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Board sets second reading for erosion‑prevention measures tied to TMDL in Willamette Basin
Summary
Lane County held the first reading of a draft ordinance to add erosion‑prevention requirements in the Willamette River basin to meet Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) obligations and set a second reading and public hearing for Aug. 26.
The Lane County Board of Commissioners on Aug. 12 conducted the first reading of a draft ordinance and related order to adopt new erosion‑prevention measures for the Willamette River watershed basin and set a second reading and public hearing for Aug. 26 at 1:30 p.m.
Lorena Janeski, a stormwater permitting specialist, and Maria Papagalo, environmental engineering supervisor, told the board the proposed updates to Lane Code and the Lane Manual are intended to satisfy the county’s water quality management plan requirements under the county’s Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL). Janeski said the new requirements would apply across the Willamette River watershed basin and would be in addition to municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) erosion prevention regulations already adopted for the Eugene‑Springfield UGB last year.
Janeski said staff has not changed the proposal since an April 29 work session except to add erosion‑prevention standards covering third‑party work in the public right‑of‑way (for example, facility permits) and that the changes are intended to align TMDL and MS4 compliance. Staff requested—and the board approved by first reading and set—a second hearing/public hearing for Aug. 26 at 1:30 p.m. in Harris Hall. The board’s vote on the first reading was recorded as 4‑0 with Commissioner Farr excused.
Why it matters: the ordinance would introduce regulatory requirements for erosion prevention on projects and activities that can contribute to sediment and pollutant loading in waterways, implementing state and federal water‑quality obligations through local code.
Next steps: staff will present a fuller slide presentation and accept public comment at the Aug. 26 second reading and public hearing, after which the board may adopt, amend or decline the ordinance.
