The City manages stormwater flows across the City to prevent both flooding and pollution. Because municipal runoff from Springfield enters Waters of the State, the City has a permit with the state to discharge this runoff.

Oregon Administrative Rule 603-095-4005 (17) “Waters of This State” means natural waterways, tidal and non-tidal bays, intermittent streams, constantly flowing streams, lakes, wetlands, that portion of the Pacific Ocean that is in the boundaries of this state, all other navigable and non-navigable bodies of water in this state and those portions of the ocean shore, as defined in ORS 390.605 (Definitions), where removal-fill activities are regulated under a state-assumed permit program as provided in 33 U.S.C. 1344(g) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as amended.

Oregon Administrative Rule 603-095-4005 (17) defines “Waters of This State.” This includes rivers, streams, lakes, wetlands, bays, and certain ocean waters within Oregon. It includes both year-round and seasonal waterways. This definition also refers to ORS 390.605 (Definitions) and 33 U.S.C. 1344(g) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, which set rules for how water resources are regulated and protected.

Because Springfield’s stormwater drains into these waters, the City must manage stormwater under state and federal law and permit requirements.

• View a map of Oregon-owned waterways

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) issues and enforces the City’s stormwater permit (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System or MS4) under the federal Clean Water Act.

The permit sets required activities, timelines, documentation, and reporting to DEQ.

The City plans and maintains the public stormwater system. Property owners are responsible for maintaining the stormwater system on their private property. The City and community members work together to prevent stormwater pollution.

Utility customers pay a monthly stormwater charge on their utility bill. Stormwater services are not paid for with taxes. The charge pays for the stormwater system, which reduces flooding and protects all the streets and structures in Springfield. The stormwater charge can only be used for stormwater-related work.

For this year's stormwater charges:

• Springfield Stormwater & Wastewater Charges

For the stormwater budget:

• City of Springfield Adopted Budget Document and look for the "Storm Drainage Operations Fund (Fund 617)"

Stormwater fees are necessary to fund Springfield’s federally required stormwater management program, which includes:

• Cleaning and maintaining 200 miles of stormwater pipelines.
• Cleaning 6,500 storm drain basins, which keeps 100 tons of sediment and pollutants out of local waterways.
• Sweeping 6,000 miles of paved streets, removing 1,000 tons of street debris.
• Collecting 200 tons of leaves through the Leaf Pickup Program.
• Maintaining stormwater features (includes ditches, ponds, swales, wetlands, etc.)
• Planting native vegetation and removing invasive species along public waterways, and providing equipment to community groups doing the same.
• Establishing codes to protect riparian and wetland areas, which improve waterway health.
• Addressing illegal stormwater pollution.
• Providing public education to prevent stormwater pollution.

Springfield stormwater plans and permits are updated every several years. The most effective way to make a change is to participate in the public comment period.

Public comment periods are open only for a limited time, such as 2-weeks, so consider joining a mailing list or contacting the Stormwater Team.

• Springfield Development Code changes are listed on Springfield Oregon Speaks

• DEQ's page of Public Notices that are seeking public comments

• Join a Springfield mailing list:
  • Development and Public Works Department Newsletter – quarterly newsletter for updates and news about Development and Public Works projects
  • Development Code Update – receive periodic updates regarding Springfield’s Development Code Update project.

• Contact your City Counselor

• Follow the Water from the Clean Rivers Coalition

• Groundwater Guardians

• Lane County Pollution Prevention Coalition (P2C)

• Lane County Stormwater Management Program

• Long Tom Watershed Council

When you see someone is dumping or releasing pollution that may enter the stormwater system, contact the Stormwater Team:

• Report Stormwater Pollution

You have the option to be anonymous or, if you provide contact information, we can get back to you about our investigation.

We call stormwater pollution an "Illicit Discharge" and will respond quickly to prevent water it. We also investigate the cause and educate the person causing pollution so it doesn't happen again. The Stormwater Team may also submit a report to Springfield Code Enforcement.

The Stormwater Team distributes fliers for two main reasons:

1. To raise awareness of the stormwater system and waterways in your area. Storm drains flow to our valuable water resources – wetlands and waterways. Protecting water quality is everyone's responsibility, so we ask for your help in letting us know if you notice water pollution in your area.
2. Because we found illegal stormwater pollution coming from your area. By alerting all the neighbors, we remind those who did it that it needs to stop, and ask neighbors to keep an eye out and let us know. Water pollution must not be allowed to continue. It harms public health, water quality, and roughly 280 miles of riverfront from Springfield, to Portland, to the Coast.