Strategic Approach

A Strategic Approach to Planning for and Assessing the Effectiveness of Stormwater Programs

The Municipal Stormwater Program Effectiveness Assessment Guidance document is an evolving document. As municipalities complete annual program assessments, additional data will become available that will assist in verifying links between program-wide best management practices implementation, pollutant load reduction, and eventual receiving water quality improvements.

Complete Guidance Document (PDF) (Jun 2015)

Cover | Table of Contents | Acknowledgements | Executive Summary (PDF)

Section 1: Introduction and Purpose (PDF)

1.1 Background
1.2 Purpose
1.3 Organization

Section 2 – Stormwater Management Approach (PDF)

2.1 Background
2.2 Primary Components
2.3 Introduction to Outcomes

  • Source and Impact Component
    • Outcome Level 6: Receiving Water Conditions
    • Outcome Level 5: MS4 Contributions
    • Outcome Level 4: Source Conditions
  • Target Audience Component
    • Outcome Level 3: Target Audience Actions
    • Outcome Level 2: Barriers & Bridges to Action
  • Stormwater Management Program Component
    • Outcome Level 1: Stormwater Program Activities

Section 3 – Introduction to Strategic Planning for Stormwater Management Programs (PDF)

3.1 Background
3.2 Planning Preparation (Stage 1)
3.3 Strategic Planning (Stage 2)

  • Step A: Characterizing Problems
    • Task 1: Evaluating Existing Conditions
    • Task 2: Defining Problem Conditions
    • Task 3: Prioritizing Problem Conditions
  • Step B: Targeting Outcomes
    • Task 1: Identifying End‐State Targets
    • Task 2: Establishing Interim Targets
    • Task 3: Identifying Data Requirements
  • Step C: Documenting Knowledge and Data Gaps

3.4 Stormwater Strategic Plan Completion (Stage 3)

Section 4 – Source and Impact Strategies (PDF)

4.1 Background
4.2 Outcome Level 6: Receiving Water Conditions

  • Step 6‐A: Receiving Water Characterization
    • Task 1: Evaluating Receiving Water Conditions
    • Task 2: Defining Receiving Water Problems
    • Task 3: Prioritizing Receiving Water Problems
  • Step 6‐B: Targeted Receiving Water Changes
    • Task 1: Identifying End‐State Targets
    • Task 2: Establishing Interim Targets
    • Task 3: Identifying Data Requirements
  • Step 6‐C: Documenting Knowledge and Data Gaps

4.3 Outcome Level 5: MS4 Conditions

  • Step 5‐A: MS4 Characterization
    • Task 1: Evaluating MS4 Conditions
    • Task 2: Defining MS4 Problems
    • Task 3: Prioritizing MS4 Problems
  • Step 5‐B: Targeted Changes to Urban Runoff and MS4 Contributions
    • Task 1: Identifying End‐State MS4 Targets
    • Task 2: Establishing Interim MS4 Targets
    • Task 3: Identifying Data Requirements
  • Step 5‐C: Documenting Knowledge and Data Gaps

4.4 Outcome Level 4: Drainage Area and Source Contributions

  • Step 4‐A: Source Characterization
    • Task 1: Evaluating Drainage Area and Source Contributions
    • Task 2: Defining Problem Drainage Areas and Sources
    • Task 3: Prioritizing Drainage Area and Source Problems
  • Step 4‐B: Targeted Changes to Source Contributions
    • Task 1: Identifying End‐State Targets
    • Task 2: Establishing Interim Targets
    • Task 3: Identifying Data Requirements
  • Step 4‐C: Documenting Knowledge and Data Gaps

Section 5 – Target Audience Strategies (PDF)

5.1 Background
5.2 Outcome Level 3: Target Audience Actions

  • Step 3‐A: Target Audience Characterization
    • Task 1: Evaluating Target Audiences
    • Task 2: Defining Behavioral Problems
    • Task 3: Prioritizing Behavioral Problems
  • Step 3‐B: Targeted Behavioral Changes
    • Task 1: Identifying End‐State Behavioral Targets
    • Task 2: Establishing Interim Behavioral Targets
    • Task 3: Identifying Data Requirements
  • Step 3‐C: Documenting Knowledge and Data Gaps

5.3 Outcome Level 2: Barriers and Bridges to Action

  • Step 2‐A: Characterization of Barriers and Bridges
    • Task 1: Identifying Influencing Factors
    • Task 2: Defining Barriers
    • Task 3: Prioritizing Barriers
  • Step 2‐B: Targeted Changes to Barriers and Bridges
    • Task 1: Identifying End‐State Targets for Change
    • Task 2: Establishing Interim Targets for Influencing Factors
    • Task 3: Identifying data requirements
  • Step 2‐C: Documenting Knowledge and Data Gaps

Section 6 – Program Implementation Strategies (PDF)

6.1 Background
6.2 Step 1‐A: Program Implementation Activities
6.3 Step 1‐B: Data Collection and Analysis Activities
6.4 Sustainability Considerations
6.5 Step 1‐C: Documenting Knowledge and Data Gaps

Section 7 – Assessment Tools and Strategies (PDF)

7.1 Background
7.2 Iterative and Adaptive Management
7.3 Assessment Objectives

  • 7.3.1 Program Planning Evaluation and Refinement
  • 7.3.2 Evaluation of Success
  • 7.3.3 Evaluation and Resolution of Knowledge and Data Gaps

7.4 Data Collection
7.5 Data Analysis
7.6 Relationships Between Outcomes

Section 8 – Interpretation and Use of Results (PDF)

8.1 Background
8.2 Program Modifications
8.3 Example Program Effectiveness Assessment Analyses
8.4 Source and Impact Component
8.5 Target Audience Component
8.6 Stormwater Management Program Component

Attachments

Attachment A – Glossary of Acronyms and Terms (PDF)

Attachment B – Source Profiles (PDF)

Attachment C – Pollutant Profile Sheets (PDF)

In This Section
Strategic Approach PEAIP Framework