Why is RVS Involved with Stormwater Quality?

Under the Federal Clean Water Act local municipalities are responsible for the quality of the water discharged from their storm drains.  In order to protect and improve the quality of the water in wells, creeks and rivers, the federal and state governments have established a more stringent stormwater program called the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Phase II Permit (also known as Phase II Permit).

Over the last several years Jackson County and area cities have cooperated in a study to determine the best and most efficient way to improve stormwater quality to address the new Federal requirements known as NPDES Phase II Permit.  This group determined that to develop a regional stormwater program would be the most cost effective way to deal with government mandated rules on water quality and quantity of stormwater, while the agencies would continue to work together on improving community awareness of the causes of poor stormwater quality.

The committee had plenty of help in making these decisions. This help ranged from input through several public meetings, assistance from the Rogue Valley Council of Governments, and from nationally recognized consultants.  It was agreed that RVS would handle management of the Phase II Permit for the cities of Phoenix, Talent, Central Point and portions of Jackson County, while each separate city would be responsible for the quantity of stormwater.