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Resources for Municipalities
Watershed Studies in San Mateo County link to page ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Stormwater, the Journal for Surface Water Quality Professionals www.stormh2o.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Urban Stormwater BMP Performance Monitoring This manual provides targeted practical assistance in conducting water quality monitoring and reporting data that are useful for assessing effectiveness of stormwater best management practices (BMPs). It was developed by integrating experience gleaned from field monitoring activities conducted by members of the ASCE Urban Water Resources Research Council and through the development of the ASCE/EPA.
Green Infrastructure Municipal Handbook was developed to help local officials implement green infrastructure in their communities. The handbook is presented as a series of documents (as separate chapters) that cover issues such as financing, operation and maintenance, incentives, designs, codes and ordinances, and a variety of other subjects. The handbook chapters are intended to serve as “how to” manuals on these topics, written primarily from the standpoint of municipal implementation. To date, EPA has released chapters on: Funding Options, Retrofit Policies, Green Streets, and Rainwater Harvesting Policies Non-point Source News Notes ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Books Minton, G. (2005). Stormwater Treatment. Seattle, Washington, Sheridan Books. Textbook about urban runoff. Summarizes the fundamental scientific and engineering literature about pollutants in urban runoff. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ EcoWise IPM Contracting ToolKit For Public Agencies and Businesses The EcoWise IPM Contracting Tool Kit provides information on elements to consider when developing an IPM policy, the role and responsibilities of the agency (or business) in an IPM program, and how to hire and work with an outside IPM service provider ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Framework Principles for Product Stewardship Policy California Product Stewardship Council www.calpsc.org Adopted June 4, 2008 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Urban Pesticides In 2009, U.S. EPA released several new or updated pesticide reregistration decisions that changed allowable uses of pesticides of potential interest for urban water quality. The water quality-related element of decisions on tributyltin, malathion, permethrin, and copper are summarized below. These decisions are good news for water quality and reflect serious consideration of California water quality agency comments. Details can be found in the decision documents, which are on EPA's website. Tributyltin_ Water quality and information from California played a significant role in EPA's decision on tributyltin. EPA will end cooling water systems use nationally, following the precedent set by DPR at the request of San Francisco Bay Area POTWs. Most other uses that involve POTW discharge will also be terminated (e.g., treatment of sponges, mattress covers, clothing). Wood preservative uses will also be phased out. Some remaining uses may expose tributyltin to urban runoff (such as outdoor fabrics & mats) and POTW discharge (such as kennels and drywall joint compound). _Malathion_ Additional language has been incorporated into the labeling requirements for malathion *_consumer_* products (only- not professional urban products): “To protect the environment, do not allow pesticide to enter or run off into storm drains, drainage ditches, gutters or surface waters. Applying this product in calm weather or when rain is not predicted for the next 24 hours will help to ensure that wind or rain does not blow or wash pesticide off the treatment area.” Other previously announced changes are still in force: for urban runoff, continued uses of interest include outdoor structural applications (2 foot band) and lawns may receive spot treatments. While POTWs should be pleased that pet shampoos are banned, human lice treatments remain allowable. _Copper_ EPA declined to regulate copper-based root control products, deciding that this decisions should be deferred to states primarily because of lack of information about the need for nationwide controls (EPA does not have nationwide use estimates nor cost data for POTWs to use in cost/benefit analysis). Responding to California POTW and urban runoff agency comments, EPA will do an environmental risk assessment on the pool/spa use; this is anticipated to be released with an updated decision in mid-2010. _Permethrin_ EPA revised the permethrin decision to allow indoor “baseboard” treatments, which provide an indirect pathway (via cleaning water) for permethrin discharges to POTWs. Urban runoff protection measures were clarified: professionals (as well as consumers) will be prohibited from applying during rain, watering treated landscaping to point of runoff, and or treating drains & gutters. |