Stormwater Management
Stormwater Management is an important part of the community’s effort to improve water quality, protect fish habitat, and protect properties and infrastructure from flooding. “Stormwater” refers to runoff from urban areas. Stormwater flows to storm drains, gutters, ditches, swales, or a system of pipes, eventually ending up in the McKenzie or Willamette rivers. Springfield’s stormwater system is separate from the wastewater system. Unlike wastewater from indoor plumbing, stormwater is not treated before emptying into our rivers and streams. We use those waterways for recreation and resources, which is why it’s important for everyone to do their part in keeping the City and our water clean.
The City of Springfield operates under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program of the Federal Clean Water Act. The Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has issued Springfield a permit for stormwater discharges, along with a requirement to address specific areas recognized as sources of stormwater pollution. Springfield’s Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Plan provides the framework for implementing specific planned activities and goals in meeting the requires of the permit.
Springfield’s Total Maximum Daily Load Implementation Plan provides a framework for reducing specific pollutants in the Upper Willamette River Basin. These programs and projects work hand-in-hand with actions you can take as an individual to help keep our waterways clean.
Stormwater at City Hall
While stormwater plans and permits apply to all parts of the City and are implemented by all City staff, three divisions within the Development and Public Works Department provide specific support:
- Long-term stormwater infrastructure planning is by the Comprehensive Planning Team in the Community Development Division.
- Stormwater management is featured on this webpage and is handled by the Stormwater Team in the Environmental Services Division.
- Stormwater maintenance is by the Wastewater and Subsurface Stormwater Team in the Operations Division.
Springfield’s stormwater management
In 2022, Springfield’s Stormwater Management Plan is in the process of being replaced by the proposed MS4 Plan. The existing Stormwater Management Plan was adopted by Springfield City Council and was used to managed stormwater programs and projects through the City. Chapter 5 of the plan addressed the NPDES Permit and expired in 2011.
The proposed MS4 Plan addresses the updated General Permit that was issued to Springfield in 2021. It provides guidance for activities affecting stormwater throughout the City and its urbanized area. It helps meet State and Federal water quality requirements and local water resource management objectives. It characterizes Springfield’s stormwater drainage system, establishes goals, policy, and implementation actions, and establishes a means for measuring, reporting, and adaptively managing the City’s water resources and stormwater runoff. The proposed MS4 Plan will be submitted to the Oregon DEQ for acceptance by November 1, 2022.
The proposed MS4 Plan outlines proposed actions that will be taken in each of the following areas:
- Public Education and Outreach – informs residents, businesses, and industries about urban stormwater runoff and pollution prevention.
- Public Participation – involves the public in the stormwater planning process and stewardship.
- Illicit Discharge of Contaminants – addresses illegal or illicit dumping of pollutants, whether accidental or intentional.
- Construction Site Erosion Control – work with contractors and developers where land clearing or construction may result in erosion, sedimentation, and soil loss.
- Post-Construction Runoff – ensures that new developments “build in” features (such as bio-swales) to continuously manage and treat stormwater runoff.
- Good Internal Housekeeping – assesses the City’s own maintenance practices and policies to ensure that work crews use the best practices to minimize pollution in their everyday tasks and storage of materials.
Key stormwater management documents
Title | Description | Link(s) |
Phase II MS4 NPDES Permit | Springfield is required under the Federal Clean Water Act to apply for and maintain a Phase II MS4 permit under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program. The Environmental Services Division implements Springfield’s NPDES permit. | Springfield’s Phase II MS4 permit, 2021 |
Stormwater Management Plan 2010 | In the process of being replaced with the proposed MS4 Plan, listed below. Adopted by City Council and used to manage City stormwater programs and projects. Chapter 5 of the plan addressed the NPDES Permit from DEQ and expired in 2011. | Stormwater Management Plan, 2004-10 |
Proposed MS4 Plan | Once approved by City Council in 2022, this will replace the Stormwater Management Plan listed above and will expire in 2024. It provides guidance for activities affecting stormwater throughout the City and its urbanized area. It helps meet State and Federal water quality requirements and local water resource management objectives. It characterizes Springfield’s stormwater drainage system, establishes goals, policy, and implementation actions, and establishes a means for measuring, reporting, and adaptively managing the City’s water resources and stormwater runoff. | Proposed MS4 Plan, 2022-24 |
Total Maximum Daily Load Implementation Plan (TMDL IP) | Outlines the City of Springfield’s several special programs to improve water quality in the Willamette and McKenzie rivers. | TMDL Implementation Plan, 2019 |
Springfield’s “7 Key Outcomes for Stormwater” | The Springfield City Council adopted the 7 Key Outcomes for Stormwater, as a guide to stormwater management within the City. The policies provide specific direction that’s consistent with local goals and State and Federal requirements. They support the Metro Plan and the Public Facilities and Services Plan Policies. | City Council’s 7 Key Outcomes for Stormwater, 1999 |
Stormwater Management Contact Information
Sunny Washburn, Water Resources Supervisor
swashburn@springfield-or.gov
541.736.1022
Stormwater outreach
The City manages a number of stormwater or “clean water” outreach programs:
- Canines for Clean Water
- Clean Water Business Certification Program
- Clean Water Gardens
- Clean Water University
- EcoBiz (auto shops only)
- Fish-Friendly Car Wash Kits
- Springfield’s Stream Team
- UpStream Art
- Water Quality Facilities Management Program
Want more information about clean water efforts and what you can do? Check out our Clean Water fact sheets and annual report. You can find even more informational materials in the Resources Center.
Other resources
Still looking for other Springfield stormwater resources? Check out the following websites:
General Stormwater Team Contact Information
City of Springfield, Development & Public Works, Environmental Services Division, Stormwater Section
541.726.3694
WaterResources@springfield-or.gov
225 Fifth St., Springfield, OR 97477