Item A: Water Quality Protected Waterways

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included the consideration of waterway protections for water quality (this proposal), consistent with established policy and current work program priorities. Relationship of Water Quality Protected Waterways to Goal 5 - Open Spaces, Scenic and Historic Areas, and Natural Resources The current Water Quality Protected Waterways proposal is complimentary to the Goal 5 natural resource protections (including /WB Wetland Buffer and /WP Waterside Setback provisions in the Eugene wetlands plan area and the /WR Water Resources Conservation Overlay Zone adopted in November 2005). Parcels affected by the proposed /WQ Overlay Zone are those that contain or are adjacent to waterways of interest for water quality and are not otherwise protected including by Goal 5 natural resources protections. Where Goal 5 currently applies to a waterway, no additional regulation is applied through this proposal. This proposal recognizes that existing adopted regulations (Goal 5, WEW) go a long way towards protecting waterways. This proposal fills the gaps between waterways of significance to protect that are not protected. Once the Water Quality Waterways ordinance is adopted, the result will be a protected system of waterways that have a direct relationship with those that are water quality impaired. System Perspective The proposed Water Quality Protected Waterways proposal fills a gap in the City’s programs and ensures that the system of waterways that have a significant relationship to those that are currently water quality impaired, are protected. See the Overview Map (Attachment D) for the system perspective. The Overview Map shows the proposed Water Quality Waterways in the context of the entire set of waterways of significance to protect for water quality (those identified as "water quality impaired" pursuant to the Clean Water Act, waterways that are tributaries to water quality impaired waterways, and sensitive headwater streams), and in the context of existing protections. The blue symbol is used for the waterways identified for protection by the /WQ Overlay Zone. The proposed regulations protect current water quality functions within and adjacent to the identified waterways, and prevent further degradation of downstream water quality caused by uses and activities within and adjacent to the identified waterways. The proposal is one element of a multi-faceted program aimed at protecting and improving water quality, which also includes stream corridor acquisition, water quality capital improvement projects, maintenance of the public stormwater system (piped and open waterways) and water quality monitoring. The protections are in line with what is already established in most other large municipalities in the state, and some smaller jurisdictions (including the City of Springfield). Many other communities throughout the state and in our local area are considering waterway setbacks in partial response to the Upper Willamette Basin TMDLs. This is primarily a “water quality protection” proposal (as opposed to a water quality “enhancement” proposal). However, it does provide opportunity for improving and enhancing existing water quality function on public lands through capital projects such as the Metro Waterways Study. RELATED CITY POLICIES The Comprehensive Stormwater Management Plan (CSWMP), adopted by the City Council in 1993, provides direction to: Incorporate the beneficial functions (flood control, stormwater conveyance, water quality treatment) b of natural resources [waterways and wetlands] into the City storm drainage system. b Comprehensive Stormwater Management Plan, Policy 1.1, p. 3-5. Y:\CMO\2008 Council Agendas\M080514\S080514A.doc