Title
Resolution to Approve an Agreement with the Washtenaw County Water Resources Commissioner to Evaluate and Identify Opportunities for Stormwater Improvements in the Swift Run Creek Drainage District (Total Estimated Cost: $250,000.00)
Memorandum
Attached for your approval is a resolution to enter into an agreement with the Washtenaw County Water Resources Commissioner (WCWRC) to undertake a project to evaluate and identify opportunities for conveyance and stormwater improvements in the Swift Run Creek Drainage District.
Swift Run is relatively small creekshed in the Huron River watershed. It begins in farm fields in Pittsfield Township, flows through the City of Ann Arbor’s landfill, under the US23 and Washtenaw Avenue interchange, and into South Pond before entering the Huron River at Gallup Park.
During significant rain evens, stormwater frequently enters the creek too quickly causing localized flooding. These rain events also carry pollutants from impervious areas to the creek, lowering water quality. Swift Run Creek falls within the area of the Huron River watershed that has a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) requirement for phosphorus and E. coli from stormwater set by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE). In addition, Swift Run Creek has a creek-specific TMDL for biota, which is attributed to unstable flow regimes, reduced bank stability, bank erosion, sedimentation and reduced stream quality due to excessive runoff or washout throughout the highly urbanized watershed.
The original Middle Huron River Watershed Management Plan (WMP) was completed in 1994, updated in 2000, 2008, and 2011. Most recently, the WMP was again updated in 2020. Overall, the WMP identified long-term goals to address large-scale watershed-wide needs, including:
• Reduce flow variability.
• Reduce nonpoint source loading and reduce soil erosion and sedimentation.
• Protect and mitigate loss of natural features for stormwater treatment and wildlife habitat.
• Increase public awareness and involvement in protecting water resources.
• Gain broad implementation of watershed management plan and associated plans.
• Continue monitoring and data collection for water quality, water quantity and biological indicators.
The updated 2020 Watershed Management Plan identified numerous priority activities for the watershed, including:
• Develop and implement green stormwater infrastructure strategy and program.
• Targeted stream channel restoration.
• Implement stormwater management plans.
• Natural areas protection buffer enhancement program.
• Develop and implement flood control strategy.
• Wetlands restoration and protection program.
• Protect priority conservation areas.
Swift Run Creek is an established Chapter 20 County Drain. Therefore, any work to study and evaluate the County drainage system falls under the jurisdiction of the Washtenaw County Water Resources Commissioner. As an established drain, the costs of the project are assessed to the governmental entities within the drainage district area. The total cost of this project is estimated at $250,000.00.
Budget/Fiscal Impact: Funding for this study is available in the approved FY24 Systems Planning Stormwater Operations and Maintenance budget and will be available in the FY25 budget if so approved by Council.
Staff
Prepared by: Jennifer Lawson, Water Quality Manager
Reviewed by: Brian Steglitz, Public Services Area Administrator
Approved by: Milton Dohoney Jr., City Administrator
Body
Whereas, There is a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) for phosphorus and E. coli reduction within the Huron River;
Whereas, Swift Run Creek Drainage District is within the area covered by the phosphorus and E. coli TMDLs;
Whereas, There is a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) for biota within Swift Run Creek;
Whereas, The City desires to enter into an agreement with the Washtenaw County Water Resources Commissioner to evaluate and identify opportunities for conveyance and stormwater improvements in the Swift Run Creek Drain Drainage District to provide, improve and restore stormwater management and water quality protection functions within the Drainage District;
Whereas, That the assessment (approximately $250,000.00) is identified in the FY24-FY25 Systems Planning Stormwater Operations and Maintenance budget;
RESOLVED, The City Council approves the Agreement with the Washtenaw County Water Resources Commissioner to Evaluate and Identify Opportunities for Stormwater Improvements in the Swift Run Creek Drainage District;
RESOLVED, That the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized and directed to execute said agreement after approval as to form by the City Attorney, and approval as to substance by the City Administrator; and
RESOLVED, That the City Administrator be authorized to take the necessary administrative actions to implement this resolution.