Watershed Management Studies* Unified government of Athens-Clarke county September 21, 2018 * And other stuff

History In 2008, Athens-Clarke County (ACC) retained the Arcadis-Tetra Tech team to assist in developing a Watershed Management Program to proactively reduce non-point source pollution associated with urban runoff and improve the overall health of the county’s watersheds. First Three: Brooklyn Creek, Hunnicutt Creek, and the West Fork of Trail Creek. Second Three: Tanyard Creek, Cedar Creek, and Shoal Creek (2011) Third Three: Big Creek, Carr Creek, and McNutt Creek (2015 – partially complete) The 2015 effort also revisited Brooklyn Creek and Cedar Creek to allow for adaptive management and to incorporate improved management selection techniques. Final Nine: (2018) The ACCGOV Stormwater Management Page has a Watershed Management link to these plans.

The Final Nine Bear Creek East Fork Trail Creek Malcolm Branch Middle Oconee River North Oconee River Sandy Creek Sulphur Spring Branch Turkey Creek Walton Creek

Purpose The overarching goals of the Watershed Improvement Program are to: Enhance and maintain watershed functions in Athens-Clarke County, including water quality, habitat, biodiversity, and hydrology. Protect human health, safety, and property by reducing stormwater impacts. Support balanced, sustainable, diverse, and aesthetically pleasing land use and development in accord with the Athens-Clarke County Comprehensive Plan. Recruit and build partnerships and involve stakeholders in the protection, maintenance and restoration of Athens-Clarke County watersheds.

Potential Fecal Coliform (or E. coli) sources Wild animals, including birds Pet waste Livestock and other agricultural animals Liquid components of trash that leak onto streets and sidewalks – especially downtown Improperly maintained private oxidation ponds Leaking sanitary sewers Failing septic systems People who may have partied too much – especially downtown Homeless people

Bacterial Source Tracking Human Gene Biomarkers

Fecal coliform doesn’t lend itself to quantifying reduction. Eric Byrne - Tetra Tech

My Questions Septic systems – Is there a way to facilitate routine maintenance? Age Lot size Trash juice – Is there a way to minimize this? Lagoons/Oxidation Ponds – How can sanitary sewer service be provided to these mobile home parks?

Downtown In areas such as downtown Athens drainage pathways often allow no opportunity for infiltration of stormwater. Interrupting flow pathways would decrease pollutant loadings to local waterways. Downtown projects are generally expensive in part due to the complexities of utilities and business accommodations. When they occur, it is wise to take advantage of those opportunities to incorporate stormwater control measures. Me

Stormwater Fee Review Recent public input shows that many customers do not fully understand the following: The magnitude of existing private and public drainage and infrastructure maintenance and improvement needs. That stormwater runoff from their property can cause downstream problems. The necessity and benefits of a stormwater management program under the Clean Water Act. That the required funding cannot just be pulled from some source that is not being used. Over the past two years there has been one unexpected pipe failure every 2 months. Funding from the stormwater fee has provided resiliency in dealing with these emergencies. (Barber Street is currently closed for pipe repair.) Potential increases in level of servicee Zone of influence at storm pipe outlets (outside of street right of way) Camera truck with 2 person crew 2 additional field people for Vactor truck, pipe inspections, and storm pipe mapping Capital (mostly rusty storm pipes) – would require a rate increase  

Stormwater System Ownership LEVEL OF SERVICE Private Detention Pond & Pipes Stormwater System Ownership Drainage Ditch in Private/HOA Easement Ditch on Private Property Detention Pond Connected Pipe in Private Easement ACCGov Owned Creek on Private Property Privately Owned Public Influence (Quasi-Public) Public Water Zone of Influence Public Right-of-Way Driveway Pipe Private Drainage Easement 11

Stormwater Standards for Redevelopment Redevelopment is a key issue in Athens-Clarke County. Streams in Athens-Clarke County are impaired. There is a sense that unless stormwater impacts of existing impervious surfaces are for the most part grandfathered, some redevelopment opportunities will be missed (i.e. will not be feasible). This would lead to the unintended consequence of more greenfill development. The Clean Water Act allows for infeasibility if stormwater standards cannot be met. Infeasibility should not be invoked for added impervious surfaces. This would lead to degradation of stream health and/or cause adverse drainage impacts to neighbors. Special standards could allow for partial enhancements in runoff characteristics from existing impervious surfaces that are being redeveloped. This would allow for some improvement while at the same time minimizing high costs that provide incentives for new/greenfill development.

If we create a landscape that people enjoy and value, it will be maintained and sustained, and its environmental benefits will endure. Stuart Echols