Clean Water & StormwaterBrooke Mossefin2023-08-25T16:19:48-07:00

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.

Springfield’s stormwater system collects rain (urban runoff) and releases it into the McKenzie or Willamette River. The Stormwater Team does management and education for this important and easily overlooked part of the City’s infrastructure.

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.	Springfield’s Phase II MS4 permit, 2021 Springfield’s NPDES annual report, 2021-22 DEQ’s Phase II Permits
Stormwater Management Plan 2010 (SWMP)	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 and was updated by the MS4 Plan, 2022-24 below.	Stormwater Management Plan, 2004-10
MS4 Plan 2022-24	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.	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 TMDL Annual Report 2021-22
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

Report spills, illegal dumping and other water pollution

541.726.3694 | WaterResources@springfield-or.gov

Please include in your message: The location of pollution, type of incident (water pollution or illegal dumping), description of incident, your information (name, phone, email), and if you’d like a follow up call or email.

See Springfield’s Municipal Code on illegal stormwater pollution, known as Illicit Discharge Detection & Elimination (IDDE):

Stormwater programs

The City manages a number of stormwater or “clean water” outreach programs:

Construction & Post-construction

Since construction projects can cause stormwater pollution, Springfield addresses that:

Springfield’s Land & Drainage Alteration Program (LDAP): information & permit applications
Springfield’s Municipal Code: Chapter 8, grading ordinance
Springfield’s Development Code: Stormwater Management
City forms, documents, and plans: Development & Public Works Resources Center
City permits, applications, and licenses: Springfield’s Development Center Hub

Public comment

Comment on proposed changes to the Springfield Development Code at Springfield Oregon Speaks. Open for only a limited time.

Partners for clean water

Stormwater information and education

Please enjoy our print-friendly materials! There’s more at DPW Brochures, Guides, and Fact Sheets. For a presentation to your group or class about Springfield’s stormwater system, programs, or services, contact the Stormwater Team.