clean water
DOES YOUR LAWN NEED A BOOST AFTER THE ICE STORM?
Freezing, thawing, insects, diseases… various things can cause damage to our lawns, often leaving them with bald patches. Beyond the aesthetic aspect, dead patches of grass can bring you many problems during the summer, including an invasion of weeds. If your lawn can use a little CPR to get it back to a healthy state, here are some tips on how to proceed:
1. Raking
First, give the lawn a good raking to remove dead grass and debris left over from the winter. This will break up any matted areas and improve airflow on the surface of the blades. It’s also a good time to use an upright weed tool, or Hori Hori knife to quickly pop out weeds that are germinating.
2. Give your grass a little breathing room
Aerating your yard will also help it recover after an unusual winter season, like this year, when temperatures fluctuate and the ground freezes and thaws multiple times. This will give the turf more space to flourish and prevent the grass from getting overly compacted during the spring and summer. An aerator tool bores small, shallow holes into the ground. The purpose is to break up compacted soil, provide adequate space for grass to grow, and allow the roots exposure to fresh air and nutrients more efficiently.
3. Topdressing
Topdressing consists of adding a thin layer of good quality potting soil on top of the bald patches. Generally, about one centimeter of soil is enough. Depending on your soil type, you can use compost, garden soil or peat moss.
DID YOU KNOW?
Combination products such as weed and feed that include fertilizer and weed killers can be harmful to humans and pets. It’s best to avoid these types of products, use a slow-release fertilizer, and separately spotspray weeds if needed.
STORMWATER CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
The Stormwater Capital Improvement Program is funded by stormwater user fees and system development charges. A six-year CIP is developed every two years and results in a list of projects managed by staff in Public Works Engineering. Staff compile the CIP using input and requests from a variety of sources, including adopted plans, policy documents, neighborhood and advisory groups, and boards and commissions. The following projects are scheduled for construction in 2024:
The Eighth Avenue Streetscape
FLOODPLAIN: KNOW YOUR RISK AND UNDERSTAND THE ODDS
The regulatory floodplain, or Special Flood Hazard Area, is the frequently called the “100-year flood.” This is the area that has a one percent (1/100) chance of being flooded in any given year, not one that happens once every 100 years. According to FEMA, a home within the SFHA is five times more likely to be flooded than experience a home fire, and it has a 26% chance of being flooded during the period of a 30-year mortgage.
Areas within and outside of the SFHA can experience localized flooding because of clogged stormwater culverts or pipes, which could result in damage to your home or business. This is seldom covered under regular insurance policies. Nature also rarely follows specific storm patterns and is capable of producing large, localized stormwater events that are difficult to predict.
Natural Functions of Floodplains
Flooding is a natural function of a floodplain. People have been attracted to the Willamette Valley for many reasons related to the benefits provided by floodplains. Our rivers and floodplains have provided our community with transportation, industry, food and recreation.
Community Resources and Functions
Floodplains enhance the quality of life for those living and visiting our community—a role that can often be undervalued. Parks, bike paths, open spaces, wildlife conservation areas and the aesthetic features they provide are important to many citizens. Assets such as these help make our community more appealing to potential employers, investors, residents, property owners and tourists.
One easy way to protect your property is to take care of the community’s stormwater drainage system. It is illegal to dump anything into a waterway or storm drain. Healthy, functioning creeks and drainage ways carry stormwater away from homes and businesses, reducing the risk of flooding. It is important to keep creeks and pipes free of trash and debris (including yard waste, leaves and soil) that can block the flow of water and cause flooding. To report a spill or possible illegal dumping in a storm drain or drainage area, please call Public Works Maintenance at 541-682-4800.
City Provided Floodplain Services
• Public Works Maintenance staff can take calls and make site visits, if needed, regarding localized flooding and drainage issues on private property to help property owners understand the concern and provide one-on-one information about the issue. PWM staff will provide explanations for the City’s responsibility to verify whether the City’s public stormwater system infrastructure is part of the problem. PWM staff are unable to provide specifics solutions or advice on drainage issues on private property unless they are determined to be caused by the City’s public stormwater system. Contact PWM staff at 541-682-4800.
City of Eugene Wastewater Pump Stations and FEMA Floodplains
• Other SFHA and floodplain information inquiries and requests such as flood determination services are made available to property owners, real estate agents, lenders and insurance agents by Building Permit Services. Determinations include whether a property is within the floodway or floodplain, the flood zone and the base flood elevation for the property (if available). Elevation certificates that have been obtained during the building permit process are also available. Contact Building Permit Services staff at the Permit and Information Center Counter at 99 W. 10th Ave. Hours: Monday through Friday, noon to 4 p.m., publicworksinfo@ci.eugene.or.us, 541-682-8400.
BUSINESSES
This last year, Lane County teamed up with Stormwater Protection Systems to offer discounted storm drain cleaning. This voluntary program for businesses located in Lane County offers cleaning of parking lot drains for a flat fee of $65 per drain.
Currently, the program is offered in the fall and spring each year. Businesses that want to schedule a cleaning can call Stormwater Protection Systems at 541-682-7200. The $65 perdrain fee covers removal of debris from standard parking lots drains, power washing in and around the drain, and disposal. It does not include jetting, repair or oversized storm drains. The service provider may offer a quote for additional services that business owners are free to accept or decline.
Between June and December 2023, 48 businesses in Eugene participated, some with multiple storm drains. In all, 127 storm drains were cleaned.
Street Sweepers Q&A
YOU’VE GOT QUESTIONS, WE HAVE ANSWERS – THE VITAL ROLE OF STREET SWEEPERS
Public Works Maintenance maintains more than 1,300 lane miles including streets, alleys and bike paths. Stormwater Maintenance crews use a fleet of six street sweepers to remove debris from these rights of way.
Crews are busy throughout the year performing routine sweeps and playing a crucial role in leaf collection, recovering sand from the streets after a snow/ ice storm, and responding to vehicle crashes and broken glass or debris in the right of way. This makes the streets safer for motorists and cyclists and helps return clean water back to our local rivers, which is why street sweeping is funded by stormwater user fees.
Street sweeping is a collaborative process: In order for our vehicles to clean the streets, obstacles such as vehicles, trailers and other items must be moved so they don’t block the path of the sweepers.
Here are some common questions we hear about the sweeper program:
Why doesn’t the City have a set sweeping schedule?
Routes are complex, and daily sweeping may be interrupted to respond to special situations such as vehicle accident clean-ups, winter sand recovery and leaf collections. Other factors include debris load sizes, sweeper down time, staffing levels and storm events. We do offer a program called Sweeper Track (see image), which allows residents to look up their address on the City’s website and see their route and if the route is in progress of being swept. Note: Sweeper Track is suspended every year during leaf season (Nov-Jan)
Why is my street being swept when the street appears to be clean and has no litter?
Even when there is little visible debris on the streets, we still sweep to reduce the contaminants that can enter the stormwater system and from there, our local waterways.
I live on a collector street. Must you sweep my street at night?
Arterials, collectors and some streets in residential areas must be swept at night due to the volume of traffic and parking during the day. Our sweeper operators are very conscious that there are homes on or near arterial and collector streets and do everything they can to minimize noise.
Why did the sweeper sweep down the middle of the street?
It’s likely because there were items blocking the sweeper’s path such as parked cars, overhanging tree branches or hedges, trash bins, and asphalt ramps that property owners place in front of their driveways. These prevent sweepers from accessing the curb and can cause damage to the sweepers.
Why does the City schedule street sweeping on the same day as my garbage pick-up day?
Coordinating sweeping activities around garbage and recycling services would be difficult, costly and inefficient. There are multiple refuse haulers within the city limits that provide garbage and recycling services on various days throughout the week.
STORMWATER QUALITY TESTING REVEALS ELEVATED ZINC LEVELS
The City’s stormwater collection system is sampled during the rainy season to measure pollutants in stormwater runoff draining into Amazon Creek and the Willamette River. The Public Works Wastewater laboratory analyzes these stormwater samples, and the lab results are reported to the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality. Winter storm event sampling in December 2023 showed concentrations of zinc more than 10 times the usual range in one residential area of Eugene.
Because the drainage area sampled was residential, the most likely source of zinc in the stormwater runoff is a household moss-killing product containing zinc chloride or zinc sulfate applied to a roof before the rainstorm. Other possible residential sources of zinc could also include galvanized roofing, fencing
materials and synthetic turf.
Many common moss-control products contain ingredients that are toxic to fish and other aquatic organisms. When products that contain zinc, copper and other chemicals mix with rainfall and flow into storm drains, they eventually end up in our local river system.
To tackle moss removal, remove moss from the roof with physical measures first. Brushing with a nylon or wire brush is a good start, but keep in mind that too much force or pressure can damage shingles. A low-pressure spray device may also be used, but sources suggest hiring an experienced professional so that roofing is not damaged in the process. Prune overhanging trees to allow more light and air circulation. Remove organic debris such as leaves and branches regularly to reduce moisture retention, before they break down and become nutrients for moss to grow.
If you must apply a commercial product that slows moss development, look for safer ingredients. Do not apply during the rainy season when the product is likely to run off the roof into waterways and lose its effectiveness. Mosses are dormant in summer, making warmer months the ideal time of year to protect your roof from this fuzzy pest. For more information on how to safely and effectively remove moss, go to happyrivers.org and download the “Tackling Moss” handout.
STUDY OF SMALL ORGANISMS SHOWS CAUSE FOR CONCERN IN URBAN STREAMS
In September 2023, the City of Eugene performed biological monitoring of macroinvertebrate community conditions within the Amazon Creek and Willamette River basins. Study methods developed by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality were used to assess the macroinvertebrate data. These methods, which help identify changes in the composition of these populations, suggest that either fine sediments from particulate runoff or thermal pollution is causing deterioration in the biological conditions of the water systems.
High levels of fine sediment can harm aquatic habitats by filling the gaps between larger stream base layers such as gravel and cobbles, making the habitat less suitable for many species. Fine sediment can also stick to the gills of organisms, affecting their ability to breathe. In addition, increased temperatures during summer months (thermal pollution) can reduce the presence of species that need cooler water conditions. Temperature is a crucial factor in determining the diversity, distribution and abundance of aquatic macroinvertebrates.
The results of the study show degraded macroinvertebrate populations in our urban areas. To help improve water quality, it is important to prevent fine sediment from entering waterways. Sediment from landscaping and construction projects can easily enter storm drains and make their way to the river. Maintaining streamside trees and vegetation is also an important measure to help shade and cool our waterways.
• The Amazon Creek Restoration Project involves removing the 65-year-old concrete channel of Amazon Creek that runs through Amazon Park from East 24th Avenue to East 20th Avenue. The bank of the creek will be sloped and replanted with native species, and a footbridge will be reconstructed south of 20th Avenue. The City was recently awarded a $2.7 million Federal Emergency Management Agency Hazard Mitigation Assistance grant to return portions of the Amazon Creek to a natural stream, providing resilience to the channel for decades to come. The full cost of the project is estimated at $3.6 million; the FEMA grant will cover 75%, and according to the grant, the remaining 25% must come from local sources, which include the stormwater utility fund, stormwater system development charges, and the 2018 Parks and Recreation Bond.
• Projects in the design phase include the Fifth Avenue and Seneca Water Quality Improvement Project, the Ayres Pond Culvert Lining Project, the East Santa Clara Waterway Improvements Project, the Emerald Street 22nd to 24th Avenue Stormwater Improvement Project, the Mill Street Water Quality Improvement Project, the Park Forest Drive Stormwater Improvement Project, and the Under Bridge Safety Modifications Project.
DO YOU HAVE A CLEAN WATER HOUND?
Thanks to all of our canine friends and their families who have signed up to support the Canines for Clean Water campaign. They are protecting water quality by scooping poop to keep bacteria and excess nitrogen out of local waterways. If you and your dog are doing the same, visit our web site and sign up for a free bandana at: eugene-or.gov/cleancanines
4. Overseeding
Spread new grass seed generously over the freshly applied soil. Use your rake to make sure you lightly cover the seed with the soil. This will prevent them from blowing away at the first gust of wind. Raking in a little compost instead of a slow-release fertilizer has the added benefit of helping seeds germinate, helping seeds stay moist, and adds beneficial microbes to the soil to create healthy root systems.
5. Watering
It is essential that your grass seed receives an adequate supply of water each day. Generally, it is recommended to water twice a day, morning and evening, for two to three weeks. Make sure the soil stays moist during the seed germination period.
6. Fertilizing
The final step in repairing damaged lawn patches is fertilization! Timing is important. The soil should be consistently around 50 degrees so that the grass can take up the fertilizer. Select a slow-release fertilizer without N-P-K or with a 3-0-1 ratio. In most cases, soil doesn’t need added phosphorus.
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EROSION WITH CONSTRUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT
Construction and development can involve a lot of soil disturbance, both intentional and unintentional. This can lead to erosion and sediment escaping a job site. Stormwater runoff from work sites can be harmful to the environment, degrading soil quality, causing water pollution, and affecting both plants and animals. Offsite impacts can severely affect aquatic ecosystems. Proper erosion control methods are an important part of all construction projects and are critical for maintaining water quality by protecting nearby streams and the fish and wildlife that inhabit them.
The City of Eugene’s Erosion Prevention Program works with contractors, developers and residents to identify best management practices for preventing soil erosion for construction sites and assistance with erosion permitting construction sites of various sizes. The following are primary recommended BMPs for both general work and construction sites:
1. Install and maintain erosion and sediment controls.
2. Preserve vegetation and cover soils.
3. Control runoff during construction.
4. Keep work areas and properties clean. For detailed information about these best practices, visit: www.eugene-or.gov/474/Erosion-Prevention
EROSION PREVENTION IN LANE COUNTY
Lane County is in the process of adopting new erosion prevention and materials management requirements for construction sites. The new regulations are required by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality and the county’s federal Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System Phase II General Permit. New code language will be adopted spring 2024 and will apply to sites located within the county outside of the urban growth boundaries of Eugene and Springfield. If you are planning a project in the county that will be within three miles of the Eugene or Springfield UGB, please contact county staff at 541682-7660 to determine if the new erosion prevention requirements apply to your project. More information and a map of the general permit area are available online at www.lanecountyor.gov/erosionprevention.
ICE STORM RESPONSE
On Saturday, Jan. 13, our area was hit by a snow and ice storm, which was made worse a few days later when several inches of frozen rain coated streets and trees in heavy ice. Roads were unsafe to drive, and tree damage made being outdoors treacherous in many parts of the city. Thanks to lots of experience and planning, City of Eugene Public Works teams were able to spring into action to aid the recovery. Public Works Maintenance crews were out on streets early, plowing snow, slush and ice as well as spreading de-icer. Eugene uses liquid magnesium chloride as an anti/de-icer from many reasons, the most important of which is that it is less damaging to the environment and roadway than the rock salt that’s used in other parts of the state and country.
City crews used many tons of “sand”—actually small gravel—during the storm response as well, as the ice on priority roads grew too thick to be effectively treated with de-icer. After the snow and ice had melted, teams went back and recovered as much sand as possible to prevent it clogging and polluting the stormwater system and, ultimately, the local waterways. Because the recovered sand was mixed with road pollution and magnesium chloride, it could not be used again.
The second wave of the ice storm took a significant toll on area trees. Parks, trails and many shared-use paths were closed for about a week due to dangers presented by precariously hanging branches and downed trees. Approximately 1,500 City trees were either destroyed or damaged in the storm; not only does that level of destruction take a long time to clean up, it also means the City’s tree canopy took a hit. The canopy is particularly important to stormwater health; tree branches, leaves, roots and soil remove toxins from the air and from rainwater runoff before it can get to creeks and rivers. Trees also help control flooding, as one large tree can hold up to 100 gallons of water per day and release it as purified air. Over a stretch of a year, that same tree could retain 1,000 gallons of stormwater.
In addition to cleaning tree debris after the storm, Eugene’s Urban Forestry team is investigating the details of the tree damage and planning replacement for those that were a complete loss. They will continue to be strategic in selecting trees that best meet the needs of our urban environment.
The City’s recovery after the storm would not have been nearly as successful without the thorough planning and dedicated work from Public Works teams. As always, this storm is a learning opportunity for the entire department as it refines its processes to address new lessons.
SKINNER BUTTE PARKING LOT
There’s a new rain garden in the Skinner Butte Park parking lot next to RiverPlay playground. Next time you’re there with your children to play, stop and check it out. It features an interactive, playful educational sign that engages kids in the urban water cycle and offers some of the reasons why clean water matters to people and wildlife alike. Hard surfaces, such as streets and parking lots, collect all kinds of pollutants. In heavy rain, that all gets swept right into the nearest waterway. The City of Eugene builds rain gardens, that act like nature’s filter. They do important work to capture and clean that water first, which is very important in this riverfront location.
You’ll find a few interesting facts for your children to learn about. For example, did you know that the Willamette River runs north, unlike most waterways? Or that several communities downstream get their drinking water directly from the Willamette? They’ll also be challenged to spot the beneficial plants in the rain garden–chosen for their magical abilities to filter out toxins–and discover things they can do to become a clean water hero.
Clean Water Connections is published by the City of Eugene Public Works Department to enhance awareness of stormwater and related surface water management issues.
Senior Editor: Kathy Eva
Thanks to our contributing writers: Marion Barnes, Carrie Peterson, Davena Amick-Elder, Mauria Pappagallo, Angie Marzano, Melanie Ryan, Jake Savelich, Jack Blackham, Rachael Vaicunas and Kathy Eva
For more information about stormwater in general, write or call KEva@eugene-or.gov 541-682-2739
Lily’s Pad
an educ
Lily the Frog is the mascot for Eugene's stormwater program. Her job is to remind people that we all live downstream, and it is important to keep water clean!
for le a r ners of all ages!
Step One - Connect the Dots! Start at number 1 and follow the path to finish the drawing.
Step Two - Color the Picture!
Use the letters to help you find the colors to use, or color it however you want!
P=Pink
B=Black
G=Green
R=Red
Y=Yellow