2022-23 SWG Work Plan

SWG is operating under a two-year work plan that is updated each year. SWG discusses updates at meetings each fall and approves its work plan at the first meeting of each calendar year. Here is the most current work plan.

2022-2023 Work Plan

Purpose

This document provides context and direction to guide the Stormwater Work Group (SWG) in its near-term roles in: overseeing Stormwater Action Monitoring (SAM, the regional stormwater monitoring program), implementing additional priorities in the comprehensive Stormwater Assessment and Monitoring Program for Puget Sound (SWAMPPS; 2010 Strategy), and engaging in stormwater-related ecosystem recovery discussions and planning efforts.

The work plan lays out overarching areas of focus and specific tasks that need to be completed, including the expected timelines and the roles and responsibilities of various parties. The work plan also calls out specific areas where our work addresses broader strategic Puget Sound Ecosystem Monitoring Program (PSEMP) priorities. This document is a starting point, and a living document.


Background

In 2010, the SWG recommended a strategic scientific framework, priorities, and specific steps to implement. The 2010 Strategy is focused on enabling us to know whether or not our management actions are successfully reducing harm caused to Puget Sound by stormwater from developed and developing lands. In 2012 the Washington Dept. of Ecology (Ecology) issued municipal stormwater NPDES permits requiring collective implementation of SAM – a prioritized subset of the 2010 Strategy that launched in 2014 and expanded the effectiveness studies to all permittees throughout western Washington. By mid-2019 SAM had successfully launched more than two dozen studies (including urban stream monitoring in in the Lower Columbia) and completed over half of them. In 2020, SAM identified eight new studies to begin in 2021-22.

 

Objectives and Key Accomplishments Expected in 2022-2023

The SWG’s current areas of focus are on implementation and communication:

Implementation: Continue to implement the 2010 Strategy, our October 2010 Recommendations for Municipal Stormwater Permit Monitoring, and subsequent formal recommendations submitted to Ecology, Puget Sound Partnership (PSP), and others. Continue to oversee SAM.

Communication: Communicate and coordinate with policy makers, monitoring groups and other interested parties in Puget Sound.

 

Work Plan Tasks

Implementation tasks:

Task 1:    Support, manage, staff, and lead implementation of SWAMPPS.

Task 2:    Oversee Ecology’s administration of the SAM pooled resources account and implementation of current SAM projects/studies.

Task 3:    Oversee SAM status and trends monitoring and assessment in small streams and marine nearshore areas.

Task 4: Prepare for Round 4 selection process for SAM effectiveness studies and source identification projects.

Task 5: Make recommendations about stormwater management of 6PPD and 6PPD-quinone and priorities for further study.

Task 6: Develop final recommendations for regional monitoring related to runoff from agricultural lands.

Task 7:    Discuss, set priorities, and develop implementation plans for additional SWAMPPS activities and identify areas for updates to the 2010 Strategy.

Communication tasks:

Task 8:    Discuss 2024 MS4 permit reissuance topics and deliver recommendations to Ecology.

Task 9:    Communicate with stormwater managers, policy makers, and other interested parties.

Task 10:  Participate in PSEMP; communicate and coordinate with other regional monitoring groups.

            

Advisory Subgroups and Committees

As of the date of this work plan adoption the SWG is coordinating with numerous groups that are advising and supporting our recommendations for SAM and SWAMPPS. Since 2008 we have formed and provided direction to numerous SWG subgroups; established a formal committee to oversee the pooled resources funding account; and have members and staff participating in other PSEMP work groups as needed to coordinate SWAMPPS implementation. Some previous subgroups have disbanded or are now included in other PSEMP work groups. During this work plan we will interact with the groups listed below. The work plan tasks articulate what we expect to ask from them in the coming year or two.

Active SWG subgroups with open membership and participation:

 

Committees with formally assigned stakeholder representation:

 

Other PSEMP work groups officially commissioned by the Steering Committee and closely related to or interested in various aspects of our work:

 

Other committees with expertise whose advice we need to make decisions:

 

Proposed Meeting Dates

The SWG will meet in person four times per year and may hold additional meetings depending upon the issues we need to discuss. All meetings are Wednesdays, from 9-noon.

SWG subgroups, PRO-Committee, and other PSEMP work groups will set meeting dates as needed by their chairs and assigned staff.


IMPLEMENTATION TASKS

 

Task 1:  Support, manage, staff, and lead implementation of SWAMPPS

Aligns with PSEMP Strategic Objective 1: Increase collaboration

Since 2008 a broad, diverse membership has engaged regional stakeholders in the process of developing a regional stormwater assessment and monitoring program. SWG will continue to include their perspectives in implementing SWAMPPS and demonstrate its success as a functional, meaningful, and cost-effective regional program. Ecology has assigned staff to support the work group and hired a SAM Coordinator and a SAM Scientist. Participating entities provide additional support, expertise, and services.

Each year we discuss work plan updates in the fall and officially adopt changes at our first meeting of the calendar year. We continue to evaluate our progress and adapt the work plans as needed. A chair and vice chair for two year terms will be nominated at the first meeting and selected in the second meeting of odd-numbered years. The chair executes the duties described in the SWG’s bylaws.

To implement this work plan, and the full set of the SWG’s October 2010 recommendations to implement SWAMPPS, SWG staff and members pursue opportunities for additional funding and resources. We will continue to develop, improve, and expand our regional stormwater monitoring strategy and gather support by improving coordination and effectiveness of current monitoring efforts, and setting priority topic areas for additional work group effort or incremental improvements.

Advisory Subgroup:    Chairs and staff of all SWG advisory subgroups; and SWG caucus leads

SWG, SAM, and PSEMP staff coordinate and assist as needed

 

Timeline and Deliverables:   

Ongoing                      Pursue funding/leveraging opportunities as they become known/available  

                        Solicit participation in SWG and our subgroups

                        Hold regular meetings of our caucuses

                        Confirm all members of PRO-C and their alternates

      February 2022 Adopt 2022-2023 Work Plan

      Fall 2022         Discuss annual updates to our two-year work plan in September and November

February 2023 Nominate SWG Chair and Vice Chair

                        Adopt 2023-2024 Work Plan

May 2023        Select SWG Chair and Vice Chair; two year term begins


Task 2: Oversee Ecology’s administration of the SAM pooled resources accounts and implementation of current SAM projects/studies

Aligns with PSEMP Strategic Objective 1: Increase collaboration

The annual SAM budget is about $2.3M. The SWG has a formally established role in overseeing Ecology’s service as the administrative and project management entity for pooling NPDES municipal stormwater permittees’ funds and entering into contracts to conduct SWG-approved SAM projects and studies. The Pooled Resources Oversight Committee (PRO-C) was established in 2014. The SWG confirms all seven acting members of the PRO-C, and their alternates. At PRO-C meetings, Ecology’s SAM Coordinator provides updates on overall SAM account status and projections as well as current SAM projects. The SAM Coordinator brings up any concerns about any individual projects’ schedules, budgets, or ability to perform the work. The PRO-C chair and SAM Coordinator report on SAM implementation and any budget or contracting issues at every SWG meeting.

The SAM staff manage 10-15 contracts at any given time. The PRO-C provides the SAM Coordinator with advice and consent for Ecology’s contracting decisions to conduct SAM activities. The PRO-C also provides input as needed in reviewing and approving SAM deliverables. The SWG and PRO-C discuss any issues or concerns about current SAM activities and direct the SAM Coordinator, technical advisory committees, liaisons, and/or our technical subgroups to provide additional direction and make changes as needed. The PRO-C seeks additional recommendations from the SWG as necessary or helpful to support contracting decisions and SAM implementation. Technical liaisons or advisory committees, and in some cases SWG technical subgroups, assist with reviewing all major SAM project deliverables.

In addition to the quarterly reports detailing cash flow and contracting actions, the SAM Coordinator writes an annual report to the PRO-C and sends it to the permittees with their invoices each May.

In September 2016 and June 2019 the PRO-C provided Ecology, the SWG, and permittees with feedback in a “report card” fashion. The report cards provided the PRO-C’s overall assessment of Ecology’s approach serving as the SAM administrative entity, implementing the SAM, and following SWG recommendations; it also includes Ecology feedback to the PRO-C on its oversight role. This evaluation will continue to occur twice during each permit cycle, in the middle and toward the end, following the format of the first evaluation and focusing on whether or what specific improvements are needed. The next report card is due to the SWG in 2022. As these conversations convene, PRO-C will also bring up ideas for how to include/address JEDI in SAM administration and oversight.

 

Advisory Subgroup:          PRO-Committee

Timeline and Deliverables:

    At SWG meetings:    Updates on active SAM projects and studies and overall budget

    Ongoing:                  Ecology budget and progress reports to PRO-Committee

PRO-C reports to SWG at work group meetings

                                        PRO-C advice on contracting decisions: scope, schedule, budget

Each year:

             Months 2,5,10,11 SAM quarterly reports for previous quarter

             May                   SAM Annual Report for previous calendar year (delivered to permittees with annual SAM invoice)

       Early 2022:               Begin evaluation of SAM administration and oversight

       May 2022:                Present progress on report card to SWG

       September 2022:       Discuss ideas for JEDI in SAM administration and oversight

Deliver final report card to SWG, permittees, and Ecology

   

Task 3:  Oversee SAM status and trends monitoring and assessment in small streams and marine nearshore areas

Aligns with PSEMP Strategic Objectives 1: Increase collaboration and 2: Support adaptive management

In September 2018 over 75 people came to the SAM Receiving Waters Symposium to hear findings from the studies conducted in Puget Sound in2015-2016. The SAM Status and Trends Scientists discussed lessons learned, sought expert advice, and decided on the necessary adjustments to the study design needed to answer our status and trends questions and to improve our power to detect trends and identify risk factors. These adjustments were confirmed at the SAM Priorities Workshop and approved by the SWG in June 2019.

The PRO-C is providing an oversight role for the SAM status and trends monitoring of urban streams in the Lower Columbia funded by permittees in Clark and Cowlitz Counties. The SWG will hear findings and updates on implementation of SAM receiving water studies at its regularly scheduled meetings.

In 2022 the SAM Scientist will reconvene the Receiving Waters Status and Trends Subgroup to discuss ongoing adaptations and clarifications to SAM’s study design, make plans for trends analyses, and tee up recommendations for future nearshore sediment monitoring. The subgroup will review budget estimates and identify the necessary Puget Sound S&T permit funding level to include in SWG recommendations for 2024 MS4 permit reissuance (Task 8).

Advisory Subgroups:     Receiving Waters Status and Trends (S&T)

PSEMP Freshwater, Toxics, Salmonid, and Marine Waters Work Groups

Lower Columbia stakeholders organized by PNAMP (USGS)

Timeline and Deliverables:   

2022-2023         S&T Subgroup discussions on small streams, mussels, sediment; and coordination with other PSEMP WGs as appropriate

Fall 2022           Subgroup recommend SAM Puget Sound status and trends monitoring budget for 2024 MS4 permit term; SWG discuss preliminary recommendation at November meeting

February 2023   Subgroup report-out to SWG; recommend decisions on changes if needed; SWG deliver budget recommendation to Ecology

As needed:        USGS presents update on SAM small stream monitoring implementation

                                WDFW presents findings of SAM mussel contaminant monitoring

                                Clark County presents findings of Lower Columbia urban streams monitoring

                                SAM scientists and/or other PSEMP WG meet to discuss ongoing adaptations and clarifications to SAM’s study designs

 

Task 4:  Prepare for Round 4 selection process for SAM effectiveness studies and source identification projects

Aligns with PSEMP Strategic Objectives 1: Increase collaboration and 2: Support adaptive management

In 2020 SWG completed a study selection process after finalizing a set of new, specific study questions in 2019. A fourth round of requests for SAM study proposals is expected in 2023. The process will continue to build on the experiences and feedback from the earlier processes. In 2022 our subgroups and SAM staff will review the 2019 list of questions, recommendations from the SWG 6PPD subgroup, and any recommendations for workgroups from the PSEMP Steering Committee’s JEDI subcommittee. The Effectiveness Subgroup will reach out to past members of our Public Roads and Highways Subgroup (via WSDOT staff) in this process. These groups will recommend changes to SWG and propose timing for the Round 4 study selection process. The subgroup will review and consider lessons learned from PRO-C on budget estimates, actual study costs, and SAM staffing levels and identify the appropriate permit funding level for Effectiveness Studies and Source Identification Projects to include in SWG recommendations for 2024 MS4 permit reissuance (Task 8).

The SWG will hear study findings from SAM projects at or nearing completion and stormwater studies funded by others. These presentations will be at regularly scheduled SWG meetings to the greatest possible extent, but some may be offered at other groups’ meetings or via webinar.

Advisory Subgroups:    SAM Study Selection Subgroup (S4): Depending on topics recommended for solicitation, some combination of SWG Effectiveness and Source Identification Subgroups, STORM Steering Committee; and SAM staff

Timeline and Deliverables:

May 2022            Discuss what is needed to successfully reconvene Subgroup to plan SAM Round 4 solicitation at SWG’s regular meeting, and topics of interest beyond recommendations from 6PPD Subgroup (Task 5)

Summer 2022       Reconvene Subgroup to recommend topics, and plan SAM Round 4 solicitation including ways to include JEDI principles in the process and topics

September 2022    SWG discusses recommended list of topics for SAM Round 4

November 2022    SWG finalizes list of topics and process for SAM Round 4

Early 2023           SAM Round 4 solicitation process begins

May 2023             SWG discusses LOIs

September 2023    SWG discusses Full Proposals

November 2023    SWG selects projects for funding and recommends timing of contracting

TBD                    Conduct national peer review of our portfolio

Ongoing/as needed   SWG hears findings of completed SAM studies

SWG discusses subgroup work and progress toward specific questions

Subgroups connect SAM studies to broader work in related areas

 

Task 5: Make recommendations about stormwater management of 6PPD-quinone and priorities for further study

Aligns with PSEMP Strategic Objectives 1: Increase collaboration and 2: Support adaptive management

At the end of 2020, a paper in Science confirmed that the specific chemical in stormwater that is causing pre-spawn mortality in Coho in urban streams is 6PPD-quinone, a transformation product of the tire preservative chemical 6PPD. This paper was the result of two decades of investigative science including research that showed bioretention prevents the acute toxicity when using the standard 60:40 mix per Ecology’s Stormwater Management Manual.

The region needs to continue to have discussions about Coho pre-spawn mortality, impacts of this chemical on other biota, and what is known about the stormwater management needs and options to address tire wear particles and 6PPD-quinone. In early 2021 SWG began sponsoring/engaging in a series of discussions about strategic approaches and research needs, including:

In 2021 the subgroup discussed what is known about chemistry and treatment options for 6PPD-q; considerations for prioritizing efforts to address the chemical, and the context of this problem in broader salmon recovery efforts. In 2022 the subgroup will discuss stormwater source control, and the context of water quality standards and the MS4 permit framework for addressing this topic before compiling a list of key ideas and recommendations for BPJ for stormwater management and priorities for future study to improve our understanding of what approaches are most effective and how much is needed to successfully prevent pre-spawn mortality.

Advisory Subgroup:  SWG 6PPD Subgroup

 

Timeline and Deliverables:   

Early 2022                   Continue discussions of strategic stormwater management approaches and research needs related to 6PPD and 6PPD-quinone.

April 2022       Summarize what we’ve learned and make recommendations

May 2022        SWG discuss priorities for future study and permit implementation

Ongoing          Continue to hear about new studies and also about other lines of inquiry about this new chemical, including finding a suitable alternative tire anti-oxidant/anti-ozonant, developing approved laboratory methods, what are sub-lethal effects and impacts to other biota besides Coho, and where are the priority areas to focus stormwater improvements. Utilize email list to share information.

 

Task 6:  Develop final recommendations for regional monitoring related to runoff from agricultural lands

Aligns with PSEMP Strategic Objectives 1: Increase collaboration and 2: Support adaptive management

Stormwater runoff from agricultural lands is partly addressed by the prior recommendations of the work group, but new recommendations are needed to address agricultural runoff issues in a broader, more comprehensive way. The SWG commissioned a subgroup in early 2011 to propose expanding the 2010 Strategy and building upon the Recommendations for Municipal Stormwater Permit Monitoring and other efforts to address agricultural issues. This subgroup is supported by Washington State Conservation Commission staff. The subgroup assembled several interim packages of recommendations which the SWG discussed and approved in 2011-2014. The next step was to piece them together into a final implementation and funding plan.

A first draft plan was shared with the SWG at the end of 2016. The SWG was concerned that the plan centered on current effectiveness monitoring programs that rely on confidentiality and may not collect data at a large enough scale to be aggregated, presented, and shared collectively. The SWG prefers that the final strategy provide a regional roll-up addressing the monitoring priorities previously established, and be informed by the findings of the 2015 SAM Puget Lowland stream monitoring and the WSDA-funded analysis of 100 pesticides at 80 SAM sites as well as other local and state monitoring programs and data.

The subgroup was inactive from 2017-2021 due to a staffing shortage but is expected to reconvene after the Covid pandemic has passed, with a new WSCC staff lead and assistance from WSDA. The subgroup will begin by considering the feedback given by the SWG, findings from the 2015 SAM small streams and WSDA pesticide sampling, and new Puget Sound regional initiatives and strategies to reduce nutrients in marine waters and toxics in fish. The subgroup will then work to finalize an implementation plan that includes collective recommendations for monitoring agricultural runoff. SWG will continue to seek funding for a public workshop to get broad stakeholder input and buy-in prior to finalization of the strategy.

Advisory Subgroup:  Agricultural Runoff

Timeline and Deliverables:               

      TBD                Reconvene subgroup, discuss feedback from SWG and scientific findings from

                        SAM/WSDA studies in 2015, and propose next steps

TBD                Recommended scientific framework, implementation plan, and funding approach

                        submitted to PSP, WSCC, WSDA, and Ecology


Task 7:  Discuss, set priorities, and develop implementation plans for additional SWAMPPS activities and identify areas for updates to the 2010 Strategy

Aligns with PSEMP Strategic Objectives 1: Increase collaboration and 2: Support adaptive management

The 2010 Strategy described a comprehensive regional framework and set priorities for early implementation.  The October 2010 Recommendations for Municipal Stormwater Permit Monitoring further narrowed down monitoring activities to implement in Puget Sound. In the scientific framework and in our communications to others, we have emphasized the need to expand this framework and priorities to other water bodies (i.e., lakes, groundwater, wetlands, open marine, rivers), land uses (i.e., agricultural, forested), permit types (i.e., WSDOT, industrial, construction), combined sewers, and geographic areas in Puget Sound. We have been asked if we might address climate change.

Advisory Subgroup: TBD in fall 2022

Timeline and Deliverables:

Spring 2022   Document our progress to date in implementing the 2010 key recommendations. Discuss at May SWG meeting.

Fall 2022   Discuss path forward, areas of focus, and adjustments/updates needed.

2023          Plan out and convene discussions of possible adjustments to SWAMPPS priorities, SWAMPPS expansion, and an overall 2010 Strategy update.

 

COMMUNICATION TASKS

 

Task 8:    Discuss 2024 MS4 permit reissuance topics and deliver recommendations to Ecology

Aligns with PSEMP Strategic Objective 2: Support adaptive management

The Municipal Separate Stormwater System (MS4) permits that cover local jurisdictions are reissued on a 5-year cycle. During this SWG work plan period, not only are “ad hoc” and SSC policy discussions underway, but Ecology is developing a Puget Sound Nutrient Reduction Plan as a TMDL alternative to address DO problems. While focused on wastewater treatment plants and agricultural runoff, the plan also seeks to reduce nutrient runoff (primarily nitrogen) from urban and urbanizing areas. SWG will review sections of this plan that address stormwater runoff management approaches.

SWG will discuss MS4 permit implications of:

SWG may also make recommendations to Ecology, Puget Sound Partnership, or US EPA about any other topics related to monitoring and adaptive management of stormwater.

Advisory Subgroup:  6PPD, SAM S&T Scientists, SAM Study Selection

Timeline and Deliverables:               

      May 2022        First discussion of 6PPD subgroup findings and implications for MS4 reissuance

                       First briefing on SSC policy discussions

September 2022   Briefing on outcome of SSC policy discussions

November 2022           First briefing on SAM Scientists discussions and S&T budget

                        Recommendations for SAM effectiveness study/Source ID solicitation &budget

February 2023  Recommendations for total SAM budgets for S&T and Effectiveness/Source ID

TBD in 2023-24   Discuss stormwater actions in draft PS Nutrient Reduction Plan

                       Discuss and comment on selected conditions in formal draft MS4 permits

 

Task 9: Communicate with stormwater managers, policy makers and other interested parties

Aligns with PSEMP Strategic Objective 3: Improve communication

In 2017 the Association of Washington Cities (AWC) helped SWG develop a new communication strategy to explain SAM and share the findings of SAM projects/studies. That strategy builds on our previous means of communication with a new logo, newsletters, a fact sheet series, and PowerPoint templates for SAM study authors to use in presenting their work. Based on lessons learned during the first year of implementation, the SAM communication strategy was updated in 2018 and was further informed by the fall 2019 survey of stormwater managers about their communication needs.

The SWG developed a communication plan for the 2010 Strategy and 2010 Recommendations for Municipal Stormwater Permit Monitoring. We use caucuses and workshops to gather input on our key decisions, and the reasons behind them. We have not yet discussed ways to make our communications more just, equitable, diverse and inclusive but will do so in this work plan and moving forward.

Broad external communication is via four self-managed email distribution lists (interested parties sign themselves up at the GovDelivery Subscriber Preferences Page) for different audiences and levels of involvement:

It is time to update the SWG’s communication strategy. We plan to do this by working through the template and exercise developed for all PSEMP workgroups and considering any recommendations from the PSEMP Steering Committee’s JEDI Subcommittee for PSEMP workgroups. Assistance from the PSEMP Monitoring Coordinator will be needed to complete this task.

Work group members are asked to alert SWG and SAM staff to outdated web content and propose improvements to our web pages.

Advisory Subgroups:  Communication Subgroup, PRO-C, SAM staff, AWC staff, PSEMP staff.


Timeline and Deliverables:  

    After each SWG meeting                   SWG Reporter issued

       Web content updated

    As needed/ongoing                           SAM newsletters

    As needed/ongoing                           SAM study fact sheets

                     Workshops, presentations, and briefings

    Spring 2022                                      Record “SWG 101” webinar for new members/interested parties

    Mid 2022 or 2023                              Update SWG communication strategy as capacity is available

 

Task 10:   Participate in PSEMP; communicate and coordinate with other regional monitoring groups

Aligns with PSEMP Strategic Objective 1: Increase collaboration

In November 2018 the PSEMP Steering Committee adopted a new Strategic Plan that highlights how SWG’s work aligns with broader PSEMP strategic priorities:

SWG is one of many topical work groups formally recognized by PSEMP. SWG provides occasional briefings to the PSEMP steering committee, and our staff and chair participate in PSEMP work group leads meetings. The SWG chair, members, and staff continue to coordinate with the PSEMP work groups and other technical groups. PSEMP work groups provide each other with opportunities to contribute to work in our areas of overlap. As part of PSEMP, SWG will continue to develop, improve, and expand our regional stormwater monitoring strategy and gather support.

The Puget Sound Partnership’s SWG state caucus member representative and alternate, and Monitoring Lead, will keep SWG apprised of key stormwater-related activities and regional initiatives for Puget Sound ecosystem recovery efforts and provide opportunities to give input on developing documents and plans with stormwater components.

As opportunities arise we will:


Advisory Subgroups: Rely on chair, vice chair, staff, and official delegates and alternates as liaisons to PSEMP Steering Committee, Work Group leads, and other Work Groups.

Timeline and Deliverables:   

Ongoing and/or standing agenda items for regular SWG meetings: