Technical Assistance
OEC provides technical assistance to help local governments adopt sustainable stormwater management practices.
In the Rogue Valley, OEC is providing technical assistance to one
local government interested in using sustainable stormwater management practices. In November 2008 we
selected the City of Rogue River to receive this assistance. Download the RFP the City of Rogue River responded to.
In February 2009 we selected a consultant team, Katalyst Inc. to work with the city, and the final project project report was completed at the end of May. This project will help the City of Rogue River become a model for adopting sustainable stormwater management practices in small communities.
Thank you to the Laird Norton Family Foundation and the Carpenter Foundation for making this work possible.
The report identified nine potential low-impact development projects for the city, including demonstration projects, retrofits, and sites where new development is planned. The consultants also reviewed the city's codes, standards, and ordinances to identify stumbling blocks for implementing sustainable stormwater practices and recommend improvements.
Read the feasibility assessment here.
The consultants recommended that the City consider adopting the Rogue Valley Stormwater Quality Design Manual for Jackson County, Ashland, Central Point, Medford, Phoenix and Talent. A second recommendation is to adopt a streamlined design and review tool for smaller developments, making it easier for developers to size and select stormwater LID practices. The City of Gresham has one that is easy to use. Other suggestions included changes to tree, pervious pavement, and street sizing standards.
The City of Rogue River, home to about 2,000 people, is located along I-5, between Grants Pass and Medford. The city is nestled on the banks of the Rogue River, at the intersection of two important tributaries, Evans Creek and Wards Creek, which provide good habitat for fish and wildlife. The city is also located at the intersection of commerce, recreation, and streamside community growth. Implementing the recommendations made in this report will help the city meet TMDL requirements for protecting water quality in the Rogue River, and we hope it will be a useful model for other communities in the region.
