STORMWATEr TREATMENT REQUIREMENTS FOR DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS
Overland Park has adopted new ordinances requiring development projects to treat stormwater for pollutant removal.
Pollution from human activity, such as grease, oils and fertilizers, can wash off into rivers and streams, harming wildlife and increasing water treatment costs. Changes to the landscape brought on by development increase the rate stormwater flows into rivers and creeks, which can contribute to increased pollutant loads, ecological changes and stream erosion.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has determined that urban runoff is linked to many remaining water quality issues. These requirements are mandated by the EPA and the state of Kansas to comply with the city’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit.
The new requirements will go into effect in March 2008 and will benefit the public by providing cleaner water in our streams.
The changes will have a significant impact on site designs for both private and public development. When fully implemented, features such as wetlands, native grass prairies and swales, rain gardens, and porous pavement in parking lots may become standard features on new subdivisions, office parks and commercial centers.
New Ordinance
The City Council adopted the new stormwater treatment ordinance on Nov. 12, 2007 which will go into effect March 1, 2008. This ordinance includes requirements for new development projects to treat stormwater for pollutants before releasing it into our streams and rivers:
- Executive summary of all ordinance changes (.pdf file) - Revised 08/13/07
- Stormwater treatment ordinance - Chapter 16.210 (.pdf file) - Approved by the council 11/12/07
Related ordinance changes:
In addition to the proposed new ordinance, other adjustments to various existing city codes and regulations were made. Approved ordinance changes that also go into effect March 1, 2008 are:
- Chapter 7.54 - Excavating, Grading and Drainage (.pdf file) - Revised 10/31/07
- Chapter 7.20 - Weeds (.pdf file) - Revised 10/31/07
- Chapter 15.10 - Stormwater Management Program – Standards and Permitting (.pdf file)- Revised 10/31/07
- Title 18 - Unified Development Ordinance (.pdf file) - Revised 10/31/07
Design Standards
The December 2007 Draft MARC BMP Manual is the city's stormwater treatment standards. The following modifications have been made:
- Stormwater Treatment Standards (.pdf file)
- Stormwater Treatment Standards - Attachment A: Stream Corridor Evaluation Worksheet (.pdf file)
The APWA Design Criteria Section 5600 is the city's stormwater conveyance standards. The following modifications have been made:
- Stormwater Conveyance Standards (.pdf file)
Questions about the ordinance and designs standards can be answered by the Engineer of the Day at 913/895-6223 or eod@opkansas.org.
Cost Analysis
During the review and approval process for the ordinance, a cost study was prepared to help evaluate financial impacts of the new ordinances and standards on future development in Overland Park.
This study included research of available local and national data to help determine both construction and maintenance impacts of these new requirements.
Additional Information
For more information on stormwater treatment and green infrastructure, visit the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Key Dates
- March 1, 2008 – All ordinance changes go into effect.