control Measure #1: Public Education and Outreach on Stormwater Impacts. In addition, the program addresses
a number of the Springfield City Council’s Seven Key Outcomes for Stormwater.
Program Goals:
Increase citizen understanding of stormwater and the actions they can take to reduce pollutants in
stormwater runoff.
Create a greater sense of stewardship in the community.
Enhance the organization’s relationship with City residents.
Increase the number of rain gardens, naturescapes, rain barrels, and pervious surfaces on private property.
Increase citizen awareness of common invasive plants and the negative impacts those plants can
have on water quality and the environment.
Program Materials:
Four booklets and one handout have been produced for this program. They will be available at City Hall front counters,
local garden and home improvement centers, home shows, and other events where the City may have a display or
booth. To see examples of the materials please contact Rachael Chilton, Public Information & Education Specialist, at
726-3695.
Program Recognition/Tracking Success:
Homeowners will be encouraged to contact the City after installing a rain garden or a naturescape in order to receive a
small token of recognition, which includes one pair of “Clean Water Gardener” gloves, a butterfly suncatcher, and a
small, metal “Clean Water Garden” sign. The purpose of this is two-fold: first, to recognize the homeowner’s efforts and
second, to provide a tracking tool for the program’s success. With the homeowner’s permission, staff can take a photo
of the garden and incorporate it into the existing Water Resource GIS (Geographic Information System) inventory of
water quality facilities and sites throughout Springfield.
Potential Elements of the Program:
Staff will explore additional elements of the Clean Water Gardens program including, but not limited to: development of
workshop opportunities, installation of a highly visible demonstration rain garden, and additional program materials.