Loading...
Catfish Creek Watershed Management Plan Copyright 2014 City of Dubuque Action Items # 3. ITEM TITLE: Catfish Creek Watershed Management Plan SUMMARY: City Manager recommending adoption of the Catfish Creek Watershed Management Plan as a policy document to be considered when establishing and updating City regulations, policies and programs that reduce flood risk, improve water quality, and educate people about watershed stewardship. RESOLUTION Adopting Catfish Creek Watershed Management Plan The full 316 - page Catfish Creek Watershed Management Plan can be viewed on the City of Dubuque's website at http://www.cityofdubuque.org/2247/Catfish-Creek-Watershed- Management-Plan SUGGESTED DISPOSITION: Suggested Disposition: Receive and File; Adopt Resolution(s) ATTACHMENTS: Description Type ❑ Adoption of Catfish Creek Watershed Management Plan-MVM Memo City Manager Memo ❑ Staff memo Staff Memo ❑ CCWMA Executive Summary Supporting Documentation ❑ Detention Policy Supporting Documentation ❑ Title 14-UDC CCWM Plan Supporting Documentation ❑ Title 16 UDGCCMW Plan Staff Memo ❑ CCWMA letter Supporting Documentation ❑ Resolution Resolutions THE CITY OF Dubuque UB §kE 111 111-America Ci i I. Masterpiece on the Mississippi 2007-2012-2013 TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager SUBJECT: Adoption of Catfish Creek Watershed Management Plan DATE: August 12, 2015 Planning Services Manager Laura Carstens is recommending City Council adoption of the Catfish Creek Watershed Management Plan. The Catfish Creek Watershed Management Plan is a guide for local regulations, polices, projects, and programs. It has no regulatory authority. Adoption of this Plan is a critical step in securing future funding for improvements throughout the watershed. The Catfish Creek Watershed Management Plan includes goals to reduce flood risk, improve water quality, and educate people about watershed stewardship. It includes an "Action Plan" to provide stakeholders with guidance and recommendations to specifically address plan goals. In 1987, stormwater regulations were established by United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) under National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit requirements for certain types of industrial facilities and industrial activities. The intent of these federal regulations is to improve water quality by reducing or eliminating contaminants in stormwater. Many cities in Iowa, including Dubuque and Asbury, are required to have NPDES permits for their Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4) and to implement measures to: • reduce pollutants in stormwater from illicit discharges and construction sites, • provide public education, • allow for public participation, • minimize pollutants from municipal operations, and • address post-construction runoff. In 2004, 2009, and 2014, Dubuque received an MS4 permit from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). Dubuque's 2014 MS4 permit discusses Post-construction Storm Water Management. It states that the City "shall continue implementing and enforcing a program to address storm water runoff from new construction and re-construction projects for which storm water coverage is required." The MS4 permit also notes that the City program must ensure that controls are in place that will prevent or minimize water quality impacts. Adoption and implementation of the Catfish Creek Watershed Management Plan will help the City of Dubuque to implement these and other MS4 permit sections in addressing stormwater management, watershed planning, flood mitigation, and improved water quality while facilitating development and redevelopment. In 2011 , the City entered into a 28E agreement with the Dubuque County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) and Dubuque County for the purpose of preparing and implementing a Catfish Creek Watershed Management Plan. I concur with the recommendation and respectfully request Mayor and City Council approval. 6&zn�- Michael C. Van Milligen MCVM:jh Attachment cc: Barry Lindahl, City Attorney Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager Teri Goodmann, Assistant City Manager Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager 2 Preparer: Laura Carstens, City Planner Address: 50 W. 13th Street, Dubuque, IA 52001 Telephone: 563-589-4210 Return to: Kevin Firnstahl, City Clerk Address: 50 W. 13th Street, Dubuque, IA 52001 Telephone: 563-589-4121 RESOLUTION NO. 287-15 RESOLUTION ADOPTING CATFISH CREEK WATERSHED MANAGEMENT PLAN Whereas, the City of Dubuque was awarded a Community Development Block Grant (CDGB) distributed through the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) for the purpose of creating a Catfish Creek Watershed Management Plan; and Whereas, the planning process to create the Plan was guided by the Catfish Creek Watershed Management Authority, which included City representation; and Whereas, the Catfish Creek Watershed Management Authority met throughout the process to review the draft Plan and to provide input on plan language, goals and objectives, and implementation strategies; and Whereas, the Catfish Creek Watershed Management Authority meetings were open to the public, and public input meetings also were held to gather input on the Plan. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA: Section 1. That the City Council hereby adopts the Catfish Creek Watershed Management Plan as a policy document to be considered when updating City regulations, polices, and programs that reduce flood risk, improve water quality, and educate people about watershed stewardship. Passed, approved and adopted this 17th day of August, 2015. Roy D. col, Mayor Attest: Ke i S. Firnstahl, Ci y Clerk F:\USERS\LCARSTEN\WP\Watershed Committee WMA\CCWM Plan \Res CCWMA Plan.doc THE CITY OF DU, Ad buque DUB E 'l- � e, �; Masterpiece on the Mississippi i 2007-2011•2013 MEMORANDUM TO: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager FROM: Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager cr'O—' SUBJECT: Adoption of Catfish Creek Watershed Management Plan DATE: August 12, 2015 INTRODUCTION This memo transmits the Catfish Creek Watershed Management Plan for adoption by the City Council as a policy document to be considered when establishing and updating City regulations, polices, and programs that reduce flood risk, improve water quality, and educate people about watershed stewardship. Enclosed are a resolution, the full 316-page Plan and the Executive Summary, and additional supporting documentation. Watershed Management Plan The Catfish Creek Watershed Management Plan is a guide for local regulations, polices, projects, and programs. It has no regulatory authority. Adoption of this Plan is a critical step in securing future funding for improvements throughout the watershed. The Catfish Creek Watershed Management Plan includes goals to reduce flood risk, improve water quality, and educate people about watershed stewardship. It includes an "Action Plan" to provide stakeholders with guidance and recommendations to specifically address plan goals. Programmatic recommendations include general, remedial, preventative, and regulatory watershed-wide actions, such as floodplain regulations. Site specific recommendations include actual locations where projects can be implemented to improve surface and groundwater quality, green infrastructure, and habitat. Implementation of the Catfish Creek Watershed Management Plan is at the discretion of each local jurisdiction. The Plan is a policy guide, a tool for allocating resources to critical areas, and a means to educating people about watershed stewardship. BACKGROUND This section provides background on the Catfish Creek Watershed Management Plan in context with state and local regulations, polices, and programs for stormwater runoff. Adoption of Catfish Creek Watershed Management Plan Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System NPDES Permits In 1987, stormwater regulations were established by United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) under National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit requirements for certain types of industrial facilities and industrial activities. The intent of these federal regulations is to improve water quality by reducing or eliminating contaminants in stormwater. Many cities in Iowa, including Dubuque and Asbury, are required to have NPDES permits for their Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4) and to implement measures to: ® reduce pollutants in stormwater from illicit discharges and construction sites, • provide public education, • allow for public participation, minimize pollutants from municipal operations, and ® address post-construction runoff. In 2004, 2009, and 2014, Dubuque received an MS4 permit from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). Dubuque's 2014 MS4 permit discusses Post-construction Storm Water Management. It states that the City "shall continue implementing and enforcing a program to address storm water runoff from new construction and re-construction projects for which storm water coverage is required." The MS4 permit also notes that the City program must ensure that controls are in place that will prevent or minimize water quality impacts and shall include: • A post—construction site runoff ordinance that "shall promote the use of storm water detention, retention, infiltration, other Best Management Practices specific to each site which address water quality and quantity issues and proper operation and maintenance of these facilities. " • A watershed assessment program and comprehensive land use plan that "shall continue to be implemented which outlines measures to be implemented which reduce flooding, reduce erosion in ditches and streams, improve water quality and reduce degradation of habitat for fish and wildlife. The permittee shall then implement the program whenever possible to meet these goals." Adoption and implementation of the Catfish Creek Watershed Management Plan will help the City of Dubuque to implement these and other MS4 permit sections in addressing stormwater management, watershed planning, flood mitigation, and improved water quality while facilitating development and redevelopment. Watershed Planning Process In 2011, the City entered into a 28E agreement with the Dubuque County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) and Dubuque County for the purpose of preparing and implementing a Catfish Creek Watershed Management Plan. 2 Adoption of Catfish Creek Watershed Management Plan In 2012, the Cities of Dubuque, Asbury, Peosta, and Centralia, Dubuque County, and the SWCD entered into a 28E agreement to create the Catfish Creek Watershed Management Authority (CCWMA) using a $24,500 Phase 1 watershed planning grant from the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA). In 2013, the City of Dubuque, in partnership with the CCWMA Board, received a Phase 2 watershed planning grant of$187,330 from IEDA to produce a comprehensive Catfish Creek Watershed Management Plan that meets requirements as defined by USEPA. The CCWMA and AES conducted several public outreach sessions and education activities during the initial, mid and final stages of drafting the Watershed Management Plan. The final Plan was made available to the CCWMA member agencies, watershed land owners, and the general public in March 2015. An overview of the Watershed Management Plan was presented at the City Council's April 6, 2015 work session. Local Stormwater Management Codes In 1999, the City of Dubuque adopted the enclosed stormwater detention policy by resolution to prevent developments from creating new flooding problems. It addresses post-construction runoff. In 2007, the City of Dubuque adopted the enclosed Chapter 12 Erosion & Sediment Control for pre-construction runoff as part of City Code Title 14 Building & Development. In 2009, the City of Dubuque adopted Title 16 Unified Development Code (UDC). The UDC promotes sustainable design and low-impact development (LID). It refers to Chapter 12 for stormwater management (see UDC enclosure). In 2010, Dubuque County approved an Erosion & Sediment Control and Stormwater Management Ordinance with provisions for both pre- and post-construction runoff. The following local communities have adopted similar pre- and post-construction regulations: Epworth -- 2011, Asbury— 2012, and Farley-- 2013. Peosta is considering adoption. All of these communities regulate based on pre-development conditions. This standard means looking at the existing site conditions prior to the proposed development. In 2014, the City of Dubuque adopted Statewide Urban Design and Specifications (SODAS). SUDAS references the Iowa Stormwater Manual, which is the basis for Dubuque County's ordinance. The Engineering Department is drafting an ordinance for post-construction site runoff control for consistency with the 2014 MS4 permit. RECOMMENDATION The CCWMA Board has recommended that Dubuque adopt the Catfish Creek Watershed Master Plan as a policy document to be considered when updating City 3 Adoption of Catfish Creek Watershed Management Plan regulations, polices, and programs that reduce flood risk, improve water quality, and educate people about watershed stewardship. Staff concurs with this recommendation. While implementation of the Catfish Creek Watershed Management Plan is at the discretion of each local jurisdiction, the City of Dubuque has an important leadership role as the partner receiving grants on behalf of CCWMA. As the major downstream entity in the Catfish Creek Watershed, the City of Dubuque has a vested interest in facilitating sustainable improvements in the watershed that will reduce flood risk, improve water quality, manage stormwater and educate people about watershed stewardship. The Watershed Management Plan is intended as policy guide and a tool for allocating resources to critical areas. Adoption of the Plan is a key component to secure future funding for improvements in the watershed. REQUESTED ACTION The requested action is for the City Council to adopt the Catfish Creek Watershed Master Plan as a policy document. Enclosures cc: Gus Psihoyos, City Engineer Deron Muehring, Civil Engineer Denise Ihrig, Environmental Engineer Dean Mattoon, Engineering Assistant Eric Schmechel, Urban Conservationist, SWCD F\USERS\LCARSTEMW%Watershed Committee WMA\CCWM PlanlMemo MVM CCWM Plan adoption.doe '.. 4 Catfish Creek Watershed anageimentan I A Guide to Protecting and Resp ep"Aed for - gr � _ City of Dubuque By Applied Ecological Services, Inc._ #� i' . _ December 2014 -- - ARY sr f ♦Fr, (f � t.ty Ts q <N� !a 4 wpm I, 11 �. ■L. . , ,rem „- - Applletl Erologiral Sarvlces,Ino,; koWkarst SYSleaiSWolk Septic tank drain field Plugged Sinkhole INTRODUCTION Latin,stream Sinkhole d^. , ''=-°^ ach of us lives, works, and plays in a ,.,h dump watershed.Awatershed isbest described 4 '' I W9as an area of land where surface water drains - r') to a common location such as a stream, Wall river. or lake. The source of groundwater a; recharge to aquifers, streams, and lakes i is also considered part of a watershed. °g,g„,,,a - J ,,. I ( - Watersheds are complex systems because _ there is interaction between natural 1 elements such as climate, surface water, croundwm.. groundwater, vegetation,wildlife, and human tablen; _ e^^,,, nan^^ elements. Human influences generally Jznheltl tank produce polluted stormwater runoff, increase To,spring impervious surfaces. alter stormwater flows, source:Sourcerock.blogspot and degrade or fragment natural areas. Catfish Creek Watershed Locator Mapsatftsh Creek watershed (HUC 10 - C#0706000501)) is located along the southwestern half of the City of Dubuque, as well as parts of Asbury, Peosta. and Centralia P,aleaahmeare n in Dubuque County, Iowa. Catfish Creek flows generally northeast, beginning near the City of Peosta, and enters the Mississippi River on Dubuque's south side in the Mines of Spain State Recreation Area. There are five smaller B watersheds within the Catfish Creek Watershed. These include: North Fork, Middle Fork, South Fork, Granger Creek, and Catfish Creek (main ,. stem). Catfish Creek and its many smaller tributaries account for approximately 196 Catfish Creek Watershed77, , yj stream/tributary miles that drain approximately al.Mega River 72 square miles (46,100 acres)of land surface. —lJkeh r V - t wem:anad J ' SNslnawpRw' Much of the watershed remains rural. The five J l Mississippi RN River r watersneaforks of Catfish Creek support a diverse set of plants and animals and are a draw for hunters, r "e Dubuque ? anglers and those seeking to enjoy some of c mer County ly �” IL Dubuque County's most scenic areas, but they Tdwoship remain threatened by large amounts of soil and d u6uq F1,a^•^ 3 wnship nutrients entering the water from both urban cents Iia _ a'r" R- and agricultural runoff. ^ti: t,, e N1 �� ' Catfish Creek watershed is located In Peogtio �1 °^�' Dubuque County within portions of seven R warn ^ townships, and four municipalities (see map, To hl Table Mqund fawn:fllp MOiem left). The entire watershed is located within whifevreter Creek -. I , watershed I Towg1p Dubuque County. Of the four municipalities in ' the watershed, the City of Dubuque has the largest share of the watershed followed by the © Q City of Asbury. City of Peosta and the City of Centralia. r" �-Township Boundary r /-_._+e r kYee.6reek ��I7q� Munlclpaliry W iehed P'e't, -1 J �Asbury s• e a P alrie C e t,�Centralia owlish) I o t s atekc �V�L �� Dubuque _ 9 Peosta a MISSION The Catfish Creek Watershed Management Authority (CCWMA)is governed by a Board divided among the political subdivisions comprising the watershed. The Board is dedicated to the preservation. protection, and improvement of Catfish Creek watershed.The CCWMA's mission is to: "To reduce the risks of flooding and its effects, improve water quality and promote a healthier existence for all living things that call the Catfish Creek Watershed home. ti The Catfish Creek Watershed Management Authority is an organization assembled to PURPOSEtackle concerns with water quality and flooding -+ on a watershed level. This means crossing jurisdictional boundaries and working together The overall water quality condition in C sh to solve problems within the entire watershed." I Creek watershed is poor. Accordi; t IDNR's 2012 Integrated Report, Catfish C from the mouth to the confluence with So h GOALS Fork, Granger Creek, and South Fork all impaired for either primary or seconda contact due to the presence of indicato Implement watershed bacteria. An unnamed tributary to Catfish �, educational and stewardship Creek (CCT16) is impaired for aquatic life duel to organic enrichment/low dissolved oxygen+ programs and increase Catfish Creek upstream ,.of the confluen communication and coordination ,, with South Fork, Middle Fork. and Nort a among stakeholders. all have an impairment of a presu�p'tive' Manage and mitigate for (primary contact) due to the presenc f� indicator bacteria. Additioha�NCatfish Cree)Ca - existing and future structural from Swiss Valley Campground south i flood problems. about 3 miles is classified as a Class B Protect groundwater 1) coldwater aquatic life use stream becau quality and quantity and educate t holds an introduced reproducing tro population. This reach is considered partially stakeholders on the influence of supported based on biological monitoring karst topography on groundwater conducted in 2001 and 2007. resources. Protect and manage fish In 2012, the City of Dubuque and the Catfish and wildlife habitat. Creek Watershed Management Authority (CCWMA) applied for and received Iowa _ Improve surface water Economic Development Authority (IEDA) quality to meet applicable funding to undergo a watershed planning effort t4.,4 standards. and produce a comprehensive "Watershed elManage natural and Management Plan" for the Catfish Creek watershed that meets requirements as defined mn cultural components of the by the United States Environmental Projection Green Infrastructure Network. Agency (USEPA). Ultimately, the intent of the Encourage agricultural planning effort is to develop and implement techniques and soil conservation a Watershed Management Plan designed to achieve water quality standards. The City of practices that will protect and Dubuque hired Applied Ecological Services, conserve topsoil and bolster our Inc. (AES) in May 2012 to develop the plan. water resources. The terrain of the Midwestern United States was created over thousands of years as glaciers advanced and retreated during the Pleistocene Era. Some of these glaciers were a mile thick or more, but the area that is now Catfish Creek watershed lies in a region that was mostly unaffected by the glaciers which covered the rest of Iowa's landscape. Here the carbonate bedrock has been weathered and exposed for longer than the surrounding areas,creating unusual features such as limestone-walled valleys, high bluffs, caves, crevices, and sinkholes, as well as rock formations. This unique geology is known as karst topography. It leaves the region more vulnerable to both surface and groundwater contamination because the system is more permeable than elsewhere. The crevices and sinkholes common in the area allow for less infiltration and pollutant removal than would be found in an area without karst topography and expedited routes for pollutants to contaminate surface and groundwater resources. The unique geology of the area has also influenced the stream characteristics of Catfish Creek. In some areas, exposed bedrock makes up the bottom of the stream channel. The coldwater portion of the main branch of Catfish Creek (also known as Upper Catfish Creek)is made possible by naturally occurring seeps that keep temperatures cool enough for trout during summer months and provide a warmer environment over winter. This high-quality, cold-water reach is one of only 30 streams in Iowa with a population of naturally reproducing brown trout. The U.S. public land surveys of Iowa described the inajorify of Catfish Creek watershed as "timber," "scatterj(ig trees." or"part prairie/part timber" with some pockets of"prairie." This mixture of"timber" and "prairie" across the-landscape that ecologists now refer to as savanna.A savanna typically consists of scattered trees that have canopies that range from nearly closed to fully open, with a diversified ground cover of mostly grasses and prairie species below. , The landscape was historically.maintained and renewed by frequentlightningstrike fires,_fires ignited by Native Americans, and grazing by bison and elk Fires ultimately removed dead plant material, exposing the soils to early spring sun, returning nutrients to the soil, and keeping woodlands confined to wetter ravines. Running through the prairie-savanna-landscape-were-the-deep valleys-surrounding Catfish Greek which-were-carved-by-the-run-off-of-melting glaciers long ago, high bluffs, caves,crevices, and sinkholes. During pre-European settlement times most of the water that fell as precipitation was absorbed in upland savanna and prairie communities and within few wetlands that existed along stream corridors. - x Awk ..•�. awry _ s rosea s�,g��mentresu[led mdr~ ngestothe ragileecologicalcommunities. Fires no lotrp curred nd praii floodplains were tilled under or drained for far mIan dtof developed. Rowf rop farming covered the vast majority of the landscape in the early 1900s, with the outskirts of Dubuque's outward urbanization appearing in the northeastern-most portion ofthe watershed, but before residential and commercial � _ rF development seen today ,Some ,of the woodland communities described by early x�- 6ettle'rs-:were still present in the late �1930's:alopg the stream channels but farmland replaced most of the savanna and praise communities. With theadvent of farming �- - -- camesignrfioantchanges imstormwater runoff. y E r 1 oday;�restdential and co mmercial�dEJelopment has replaced some of the farmland in the watersheds Standsofremnant woodlands persist but are fragmdnted byresidential development and farming i '�pi _ Catfish Creek WatershedCatfish Creek Watershed the Mayuheb River /r`� 0 aMaip km R16ar � Slnsfnewa River � Watershed �-� S/nslnawa River- IYa Med �—•/ J MuWsIaUNPnWM1 � e $ [, Msrhar e,1 h.d e- K IL _ i ' m c�i M1'- IL � •q ; JI s G� "7 iAft �s'• 'g I ii/ ' whllew..'Cre h MIN.. e�x ..•w ler2M1ed i ( yy i Lpde-reek Ik 11I )) WS" warnhd trshed la o 5'—_ ..i n���YY7r1■71 I"4n.sI bIt11Y�)�� EXISTING 2012 LAND USE/LAND COVER FUTURE LAND USE/LAND COVER THE FUTURE Land Use E Ag-Livestock - Residential- Predicted future land use changes show that the largest loss of current land ■A9-Row crop F1 Multi-Family use/land cover is expected to occuron agricultural land where approximately cemetery Residential-Mixed 6,919.1 acres of the existing21,590.6 acres 15%decrease is expected to be ■commercial Residential-High ( ) P Density(<1l2 acre) converted to mostly residential and industrial land uses. The majority of these ■Industrial Residential-Medium changes are expected to occur in the northern half of the watershed within the institutional Density(112-1 acre) City of Dubuque and the areas surrounding the Southwest Arterial extension. %Landfill Residential-Low In addition, existing open space Is also expected to decrease from 10,060.4 E office space Density(>1 acre) acres to 9,107.6 acres in the future, a 952.8-acre decrease. However, it is ■open Space ■Transportation important to note that 111.4 acres of public parks/golf courses are expected to 1 Park/Golf course ■Water be created. \�Quarry FTI Welland All five branches of Catfish Creek watershed exceed recommended water quality criteria for nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment. Additionally, South Fork, Catfish Creek, and Granger Creek exceed recommended Ecoll gliidPlines. e in the watershed is the single largest contributor of nitrogen (58%), phosphorus (64%), and Se theft u o streams,followed by streambank erosion and urban land use. 71% of stream reaches in the watershed are at least moderately eroded. Where livestock is kept, they are often allowed free access to streambanks, contributing to sediment and phosphorus loading. While some farms in the watershed utilize conservation practices, much more prevalent use of these practices needs _, :implemented throughout the watershed in order to achieve water quality targets. eon's karst topography makes the watershed more vulnerable to both surface and groundwater contamination. ,1,w VsOverall development policy among the watershed communities does not adequately protect green infrastructure. Two mulch processing facilities within the watershed drain directly to adjacent streams without additional filtration. IMPORTANT NATURAL AREAS SWISS VALLEY NATURE PRESERVE Swiss Valley Nature Preserve is a 476-acre site owned by the Dubuque County Conservation Board and located in the southwestern portion of the watershed. The park is home to a large portion of Catfish Creek, as well as remnant woodlands• a restored prairie and the administrative headquarters of the Dubuque County Conservation Board. Te portion of Catfish Creek that winds through J' e park (also known as Upper Catfish Creek) is made possible by naturally occurring seeps that keep temperatures cool enough for trout during summer months and provide a warmer environment over winter. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources(IDNR)has }" h +•• t labeled the Upper Catfish Creek as a cold-water-Class i!,'i+. ,• � ; .,�' F +� "B"stream from Swiss Valley Park Campgrounds south approximately 3 miles. This high-quality, cold-water reach is one of only 30 streams in Iowa with a population of naturally reproducing brown trout. It is also stocked with trout annually by the Iowa Department of Natural Y r Resources. Work to stabilize 3,000 feet of streambank a _ within the preserve, plant native grasses, and install 4 - _ 35 fish hides to improve habitat along this reach was completed by Dubuque County Conservation Board. R ,R °' E lsewhere in the preserve. 10 miles of hiking trails, many of which are groomed for cross-country skiing in the �n yet , 7 winter, work their way through _ C8tfi5 /�` R the prairie, savanna, and i r woodland landscapes. The IL to Maquoketa RlvsY preserve houses many of thershaa ? ;, distinct features associated with the Paleozoic Plateau,including r ._ an abundance of naturally occurring sinkholes which provide excellent habitat for both common and uncommon species. A remnant woodland �4 • �( remains untouched from pre- � settlement times, containing red and white oaks, shagbark hickory, walnut, white ash, elm, ; and quaking aspen, as well as a WhiteWaei Creek mature maple-basswood forest. Water;:hea Swiss Valley Park& ee - 1 Nature Preserve y ' , F ' Many of the trees in this area are more NATURE CENTER than zoo years r' old. � t I r ; N _ f MINES OF SPAIN RECREATION AREA r Ines of Spain Recreation Area consists of 1,300 acres south of the City of 1 V 1 Dubuque including the mouth of Catfish Creek and south along the Mississippi River and it is owned by Iowa Department of Natural Resources. Approximately the northern half of this area is designated by IDNR as the Catfish Creek Preserve.Only a 275-acre portion of Mines of Spain Recreation Area/Catfish Creek Preserve falls within the Catfish Creek watershed, but it includes many important natural features. The preserve is predominantly an oak forest, with paper birch, quaking aspen, maple-basswood forest,juniper groves, and hill prairies also represented.A wide variety of plants can be found within the preserve over the course of the year. Spring flora within the woodlands include jack-in-the-pulpit,spring beauty, hepatica,blood root.wild ginger,false Solomon's seal, pasqueflower,plantain-leaved pussytoes,hoary puccoon,violet wood sorrel,and alumroot. The woodland understory also harbors Indian pipe as well as a number of ferns including such varieties as rattlesnake,maidenhair,ebony spleenwort, lady, silvery glade, fragile, crested wood, spinulose wood, walking, bulblet, and cliffbrake. In summer prairie coreopsis, pale-spiked lobelia, round-headed bush clover, and pale purple coneflower can be found blooming in prairie areas,followed by sky-blue aster,rough blazing star, ch Creek Watershedsideoats grama, big and little bluestem, and Indian grass in the fall. 1Slnalnaw.Wer- wl INTERSTATE POWER COMPANY FOREST PRESERVE Mississippi Rmer f d h Waterse �' '---- n 1988. Interstate Power Company (IPC) donated 82 acres to the Dubuque ti F 3' (County Conservation Board, hence the name Interstate Power Company IL Forest Preserve. The preserve is located on Olde Davenport Rd. just north c f.Q of Schueller Heights Rd. IPC still maintains a substation on the site, but the preserve is predominantly a oak woodland with ravines and spring-fed streams that eventually make their way to Granger Creek. Some rolling grassland, an 8-acre restored prairie, and a 15-mile trail can also be found on the site. a� Minesofapaln c Recreation Area lad o F o ' I 1y®■ J 111, I li Q IPC Forest.r Pre"N 1. .. . yae reek �— Important Natural Areas Watershed r ' -County Park&Forest Preserve _ y! o - s 3.5 StateRecreation Area P,7 GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE & YOUR LAND Green Infrastructure Network is a connected , ystam of natural areas and other open r Catfish Creek Watershed space that conserves natural ecosystem values a IIRe Maqu kala Rl6ar pgg and functions, sustains clean air and water,and w.re'rsnad y-✓ Sinsfnawa 'RN. T�Sm / ) Mfssrsslppl Rfver "II provides a wide array of benefits to wildlife and a , Watershed g b people. The network (see map, below) is made up of hubs and linking corridors. Hubs generally »°< consist of the largest and least fragmentedg' ♦,le°.t°'"' It a areas such as Swiss Valley Nature Preserve, Mines of Spain Recreation Area, Interstate Power Company Preserve, large agricultural areas,and golf courses. Corridors are generally formed by the wooded stretches along many of ate' the developed reaches of Catfish Creek and ° tributaries. Corridors are extremely important because they provide biological conduits between hubs. However, most parcels forming Whitewater Creekwafershed �� 4 corridors are not ideal green infrastructure until residents and land owners embrace the idea of f t managing stream corridors or creating backyard habitats. I.rlr. teak — (1y ►�7o COMlppq x Waf�rshad ■ A!f' � t� [ 0 1 5 i Mks ����16, MEN INtrRA&TRU(_TURE NET VA)M COMi'ONEM b �oRRipQ GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE NETWORK R —Existing Recreational Trails ®Important Natural Areas Protected Green Infrastructure Too M =Unprotected Green Infrastructure .d Source:greeninfraslructure.net xuas Golf courses pMIA, t _ I IN l � ft ♦ V `IVe ri ra . arG tL,,�J. jj I .�• 1% r t'" Iy' l.ada�rH e i °µ1 f.. �y;.�M1T �t$°*5,�"r t Yr P� 1j �r d�`\; 1'I/`I it lrtsrY.•`�!`Ji l° `t t d 31JL1,r . �01r t` R �.:�dn'r !r as .,, .f6 . 1 � ♦ Ip.,t ! ft °y ,. \I y.\;. ',. If a portion of a stream runs through your land, here are some tips to help properly manage your piece of the green infrastructure network: 1. MANAGE FERTILIZER USE Avoid over fertilizingagricultural fields and lawns adjacent to streams and only use nutrients when soil testing shows that it is necessary. 2. MANAGE LIVESTOCK ACCESS Where possible, fence streams, create crossings, and/or utilize pasture - rotation to manage livestock access to streams and streambanks. 3. REMOVE NON-NATIVE SPECIES Identify and remove plants that are out of place (see photo guide, right). it 4. PLANT NATIVE VEGETATION Plants adapted to the Midwest climate can help control erosion by stabilizing banks. 5.A NATURAL, MEANDERING STREAM IS A HAPPY STREAM Work with experts to restore degraded stream reaches. Any property owner can improve green infrastructure. Create a safe place for wildlife by providing a few simple things such as food, water, cover, and a place for wildlife to raise their young. The National Wildlife Federation's Certified Wildlife Habitat® program can help you get started. Golf courses can become certified through the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program. LLJ II II l reating a rain garden,or a small vegetated depression, to capture water is another Lu W j way of promoting infiltration while beautifying fLL your yard and providing additional habitat. i, Disconnecting your roof downspouts and capturing that runoff in rain barrels not only 1 reduces the amount of runoff entering streams, I • but also serves as a great source of water for irrigating your yard. f r irry �� II w +Is�a�� a,. .,�r lo• ,.• 3 r i . Nil, - ;4 T he Catfish Creek Watershed-Based Plan includes an"Action Plan"developed to provide stakeholders with recommendations to specifically address plan goals. The Action Plan includes two subsections: programmatic recommendations and site cific recommendations. Programmatic recommendations are general remedial, preventative, and regulatory watershed- e actions. Site specific recommendations include actual locations where projects can be implemented to improve surface and groundwater quality, green infrastructure, and habitat. Programmatic recommendations and site specific High Priority- Critical Areas are discussed in this section. POLICY TYPE PROGRAMMATIC RECOMMENDATIONS Plan Adoption and/or Support& Implementation Policy Recommendations Watershed Partners adopt the Catfish Creek Watershed Management Plan p and incorporate plan goals, objectives, and recommended actions into comprehensive plans and ordinances. •1► T f Green Infrastructure Network Policy Recommendations Each municipality incorporates the identified Green Infrastructure Network into comprehensive plans and development review maps. Amend municipal comprehensive plans and zoning ordinances to include a Catfish Creek Watershed Protection Overlay that requires Conservation Design or Low Impact standards for all development and redevelopment located on identified Green Infrastructure Network r parcels. Require Watershed Protection Fees in all municipalities in the form of CATF�S� ����� Development Impact Fees and/or Special Service Area (SSA) taxes 'for all new and redevelopment to help fund management of green WATERSHED infrastructure components within developments. Require developers to protect sensitive natural areas, restore degraded natural areas and streams,then donate all natural areas and `naturalized stormwater management systems to a public agency or conservation organization for long term management with dedicated funding. Establish incentives for developers who propose sustainable or OTHER ..e _ , r � innovative approaches to preserving green infrastructure and using RECOMMENDATIONS y {: naturalized stormwater treatment trains. IN THE Require mitigation for wetlands lost to development to occur within the "'. watershed. • Dry & Wet Bottom Detention - '". Basin Design/Retrofits. '.. ' Road Salt Policy Recommendations Each municipality/township supplement existing programs with deicing Riparian "iVc Y best management practices such as utilizing alternative deicing Area - chemicals, anti-icing or pretreatment, controlling the amount and Restoration "• Natural Area Restoration rate of spreading, controlling the timing of application, utilizing proper Native Landscaping application equipment, and educating/training deicing employees. Conservation• Impact Development Lawn Fertilizer Policy Recommendations Municipalities/townships create regulations banning phosphorus •Agricultural Management unless soil testing pre-application proves necessary. Practices • Rainwater Harvesting & Stormwater Management Facility Policy Recommendations Require new development and redevelopment to use stormwater management facilities that serve multiple functions including storage, water quality benefits, infiltration,and wildlife habitat. Septic• • Require reduced runoff volume from new and retrofitted detention basins. Wetland•Vegetated Filter Strips • RestorationNative Landscaping/Natural Area Restoration • Pervious Pavement Allow native landscaping within local ordinances and ensure local "weed •Street Sweeping control'ordinances do not discourage or prohibit native landscaping. HIGH PRIORITY-CRITICAL AREA SITE SPECIFIC PROJECT RECOMMENDATIONS D w:. Detention Basin Retrofits &Maintenance A number of detention basins can be retrofitted by naturalizing with native vegetation. Naturalized basins improve water quality from developed areas, improve habitat, and require less maintenance. ' Seven detention basins were identified as High Priority-Critical Areas in the watershed. €' Wetland Restoration Wetland restoration sites are generally associated with large areas that were historically wetland prior to European settlement in the 1830s but were drained for agricultural purposes.Fourteen High Priority-Critical Area wetland restoration sites were identified, many of which can be restored by breaking existing drain tiles and planting with native vegetation. Streambank, Channel, &Riparian Restoration +' Fifty-nine stream reaches have been identified as High Priority- I Critical Areas because they exhibit highly eroded banks or degraded channel conditions that are a major source of both nutrients and total suspended solids (sediment). Streambank stabilization and channel restoration using bioengineering, as well as adjacent riparian area '• i restoration.will reduce pollutants and improve habitat. Green Infrastructure Protection Areas Thirty-five green infrastructure protection areas have been selected in the watershed after careful review of their location within the green infrastructure network and predicted land use changes. Most parcels are undeveloped agricultural land, about half of which are planned for e future development. The recommendation is that these parcels be preserved or developed using conservation or low Catfish Creek Watershed impact development designs. e Maqu kete Riva r •'� wl ' Agricultural Management Practices Watershed/ U-✓ Slnslnawa River- . Mississippi River r Agricultural measures would greatly Watershed _ reduce pollutant loading in the watershed. Recommendations in the plan include conservation tillage (no till) and vegetatedj/ " ax Glw '�� � eF �r m x µ,ds FGt $ aaaea IL swales for cropland and fencing to manage stream access and waste management on livestock operations. Forty-three agricultural °'°' . o ,& M"' IN. s moa eF w I� „ areas were identified as High Priority-Critical Gro+ Areas for potential pollutant reduction based on the results of the watershed inventory. a GI°'WIt GI ma+ y AGI 6I � IGIII )S�e]FO(k JM1 12, GUs Other Management Measures a,x; 42C�p1GCp9 RR As a result of the watershed inventory,three critical areas that fall under the category "' ` 1 Whitewa er Creek w ne Qyy w of "other" management measures were -water'ahed "' \ .4E<SC .y, e9A CC`G2� g °xG found.They include an area where parking lot BMPs are needed,as well as two mulch processing facilities that drain directly to ea adjacent streams. r p O Critical Area Types a+. • oalentlaneaains ru -N§pana aeemmson "'• ae - Lytle Creek — l\ yy �w►aT`1� feeambenk.Chanel,&Ripe&en ` n ne W felshad \ rk ®&prkukunl La1M ru \I1^`- [,_JOrean lnhaatrunNro RelectlonxVaea w G ru 0 S t'Mlbe ■���L]+■ Q of Manapemenl Mill ' 4 t 1 How can you help Catfish Creek'. , i Agricultural Community ❑ Consult your local Natural Resources Conservation Service(NRCS)office regarding enrollment in conservation programs to help reduce soil erosion. enhance water supplies, improve water quality, increase habitat, and reduce flood damages. Residents, Land Owners, & Businesses ❑ Reduce fertilizer use-only use fertilizer when testing shows it is needed. ❑ Use less salt on driveways, parking lots, and sidewalks during winter months. ❑ Use native landscaping to decrease watering needs and maintenance. A ❑ Install rain gardens and use rain barrels to reduce stormwater runoff. ❑ Manage your land as part of the green infrastructure network. CATFISH ����� ❑ Attend meetings with decision makers to express concerns about the watershed. Yn ❑ Attend watershed education and participation events. WATERSHED ❑ Build a sense of community in your neighborhood around Catfish Creek and the watershed. Watershed Coordinators& Municipalities &Townships CCWMAAdministrators., ❑ Adopt the Catfish Creek Watershed Management Plan&inform the public that a plan Dean Mattoon has been developed. City of Dubuque FJ incorporate watershed plan goals and recommended actions into local comprehensive plans, zoning overlays, codes, and ordinances. Eric Schmechel ❑ Build"demonstration projects;'or large-scale water quality&public education projects, Dubuque Soil&Water near public facilities. Conservation District ❑ Distribute materials to help residents manage streams and green infrastructure in Executive Summary their backyards. Produced by.- Catfish y.Catfish Creek Watershed Management Authority Applied Ecological ❑ Identify "champions' to participate at future Catfish Creek watershed meetings. Services, Inc. pursue projects, and to evaluate watershed plan implementation progress. ❑ Hire a Watershed Implementation Coordinator to lead plan implementation. All photos by AES unless otherwise noted. N�S� oae�v¢co A<ED8rq THECITV OF c°�S �Ee byrt JA rFJ.. O T Y DUB E T 4 F o Masterpiece on the Mississippi �P�Cop3¢rt \ �VBU J ce600E�coo� o°� • y�qI PRO,E� eQ'I ❑ave AS�UYy BOO WATER Green jic V )WQ Jl�t — �- CITY OF DUBUQUE STORM WATER DETENTION POLICY It is the policy of the City of Dubuque to require storm water detention facilities for all developments of one acre or more and for developments of less than one acre when conditions warrant. Storm water detention facilities in residential subdivisions may be accepted for ownership and maintenance by the City. Facilities in commercial, office, institutional, mixed use or industrial planned unit developments and subdivisions may also be accepted by the City, except where ownership of fifty percent or more of the development or subdivision is held by the same entity or is otherwise under common ownership. Acceptance of stormwater detention facilities is subject to the following requirements: An owner of property of one acre or more must construct the storm water detention facility in accordance with the subdivision plans approved by the City and must dedicate the facility to the City as a condition of final plat approval. The owner must continue to own and maintain the facility until (1) the facility has been fully completed, (2) 80% of the platted lots have been fully developed, and (3) adequate erosion control measures, as approved by the City, have been installed on the remaining 20% of the lots. Acceptance of the facility must be by the City Council as required by the Subdivision Ordinance. The owner must agree that once the City accepts the facility, periodic inspection, administrative and maintenance expenses for the facility will be assessed against the lots in the subdivision in proportion to the acreage of each lot as a percentage of the acreage in the subdivision or planned unit development, and that the costs will be collected in the same manner as general property taxes. Such costs will be dependent upon the condition of the facility. Acceptance of the facility for a non-residential subdivision or planned unit development will be based on the preliminary plat approved by the Zoning Advisory Commission for a subdivision, or the conceptual development plan approved by the City. Title 14 BUILDING AND DEVELOPMENT Chapter 12 EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL 14-12-1: DEFINITIONS: The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this chapter, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning: APPLICANT: A person, firm, sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, state agency or political subdivision required by law or administrative rule to apply to the IDNR for a state NPDES general permit no. 2 and a city ESC permit. BARE SOIL: Soil exposed and unprotected from soil erosion. BUILDING PERMIT: A document issued under the authority of the city manager which authorizes the construction or modification of a structure on a property. CITY MANAGER: The city manager or the city manager's designee. CLEAN WATER ACT: The federal water pollution control act, 33 USC section 1251 et seq., and any amendments thereto. CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITY: Activities subject to NPDES construction permits that result in disturbance of one acre or more. Such activities include, but are not limited to, clearing and grubbing, grading, excavating, filling, and demolition. EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL: The control of soil, both mineral and organic, to minimize the removal of soil from the land surface and to prevent its transport from a disturbed area by means of wind, water, ice, gravity, or any combination of those forces. IDNR: The Iowa department of natural resources. LAND DISTURBING ACTIVITY: Activities that include, but are not limited to, clearing and grubbing, grading, excavating, filling, and demolition that result in bare soil. MUNICIPAL SEPARATE STORM SEWER SYSTEM (MS4): The streets, gutters, conduits, natural or artificial drains, channels and watercourses, and other facilities that are owned, operated, maintained or controlled by the city and used for the purpose of collecting, storing, transporting, or disposing of stormwater. NATIONAL POLLUTANT DISCHARGE ELIMINATION SYSTEM (NPDES) STORMWATER DISCHARGE PERMIT: A permit issued by the environmental protection agency or by a state under authority delegated pursuant to 33 USC section 1342(b) that authorizes the discharge of pollutants to waters of the United States, whether the permit is applicable on an individual, group, or general areawide basis. PERMITTEE: A person who has been issued a city ESC permit. PERSON: Any individual, applicant, association, organization, partnership, firm, corporation or other entity recognized by law and acting as either the owner or as the owner's agent. SEDIMENT: Mobile soil particles detached through the process of soil erosion. 1 Title 14 BUILDING AND DEVELOPMENT Chapter 12 EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL SITE PLAN: The development plan which shows the existing and proposed conditions of a site, including topography, vegetation, drainage, floodplains, wetlands and waterways, landscaping, open spaces, impervious area, utility services, structures and buildings. SOIL EROSION: The detachment and movement of soil or rock fragments by water, wind, ice or gravity. STATE NPDES GENERAL PERMIT NO. 2: The general permit established by the Iowa department of natural resources for "stormwater associated with industrial activity for construction activities" (land disturbing 1 acre or more). STORMWATER POLLUTION PREVENTION PLAN (SWPPP): A document required for a state NPDES general permit no. 2 that describes the best management practices and activities to be implemented by a person or business to identify sources of pollution or contamination at a site and the actions to eliminate or reduce pollutant discharges to stormwater, stormwater conveyance systems, and/or receiving waters to the maximum extent practicable. (Ord. 6-07, 2- 20-2007) 14-12-2: APPLICABILITY; SHORT TITLE: A. Applicability: The provisions of this chapter apply to all land disturbing. B. Short Title: This chapter shall be known, cited and referred to as the EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF DUBUQUE. (Ord. 6-07, 2-20-2007) 14-12-3: RESPONSIBILITY FOR ADMINISTRATION: The city manager shall administer, implement, and enforce the provisions of this chapter. (Ord. 6-07, 2-20-2007) 14-12-4: SEVERABILITY CLAUSE: The provisions of this chapter are hereby declared to be severable. If any provision, clause, sentence, or paragraph of this chapter or the application thereof to any person, establishment, or circumstances shall be held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect the other provisions or application of this chapter. (Ord. 6-07, 2-20-2007) 14-12-5: ULTIMATE RESPONSIBILITY: The standards set forth herein and promulgated pursuant to this chapter are minimum standards; therefore this chapter does not intend nor imply that compliance by any person will ensure that there will be no erosion or sedimentation from a land disturbing activity, or contamination, pollution, or other unauthorized discharge of pollutants. This chapter does not relieve any person of the responsibility to obtain a state NPDES general permit no. 2 and adhering to the requirements therein, nor does it relieve any person from the responsibility of following any other applicable local, state, or federal regulation. (Ord. 6-07, 2-20-2007) 14-12-6: EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL (ESC) PERMIT: A. City ESC Permit Required: All persons required by law or administrative rule to obtain the state NPDES general permit no. 2 from the IDNR and all persons with an active state NPDES 2 Title 14 BUILDING AND DEVELOPMENT Chapter 12 EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL general permit no. 2 shall obtain a city ESC permit in addition to and not in lieu of a state NPDES general permit no. 2. B. Application Procedure For Obtaining And Maintaining City ESC Permit: 1. Applications for city ESC permits shall be made on forms approved by the city manager and available at the office of the city engineer. 2. An applicant for a city ESC permit shall pay a permit fee as established by the city manager. 3. An applicant in possession of a state NPDES general permit no. 2 issued by the IDNR shall submit to the city manager with the application copies of the following: a. The applicant's plans, specifications and supporting materials prepared in support of the application for a state NPDES general permit no. 2; b. The applicant's authorizations issued pursuant to the applicant's state NPDES general permit no. 2; and c. The applicant's stormwater pollution prevention plan (SWPPP) prepared in accordance with this chapter. 4. Every SWPPP submitted to the city manager in support of an application for a city ESC permit shall: a. Comply with all current minimum mandatory requirements for SWPPPs promulgated by the IDNR in connection with issuance of a state NPDES general permit no. 2; b. If the applicant is required by law to file a joint application form, "Protecting Iowa Waters, Iowa Department of Natural Resources and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers", comply with all mandatory minimum requirements pertaining to such applications; c. Comply with all other applicable state or federal permit requirements in existence at the time of the application; and d. Be prepared by a licensed professional engineer, a licensed landscape architect, a licensed professional in erosion and sediment control, or a representative of the local soil and water conservation district, credentialed in a manner acceptable to the city manager. C. Indemnify City: The application form signed by the applicant for a city ESC permit shall include the following statement: The undersigned Applicant hereby agrees to defend, indemnify and hold the City, its officers, and employees harmless from any and all claims, damages or suits of any kind arising directly or indirectly out of any act of commission or omission by the Applicant, or any employee, agent, assign, contractor or subcontractor of the Applicant, in connection with the Applicant's State NPDES General Permit No. 2 and/or City ESC Permit. 3 Title 14 BUILDING AND DEVELOPMENT Chapter 12 EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL D. Permit Issuance or Denial: Upon receipt of an application for a city ESC permit, if the city manager finds that the application complies with this chapter, the city manager shall issue a city ESC permit in accordance with this chapter. If the city manager finds that the application fails to comply with this chapter, the city manager shall provide the applicant a schedule identifying wherein the application does not comply with this chapter. E. Condition Precedent To Issuance Of Building Permit: Issuance by the city manager of a city ESC permit shall be a condition precedent to the issuance of a city building permit for the land disturbing activity described in the application. For any application submitted to the city manager after September 1, 2007, no city ESC permit shall be issued until the site plan has been approved by the city manager. F. Information Required: For so long as any land disturbing activity is subject to a state NPDES general permit no. 2, the city ESC permit shall be required. At all times while the land disturbing activity is being conducted, the permittee shall provide the city with the following current information: 1. The name, address and telephone number of the person on site designated by the property owner where the land disturbing activity is being conducted who is knowledgeable and experienced in erosion and sediment control and who will oversee compliance with a state NPDES general permit no. 2 and the city ESC permit; and 2. The name(s), address(es) and telephone number(s) of the contractor(s) and/or subcontractor(s) who will implement each erosion and sediment control measure identified in the SWPPP. G. Transfer Of ESC Permit Responsibilities: Upon the sale of property for which a city ESC permit has been issued, the permittee may transfer the city ESC permit to the new property owner if the permittee provides the city manager with written confirmation that the permittee has transferred a state NPDES general permit no. 2 in accordance with the guidelines established by a state NPDES general permit no. 2 and the permittee pays the permit transfer fee established by the city manager. The permittee shall notify the city manager of any application to the IDNR for the release of any property from a state NPDES general permit no. 2. Absent such written confirmation of transfer, the permittee shall remain responsible for city ESC permit compliance on the property sold. H. Discontinuance Of Permit: A permittee who discontinues a state NPDES general permit no. 2 shall immediately submit to the city manager copies of the materials and documents submitted to the IDNR in support of the discontinuation. (Ord. 6-07, 2-20-2007) 14-12-7: DUTY TO COMPLY WITH STATE NPDES GENERAL PERMIT NO. 2: A. Noncompliance with any provision of a state NPDES general permit no. 2 by any person required by law or administrative rule to comply with the terms of a state NPDES general permit no. 2 constitutes a violation of this chapter. B. Each failure to comply with a state NPDES general permit no. 2 shall constitute a separate violation of this chapter. (Ord. 6-07, 2-20-2007) 14-12-8: PERMIT MONITORING PROCEDURES: 4 Title 14 BUILDING AND DEVELOPMENT Chapter 12 EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL A. Monitor Site Conditions; Inspection: Upon issuance of a state NPDES general permit no. 2 or a city ESC permit, a permittee shall monitor site conditions and perform inspections in a manner consistent with state NPDES general permit no. 2 requirements and report to the city manager any change of circumstances or site conditions which the permittee knows or should know pose a risk of stormwater discharge in a manner inconsistent with the permittee's SWPPP, state NPDES general permit no. 2 and/or city ESC permit. B. Right Of Entry: The city manager may enter upon any property where land disturbing activity is being conducted to determine compliance with this chapter. C. Notify City Of Completion Of Requirements: Prior to initiating any land disturbing activity that requires a city ESC permit, the permittee shall notify the city manager when all measures required by the applicant's SWPPP have been accomplished on site. D. Periodic Inspections: Upon issuance of a city ESC permit, the city manager shall conduct an inspection at least once each calendar quarter to monitor and report on compliance with a state NPDES general permit no. 2 and the city ESC permit. E. Conditions Of Noncompliance; Corrective Action: At any time the city manager receives any information that the site conditions pose a risk of stormwater discharge in a manner inconsistent with the permittee's SWPPP, state NPDES general permit no. 2 and/or city ESC permit, the city manager shall provide the permittee with a schedule identifying the conditions of noncompliance. The permittee shall immediately commence corrective action and shall complete such corrective action within twenty four (24) hours after receipt of the schedule. For good cause shown, the city manager may extend the deadline for completing such corrective action. (Ord. 6-07, 2-20-2007) 14-12-9: VIOLATION: A. Municipal Infraction: A violation by any person of any provision of this chapter, including the commencing, constructing, causing, or permitting the commencement of any land disturbing activity without a city ESC permit as required by this chapter, constitutes a municipal infraction. B. Abatement Required: The city manager may order compliance with this chapter by written notice of violation to a person violating this chapter setting forth the time within which remediation or restoration must be completed and that if the person fails to complete such remediation or restoration within such time, the city shall cause such remediation or restoration work to be done and the person shall be liable for such costs. C. Stop Work Order: The city manager may issue an order to stop all construction activities on any property where land disturbing activity is being conducted until conditions of noncompliance with this chapter are corrected. Construction activity, other than that which is required to correct a condition of noncompliance, prior to the correction of the conditions of noncompliance, shall constitute a violation of this chapter. (Ord. 6-07, 2-20-2007) 14-12-10: APPEAL OF NOTICE OF VIOLATION: The determination by the city manager of a violation of this chapter may be appealed by an aggrieved party to the city council, provided written notice of appeal is received by the city manager within fifteen (15) days from the date of the notice of violation. Upon hearing, the city council may rescind, modify or affirm the notice of violation. (Ord. 6-07, 2-20-2007) 5 Title 14 BUILDING AND DEVELOPMENT Chapter 12 EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL 14-12-11: ENFORCEMENT MEASURES: The city manager may enter upon any property where land disturbing activity is being conducted and take any and all action necessary to abate any violation of this chapter and/or remediate or restore the property to its condition prior to the land disturbing activity. It shall be a violation of this chapter for any person to refuse to allow the city manager to enter upon property for such purposes. (Ord. 6-07, 2-20-2007) 14-12-12: COST OF ABATEMENT OF VIOLATION: Within thirty (30) days after abatement of a violation of this chapter, the owner of the property shall be notified in writing by the city manager of the cost of abatement, including administrative costs. The property owner may file a written protest with the city manager objecting to the amount of the cost of abatement within fifteen (15) days thereafter. If the cost of abatement is not paid to the city within sixty (60) days after the date of the notice, the cost of abatement shall be certified by the city clerk to the Dubuque County treasurer in the manner of a special assessment against the property and shall constitute a lien on the property. (Ord. 6-07, 2-20- 2007) 14-12-13: INJUNCTIVE RELIEF: The city manager may seek equitable relief restraining any person from any activity in violation of this chapter including compelling the performance of abatement or remediation of such violation. (Ord. 6-07, 2-20-2007) 14-12-14: VIOLATIONS DEEMED PUBLIC NUISANCE: Any condition caused or permitted to exist in violation of any of the provisions of this chapter constitutes a threat to public health, safety, and welfare, and is hereby declared and deemed a public nuisance. (Ord. 6-07, 2-20-2007) 14-12-15: REMEDIES NOT EXCLUSIVE: The remedies provided in this chapter shall not be deemed exclusive of any other remedies available under any applicable federal, state or local law. (Ord. 6-07, 2-20-2007) 6 TITLE 16 UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODE Chapter 11 LAND SUBDIVISION 11-8 Subdivision Design Standards A. Subdivision Design: 1. Design of the subdivision shall be in conformance with this Code, the Comprehensive Plan, and all applicable City standards. 2. To the maximum extent practicable, the subdivision shall be designed to preserve the natural features of the site, to avoid areas of environmental sensitivity, and to minimize negative impacts and alteration of the natural features. 3. The subdivision shall be laid out to avoid adversely affecting ground water and aquifer recharge; to reduce cut and fill; to avoid unnecessary impermeable cover; to prevent flooding; to provide adequate access to lots and sites; and to mitigate adverse effects of shadow, noise, odor, traffic, drainage, and utilities on neighboring properties. B. Installation of Improvements: Public improvements including streets, sanitary sewers, storm sewers, stormwater management facilities, water mains, street lighting, street trees, and sidewalks shall be installed in accordance with the City standards. 11-22 Stormwater, Grading and Erosion Control A. Design of the stormwater, grading and erosion control management system shall be consistent with general and specific concerns, values, and standards of the Comprehensive Plan and applicable County, regional, and State storm drainage control programs. Design shall be in accordance with the City standards and this Code. B. The best available technology shall be used to minimize the impact to adjacent properties, off-site stormwater runoff, increase on-site infiltration, encourage natural filtration functions, simulate natural drainage systems, and minimize off-site discharge of pollutants to ground and surface water, in accordance with the City standards, this Code, State and Federal regulations. C. Preliminary and final grading and erosion control plans shall comply with Chapter 12 of the Dubuque City Code and the City standards. 11-23 Obligation to Install Improvements Installation of Improvements: Improvements including streets, sanitary sewers, stormwater management facilities, water mains, street lights, street trees, and sidewalks shall be installed by the owner in accordance with City standards, the approved final plat, and the approved improvement plans. Improvements shall be installed within the timeframe specified in the resolution approving the final plat and improvement plans. 1 TITLE 16 UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODE Chapter 12 SITE PLANS 12-1 Purpose The site plan review provisions of this section are intended to promote functional and aesthetic design of property development within the City. These provisions are intended to alleviate the potentially harmful effects on adjoining land of new development by encouraging site plans that respect their environmental, land use and economic context. Regulations of this section should ensure that new structures, utilities, streets, parking, circulation systems, yards and open spaces are designed in the most efficient, attractive and harmonious manner. 12 -6 Site Plan Application Requirements A. The City Engineer shall approve and regulate the construction of new streets, driveways, curb cuts and other paved surfaces, and storm water facilities, sanitary sewer and erosion control measures and facilities. 12-2 Application and Scope of Site Plan Review and Approval No building permit shall be issued, and no construction, grading or other land development activity listed below may be commenced on property unless a site plan has been submitted and approved for such activity as set forth in this section. Development activities subject to the requirements of this section may hereafter be carried out only in substantial conformance with the approved site plan and any conditions or restrictions attached thereto. Material changes shall not be made to an approved site plan without the approval of the City. A permanent Certificate of Occupancy for a new development shall be not issued until all storm water control, sanitary sewer, water mains, off street parking facilities and all other site plan requirements have been constructed and approved by the City, and are fully operational. Chapter 13 SITE DESIGN STANDARDS 13-1 Intent These Site Design Standards are established in order to achieve the following goals: G. Ensure that development respects land capabilities and constraints, minimizes erosion and destruction of natural amenities, and reduces conflicts between lands and uses. 13-3.3 Stormwater Management A. Stormwater management systems shall be designed in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 12 of the Dubuque City Code, as amended. The site, including parking lots, shall be developed using two or more of the following low-impact development tools or other best management practices approved by the City Engineer: 2 11 mu'l CATFISH CREEK WATERSHED February 20, 2015 The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members City of Dubuque City Hall— 50 W. 13`" Street Dubuque IA 52001 SUBJECT: Review of Catfish Creek Watershed Management Plan Dear Mayor and City Council Members: The Catfish Creek Watershed Management Authority is an organization assembled to tackle concerns with water quality and flooding on a watershed level.The Board of Directors is comprised of representatives from the Cities of Asbury,Centralia,Dubuque,and Peosta;Dubuque County;and the Dubuque Soil and Water Conservation District.Our mission is to reduce the risks of flooding and its effects,improve water quality and promote a healthier existence for all living things that call the Catfish Creek Watershed home.This means crossing jurisdictional boundaries and working together to solve problems within the entire watershed. BACKGROUND The Catfish Creek Watershed is a beautiful and diverse 57 square mile watershed that includes industrial centers, residential neighborhoods, rolling cropland, steep bluffs, rock outcrops, and dense forests. About half of the City of Dubuque lies in the watershed as well as parts of the 1 Cities of Asbury, Peosta and Centralia. Much of the watershed lies in rural Dubuque County. In 2011, the City entered into a 28E intergovernmental agreement with the Dubuque Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) and Dubuque County for the purpose of preparing and implementing a Catfish Creek Watershed Management Plan. In 2012,the Cities of Dubuque, Asbury, Peosta, and Centralia, Dubuque County, and the SWCD entered into a 28E intergovernmental agreement to create the Catfish Creek Watershed Management Authority (CCWMA) and established a Board of Directors. The City received a $24,500 Phase I watershed planning grant from the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA)to create the CCWMA. Under Iowa law, the CCWMA is a formal partnership created to accomplish the following: • Assess and reduce flood risk; • Assess and improve water quality; • Monitor federal flood risk planning and activities; • Educate residents of the watershed regarding flood risks and water quality; and • Allocate moneys made available for purposes of water quality and flood mitigation. Review of Catfish Creek Watershed Management Plan Page 2 DISCUSSION In 2013, the City of Dubuque, in partnership with the CCWMA Board, entered into a contract with the IEDA for a Phase 11 watershed plarming grant of$187,330 to develop the Catfish Creek Watershed Management Plan. In 2013, after soliciting proposals from qualified consultants, the City of Dubuque contracted with Applied Ecological Services (AES) to develop the Plan with approval from IEDA. The $110,500 AES contract is paid entirely with IEDA grant funds. The Plan is a critical step in securing future funding for improvements throughout the watershed. To qualify for these funds, the Plan must meet Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency standards. Working with the CCWMA Board, landowners, various community stakeholders, and the general public, AES has created a detailed Watershed Management Plan and implementation strategy. The Executive Summary for the 300-page Catfish Creek Watershed Management Plan is enclosed. RECOMMENDATION The CCWMA Board appreciates the support of all our partners in developing the Catfish Creek Watershed Management Plan, and recommends timely implementation of the Plan. The CCWMA Board encourages all partners to begin using the Plan as a policy guide for adopting regulations, polices, and programs that reduce flood risk, improve water quality, and educate people about watershed stewardship. The CCWMA Board urges all partners to utilize the Plan to guide local developers, contractors, and engineers prior to approval of new development in the Catfish Creek Watershed. The CCWMA Board respectfully requests an opportunity to make a 30-minute presentation on the Catfish Creek Watershed Management Plan and our initial implementation strategy at an upcoming meeting or work session. Thank you for your consideration. Please contact me to schedule a presentation on the Plan via email: eschmechel@dubuqueswcd.org or phone: (563) 876-3418 Ext. 305. Sincerely, Eric Schrnechel Urban Conservationist/ CCWMA Administrator Dubuque County Soil & Water Conservation District Enclosure: Executive Summary cc: Board of Directors, Catfish Creek Watershed Management Authority Dean Mattoon, Engineering Assistant/ CCWMA Administrator, City of Dubuque