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, , :11 I ,I I I I I, I I I I I I I, I - I I I ~I Summary Most of the physical, social and economic problems associated with stormwater are attributable to unwise land use, insufficient attention to land drainage in urban planning, and ineffective updating of existing stormwater control systems. Better control over zoning, land use and land development are viewed as the key elements in a stormwater management program. In recent years, officials, profes- sional staffs and land developers have become aware of stormwater related problems and their potential consequences. However, many officials have not elevated, suffi- ciently, the priority of providing solutions to stormwater problems. Many public bodies are investigating the problems and the solutions, but few have made major accomplishments. On a national scale, flood control is the highest priority need in stormwater management, followed by the need to control stormwater pollution. Reducing soil erosion, as a means of reducing soil loss and solids suspended in natural water bodies, is another high priority. In providing solutions, it is generally neces- sary to interact with stormwater problems under five different and distinct situ- ations: (1) new land development, (2) improving land drainage in developed areas, (3) regulating floodplains, (4) correcting the existing problems in floodplains, and (5) preventing and corr~cting soil erosion, sedimentation and water pollution problems. The most pressing institutional problems of public agencies in stormwater management is the lack of areawide policy, criteria, laws and guidelines for devel- opment of stormwater programs and facilities. Other priority problems are: lack of needed information and physical data base, unmet financing needs, apathy of public officieals (in some places), and lack of qualified staff personnel. All of these were discussed briefly in this chapter, and in more detail in other chapters. Insi~hts of the Author Approaches to Stormwater Mana~ement. Local governments have a vantage point for gaining a deep-rooted understanding and appreciation of local stormwater- related problems. They also have authority and responsibility to regulate and con- trol land use and development. Therefore, local government is the focal point for urban stormwater management. Special district agencies--such as "drainage and flood control districts" and "metropolitan sanitary districts" play important roles in planning, financing, regulating, and coordinating programs and projects. Such districts are important in large metropolitan areas where planning, financing and implementation of areawide programs is needed to enhance and supplement the capa- bilities and activities of local governments. Approaches to stormwater management range from "single-purpose/single-proj ect" to "multiple-purpose/areawide". Some large cities and urban counties have estab- lished goals, policies and programs for entire watersheds--a commendable approach. In large and expanding metropolitan areas, a "regional" approach is needed to make major inroads on stormwater problems. This can be accomplished by a special public agency organized for management of stormwaters. Regional review and guidance should be provided in multi-jurisdictional areas. This should include regional stormwater regulations, generally using the same de- sign criteria in all jurisdictions. These regulations should be realistic and flexible. Also, a regional inspection staff would be a great help in many areas. Proper field inspection is a problem in many areas. This would make it possible 21