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1.1 INTRODUCTION Pursuant to Eugene Code 9.6790, this Stormwater Management Manual was developed in order to implement the Stormwater Development Standards as outlined in Eugene Code 9.6791 through 9.6797. Stormwater management is a key element in maintaining and enhancing the City's livability. There is a direct link between stormwater runoff and the City's surface and ground water quality and quantity. As cities develop, impervious surfaces that are created increase the amount of runoff during rainfall events and prevent groundwater recharge. Stormwater runoff picks up pollutants from parking lots, roadways, and rooftops and transports them to streams, rivers, and groundwater. Without controls, these conditions cause eroded stream channels and increased levels of water pollution. Properly managing stormwater is vital to protecting our water resources for a great number of uses, including fish and wildlife habitat, recreation, and drinking water. The Federal Clean Water Act of 1972 established a national commitment to restore and maintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the nation's waters. It prohibits the discharge of pollutants into water of the United States unless the discharge is in compliance with a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit. The Clean Water Act requires large and medium sized (Phase I) cities such as Eugene to obtain an NPDES permit for their municipal separate stormwater sewer systems (MS4) which discharge into the nations waters. Eugene's municipal stormwater system, comprised of catch basins, pipes, ditches and waterways, conveys runoff from properties within the City and drains directly into the Willamette River and indirectly to the river via other local waterways such as Amazon Creek. Compliance with its NPDES MS4 permit, first issued in 1994 and most recently re- issued in 2010, requires the City to implement a comprehensive stormwater management program including establishing controls on stormwater runoff from developing areas. The City's Stormwater Development Standards, as set forth in Eugene Code 9.6791 through 9.6797 and this Stormwater Management Manual, emphasize low- impact development practices, source control measures for certain land use and activities, and operations and maintenance practices designed to properly manage stormwater runoff and protect our water resources. Stormwater Management Manual 1 -2 Eugene 2014