Stormwater
OEC is working to reduce urban runoff by preventing pollution and promoting sustainable stormwater management practices.
Once rain falls onto the hard surfaces of streets, sidewalks, parking lots and rooftops, it picks up any and all pollutants that are in its path, gathering volume and speed until it enters a stormdrain and is piped underground or directly into a stream. It substantially alters the natural hydrology of watersheds and causes water pollution. Stormwater runoff hinders the ability of rivers and streams to support aquatic life and it contributes to bacteria-laden waters unsafe for swimming, fish so contaminated with toxins that they are unsafe to eat, and property damage caused by widening stream channels and increased flooding. OEC's work to reduce urban runoff includes:
Stormwater Solutions Workshops
We partnered with OSU Extension / Oregon Sea Grant to organize a series of "Stormwater Solutions Workshops" about more sustainable stormwater management practices, commonly known as "Low Impact Development." We've held workshops in the Rogue Valley, Willamette Valley, Central Oregon and the Coast.
Low Impact Development Resources
Check out or collection of some of the most helpful LID resources for Oregon developers, designers and local governments. We also have a growing collection of case studies on Oregon LID projects.
Low Impact Development Powerpoint
Several members of our local advisory committees requested a presentation that they could use to talk to their city councils or other groups about LID. Download the presentation. It may take a few minutes to download this file.
Oregon Stormwater Listserv
To receive updates about OEC's stormwater work, plus announcements about other educational opportunities and regulatory issues relating to stormwater in Oregon, join the Oregon Stormwater group.
Do It Yourself
Learn more about how you can reduce stormwater runoff from your home or office by installing a rain barrel or rain garden. Check out the new Oregon Rain Garden Guide.
Stormwater Solutions Report
In 2007, OEC convened a statewide task force and produced a report called "Stormwater Solutions: Turning Oregon's Rain Back into a Resource." The report describes how stormwater impacts Oregon's streams and rivers and includes a set of recommendations for reducing those impacts.
