Applications of GIS in Storm Water Management

Identify flow of water to and from locations.

Identify different types of pollution sources throughout drainage basin.

Monitoring and compliance by storing lab values and enabling pattern analysis.

Modeling to discern need for improved erosion control and implementation of erosion control projects.

Indicate proximity of endangered species habitats.

Identification of the type of permitting needed based upon proximity to and correlation with specific factors. …And more!

The interdisciplinary nature and density of information to be processed, requires the use of GIS. The entire process, from permitting, inspection, and closure, requires mapped visual representations as well as the analytical ability facilitated by GIS.

Necessitating ComplianceClean Water Act (CWA) – 1972

(Amended from 1948 Federal Water Pollution Control Act)

National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program- 1972

For monitoring and compliance of pollutant discharge US waterways

To enable levels of accountability for discharge into the drainage basin

Fostering healthier waterways and ecosystems

Using GIS for different aspects of storm water management

Oversight for Compliance: EPA

Permitting Process: the county

Compliance Facilitators: consulting companies

Individuals/developers/special interest organizations

~Utilizing a variety of GIS programs~Some examples used in Denver storm water management:

ArcGIS

USDA Web soil survey

Cogcc GIS online

Google Earth

Storm Water Management Plan (SWMP)

Set of analyses using multiple GIS programs to create maps utilized for the management of storm water.

Types of maps used/created include maps of receiving waters, locations of endangered species, and soil erosion factors.

Site specific best management practices (BMP’s) are outlined (based on the needs assessed from the former analysis including the GIS portion).

Examples of maps used in Colorado SWMPs

Web Soil Survey: Survey Area

Web Soil Survey: Wind Erodibility

Cogcc GIS: Receiving Waters

Cogcc GIS: Endangered Species