HomeMy WebLinkAboutWorksheetC_Infeasilbility_v2eRevised 7/2017 1
Infeasibility Criteria
Worksheet CRoofs
BMP and
Applicable
Lists
Infeasibility Criteria Infeasibility Description
and Rationale for each
BMP Not Selected
Lawn and Landscaped Areas
BMP and
Applicable
Lists
Infeasibility Criteria Infeasibility Description
and Rationale for each
BMP Not Selected
Minimum Requirement #5 (On-Site Stormwater Management)
The following tables summarize infeasibility criteria that can be used to justify not using various on-site stormwater
management best management practices (BMPs) for consideration for Minimum Requirement #5. This information is also
included under the detailed descriptions of each BMP in the Department of Ecology’s Stormwater Management Manual for
Western Washington (SWMMWW [2014]), but is provided here in this worksheet for ease of use and efficiency. Where any
inconsistencies or lack of clarity exists, the requirements in the main text of the SWMMWW shall be applied. If a project is
limited by one or more of the infeasibility criteria specified below, but an applicant is interested in implementing a specific
BMP, a functionally equivalent design may be submitted to the City for review and approval.
HOW TO USE: 1) Evaluate the feasibility of the BMPs in priority order based on List #1, #2, or #3 (Fact Sheet A).
2) Select the first BMP that is considered feasible for each surface type. 3) In the space provided below document the
infeasibility (narrative description and rationale) for each BMP that was not selected. Only one infeasibility criterion
needs to be selected for a BMP before evaluating the next BMP on the list. Attach additional pages for supporting
information if necessary.
Full Dispersion
SWMMWW Volume V,
Section 5.3
A 65 to 10 ratio of forested or native vegetation area to
impervious area cannot be achieved.
A minimum forested or native vegetation flowpath length of
100 feet (25 feet for sheet flow from a non-native pervious
surface) and protected by easement cannot be achieved.
Siting and design criteria cannot be achieved on site.
The lot(s) or site does not have out-wash or loam soils,
provide soils report.
There is not at least 3 feet or more of permeable soil from the
proposed final grade to the seasonal high groundwater table
or other impermeable layer.
There is not at least 1 foot or more of permeable soil from
the proposed bottom of the infiltration system to the seasonal
high groundwater table or other impermeable layer.
Slopes steeper than 25% or less than 200’ from slope steeper
than 40%.
Siting and design criteria cannot be achieved on site.
Downspout Full
Infiltration
SWMMWW Volume
III, Section 3.1.1
Post-construction
Soil Quality
and Depth
(SWMMWW Volume
V, Section 5.3)
Lawn and landscape area is on till slopes greater than 33
percent.
Siting and design criteria cannot be achieved on site. See
Worksheet D, Page 2.List #1, #2
and #3
List #1 and #2
List #1, #2
and #3
2
Infeasibility Criteria
Worksheet CRoofs (cont.)
BMP and
Applicable
Lists
Infeasibility Criteria Infeasibility Description
and Rationale for each BMP
Not Selected
Where professional geotechnical evaluation recommends
infiltration not be used due to reasonable concerns about
erosion, slope failure, or down-gradient flooding.
Within an area whose ground water drains into an erosion
hazard, or landslide hazard area.
Where the only area available for siting would threaten the
safety or reliability of pre-existing underground utilities, pre-
existing underground storage tanks, pre-existing structures,
or pre-existing road or parking lot surfaces.
Where the only area available for siting does not allow for
a safe overflow pathway to stormwater drainage system or
private storm sewer system.
Where there is a lack of usable space for bioretention areas
at re-development sites, or where there is insufficient space
within the existing public right-of-way on public road projects.
Note: Criteria with setback distances are as measured from the
bottom edge of the bioretention soil mix.
Citation of any of the following infeasibility criteria must be
based on an evaluation of site-specific conditions and a written
recommendation from an appropriate licensed professional (e.g.,
engineer, geologist, hydrogeologist):
Where infiltrating water would threaten shoreline structures
such as bulkheads.
Where infiltrating water would threaten existing below grade
basements.
The following criteria can be cited as reasons for infeasibility
without further justification (though some require professional
services to make the observation):
Within setback provided for BMP T7.30 (SWMMWW Volume
V, Section 7.4)
Where they are not compatible with surrounding drainage
system as determined by the city (e.g., project drains to
an existing stormwater collection system whose elevation
or location precludes connection to a properly functioning
bioretention area).
Bioretention or
Rain Gardens
SWMMWW Volume V,
Section 7.4
List #1 (both)
and List #2
(bioretention
only)
3
Infeasibility Criteria
Worksheet CRoofs (cont.)
BMP and
Applicable
Lists
Infeasibility Criteria Infeasibility Description
and Rationale for each BMP
Not Selected
Bioretention or
Rain Gardens
(cont.)
SWMMWW Volume V,
Section 7.4
Where land for bioretention is within an erosion hazard, or
landslide hazard area (as defined by PAMC 15.20).
Where the site cannot be reasonably designed to locate
bioretention areas on slopes less than 8 percent.
Within 50 feet from the top of slopes that are greater than 20
percent and over 10 feet of vertical relief.
For properties with known soil or groundwater contamination
(typically federal Superfund sites or state cleanup sites under
the Model Toxics Control Act [MTCA]):
• Within 100 feet of an area known to have deep soil
contamination.• Where groundwater modeling indicates infiltration
will likely increase or change the direction of the
migration of pollutants in the groundwater.• Wherever surface soils have been found to be
contaminated unless those soils are removed within
10 horizontal feet from the infiltration area.
Within 100 feet of a closed or active landfill.
Within 10 feet of an underground storage tank and
connecting underground pipes when the capacity of the tank
and pipe system is 1,100 gallons or less. As used in these
criteria, an underground storage tank means any tank used
to store petroleum products, chemicals, or liquid hazardous
wastes of which 10 percent or more of the storage volume
(including volume in the connecting piping system) is
beneath the ground surface.
Within 100 feet of an underground storage tank and
connecting underground pipes when the capacity of the tank
and pipe system is greater than 1,100 gallons.
Where the minimum vertical separation of 1 foot to the
seasonal high groundwater or other impermeable layer
would not be achieved below bioretention that would serve a
drainage area less than the above thresholds
4
Infeasibility Criteria
Worksheet CWhere field testing indicates potential bioretention/rain
garden sites have a measured (a.k.a., initial) native soil
saturated hydraulic conductivity less than 0.30 inches per
hour. A small-scale or large-scale PIT in accordance with
SWMMWW Volume III, Section 3.3.6 (or an alternative
small scale test specified by the local government) shall
be used to demonstrate infeasibility of bioretention areas.
If the measured native soil infiltration rate is less than 0.30
in/hour, bioretention/rain garden BMPs are not required
to be evaluated as an option in List #1 or List #2. In these
slow draining soils, a bioretention area with an underdrain
may be used to treat pollution-generating surfaces to help
meet Minimum Requirement #6, Runoff Treatment. If the
underdrain is elevated within a base course of gravel, it will
also provide some modest flow reduction benefit that will help
achieve Minimum Requirement #7.
Where the minimum vertical separation of 3 feet to the
seasonal high groundwater elevation or other impermeable
layer would not be achieved below bioretention that would
serve a drainage area that exceeds the following thresholds
(and cannot reasonably be broken down into amounts
smaller than indicated):
o 5,000 square feet of pollution-generating impervious
surface (PGIS)
o 10,000 square feet of impervious area
o 0.75 acres of lawn and landscape.
Any area where these facilities are prohibited by an approved
cleanup plan under the state MTCA or Federal Superfund
Law, or an environmental covenant under Chapter 64.70
RCW.
Within 100 feet of a drinking water well, or a spring used for
drinking water supply.
Within 10 feet of small on-site sewage disposal drainfield,
including reserve areas, and grey water reuse systems. For
setbacks from a “large on-site sewage disposal system,” see
Chapter 246-272B WAC.
Bioretention or
Rain Gardens
(cont.)
Roofs (cont.)
BMP and
Applicable
Lists
Infeasibility Criteria Infeasibility Description
and Rationale for each BMP
Not Selected
5
Infeasibility Criteria
Worksheet CPerforated
Stub-Out
Connections
SWMMWW Volume
III, Section 3.1.3
For sites with septic systems, the only location available for the
perforated portion of the pipe is located up-gradient of the drainfield
primary and reserve areas. This requirement can be waived if site
topography will clearly prohibit flows from intersecting the drainfield
or where site conditions (soil permeability, distance between
systems, etc.) indicate that this is unnecessary.
There is not at least 1 foot of permeable soil from the
proposed bottom (final grade) of the perforated stub-out
connection trench to the highest estimated groundwater table
or other impermeable layer.
The only location available for the perforated stub-out
connection is under impervious or heavily compacted soils.
The only location available is on or above slopes greater than
20%
Siting and design criteria cannot be achieved on site.
Roofs (cont.)
BMP and
Applicable
Lists
Infeasibility Criteria Infeasibility Description
and Rationale for each BMP
Not Selected
For splash blocks, a vegetated flowpath at least 50 feet in
length from the downspout to the downstream property line,
structure, stream, wetland, slope over 15 percent, or other
impervious surface is not feasible.
For trenches, a vegetated flowpath of at least 25 feet in
between the outlet of the trench and any property line,
structure, stream, wetland, or impervious surface is not
feasible. A vegetated flowpath of at least 50 feet between the
outlet of the trench and any slope steeper than 15 percent is
not feasible.
Siting and design criteria cannot be achieved on site.
Downspout
Dispersion
Systems
SWMMWW Volume
III, Section 3.1.2
List #1, #2
and #3
List #1, #2
and #3
6
Infeasibility Criteria
Worksheet CWhere professional geotechnical evaluation recommends
infiltration not be used due to reasonable concerns about
erosion, slope failure, or downgradient flooding.
Within an area whose ground water drains into an erosion
hazard, or landslide hazard area.
Where infiltrating and ponded water below the new permeable
pavement area would compromise adjacent impervious
pavements.
Where infiltrating water below a new permeable pavement
area would threaten existing below grade basements.
Where infiltrating water would threaten shoreline structures
such as bulkheads.
Down slope of steep, erosion prone areas that are likely to
deliver sediment.
Where fill soils are used that can become unstable when
saturated.
Excessively steep slopes where water within the aggregate
base layer or at the subgrade surface cannot be controlled
by detention structures and may cause erosion and structural
failure, or where surface runoff velocities may preclude
adequate infiltration at the pavement surface.
Citation of any of the following infeasibility criteria must be
based on an evaluation of site-specific conditions and a written
recommendation from an appropriate licensed professional (e.g.,
engineer, geologist, hydrogeologist):
Other Hard Surfaces
BMP and
Applicable
Lists
Infeasibility Criteria Infeasibility Description
and Rationale for each BMP
Not Selected
Permeable
Pavement
SWMMWW Volume
V, Section 5.3
List #1 and #2
Full Dispersion
SWMMWW Volume
V, Section 5.3
A 65 to 10 ratio of forested or native vegetation area to
impervious area cannot be achieved.
A minimum forested or native vegetation flowpath length of
100 feet (25 feet for sheet flow from a non-native pervious
surface) cannot be achieved.
Siting and design criteria cannot be achieved on site.
List #1 and #2
7
Infeasibility Criteria
Worksheet COther Hard Surfaces (cont.)
BMP and
Applicable
Lists
Infeasibility Criteria Infeasibility Description
and Rationale for each BMP
Not Selected
Permeable
Pavement
(cont.)
Within an area designated as an erosion hazard, or
landslide hazard.
Within 50 feet from the top of slopes that are greater than
20 percent.
For properties with known soil or groundwater
contamination (typically federal Superfund sites or state
cleanup sites under MTCA):
• Within 100 feet of an area known to have deep soil
contamination.
• Where groundwater modeling indicates infiltration
will likely increase or change the direction of the
migration of pollutants in the groundwater.
• Wherever surface soils have been found to be
contaminated unless those soils are removed
within 10 horizontal feet from the infiltration area.
• Any area where these facilities are prohibited by
an approved cleanup plan under the state MTCA
or Federal Superfund Law, or an environmental
covenant under Chapter 64.70 RCW.
Within 100 feet of a closed or active landfill.
Within 100 feet of a drinking water well, or a spring used
for drinking water supply, if the pavement is a pollution-
generating surface.
The following criteria can be cited as reasons for infeasibility without
further justification (though some require professional services to
make the observation):
Where permeable pavements cannot provide sufficient
strength to support heavy loads at industrial facilities such
as ports.
Where installation of permeable pavement would threaten
the safety or reliability of per-existing underground utilities,
per-existing underground storage tanks, or per-existing road
subgrades.
8
Infeasibility Criteria
Worksheet CWithin 10 feet of a small on-site sewage disposal drainfield,
including reserve areas, and grey water reuse systems. For
setbacks from a “large on-site sewage disposal system,”
see Chapter 246-272B WAC.
Within 10 feet of any underground storage tank and
connecting underground pipes, regardless of tank size. As
used in these criteria, an underground storage tank means
any tank used to store petroleum products, chemicals, or
liquid hazardous wastes of which 10 percent or more of the
storage volume (including volume in the connecting piping
system) is beneath the ground surface.
At multi-level parking garages, and over culverts and
bridges.
Where the site design cannot avoid putting pavement
in areas likely to have long-term excessive sediment
deposition after construction (e.g., construction and
landscaping material yards).
Where the site cannot reasonably be designed to have a
porous asphalt surface at less than 5 percent slope, or a
pervious concrete surface at less than 10 percent slope, or
a permeable interlocking concrete pavement surface (where
appropriate) at less than 12 percent slope. Grid systems
upper slope limit can range from 6 to 12 percent; check with
manufacturer and local supplier.
Where the subgrade soils below a pollution-generating
permeable pavement (e.g., road or parking lot) do not meet
the soil suitability criteria for providing treatment. See soil
suitability criteria for treatment in the SWMMWW Volume
III, Section 3.3.7. Note: In these instances, the city may
approve installation of a 6 inch sand filter layer meeting city
specifications for treatment as a condition of construction.
Where underlying soils are unsuitable for supporting traffic
loads when saturated. Soils meeting a California Bearing
Ratio of 5 percent are considered suitable for residential
access roads.
Where replacing existing impervious surfaces unless the
existing surface is a non-pollution generating surface over
an outwash soil with a saturated hydraulic conductivity of 4
inches per hour or greater.
Other Hard Surfaces (cont.)
BMP and
Applicable
Lists
Infeasibility Criteria Infeasibility Description
and Rationale for each BMP
Not Selected
Permeable
Pavement
(cont.)
9
Infeasibility Criteria
Worksheet CWhere appropriate field testing indicates soils have a
measured (a.k.a., initial) subgrade soil saturated hydraulic
conductivity less than 0.3 inches per hour. Only small-
scale PIT or large-scale PIT methods in accordance with
SWMMWW Volume III, Section 3.3.6 (or an alternative small
scale test specified by the local government) shall be used to
evaluate infeasibility of permeable pavement areas. (Note: In
these instances, unless other infeasibility restrictions apply,
roads and parking lots may be built with an underdrain,
preferably elevated within the base course, if flow control
benefits are desired.)
Roads that receive more than very low traffic volumes, and
areas having more than very low truck traffic. Roads with
a projected average daily traffic volume of 400 vehicles
or less are very low volume roads (AASHTO 2001) (U.S.
Department of Transportation, 2013). Areas with very low
truck traffic volumes are roads and other areas not subject
to through truck traffic but may receive up to weekly use by
utility trucks (e.g., garbage, recycling), daily school bus use,
and multiple daily use by pick-up trucks, mail/parcel delivery
trucks, and maintenance vehicles. Note: This infeasibility
criterion does not extend to sidewalks and other non-traffic
bearing surfaces associated with the collector or arterial.
At sites defined as “high-use sites” (refer to the Glossary in
the SWMMWW Volume I).
In areas with “industrial activity” as identified in 40 CFR
122.26(b)(14).
Where the risk of concentrated pollutant spills is more likely
such as gas stations, truck stops, and industrial chemical
storage sites.
Where routine, heavy applications of sand occur in frequent
snow zones to maintain traction during weeks of snow and
ice accumulation.
Where the seasonal high groundwater or an underlying
impermeable/low permeable layer would create saturated
conditions within 1 foot of the bottom of the lowest gravel
base course.
Other Hard Surfaces (cont.)
BMP and
Applicable
Lists
Infeasibility Criteria Infeasibility Description
and Rationale for each BMP
Not Selected
Permeable
Pavement
(cont.)
10
Infeasibility Criteria
Worksheet COther Hard Surfaces (cont.)
BMP and
Applicable
Lists
Infeasibility Criteria Infeasibility Description
and Rationale for each BMP
Not Selected
Where professional geotechnical evaluation recommends
infiltration not be used due to reasonable concerns about
erosion, slope failure, or down-gradient flooding.
Within an area whose ground water drains into an erosion
hazard, or landslide hazard area.
Where the only area available for siting would threaten the
safety or reliability of pre-existing underground utilities, pre-
existing underground storage tanks, pre-existing structures,
or pre-existing road or parking lot surfaces.
Where the only area available for siting does not allow for
a safe overflow pathway to stormwater drainage system or
private storm sewer system.
Where there is a lack of usable space for bioretention areas
at re-development sites, or where there is insufficient space
within the existing public right-of-way on public road projects.
Note: Criteria with setback distances are as measured from the
bottom edge of the bioretention soil mix.
Citation of any of the following infeasibility criteria must be
based on an evaluation of site-specific conditions and a written
recommendation from an appropriate licensed professional (e.g.,
engineer, geologist, hydrogeologist):
Where infiltrating water would threaten shoreline structures
such as bulkheads.
Where infiltrating water would threaten existing below grade
basements.
The following criteria can be cited as reasons for infeasibility
without further justification (though some require professional
services to make the observation):
Within setback provided for BMP T7.30 (SWMMWW Volume
V, Section 7.4)
Where they are not compatible with surrounding drainage
system as determined by the city (e.g., project drains to
an existing stormwater collection system whose elevation
or location precludes connection to a properly functioning
bioretention area).
Bioretention or
Rain Gardens
SWMMWW Volume V,
Section 7.4
List #1 (both)
and List #2
(bioretention
only)
11
Infeasibility Criteria
Worksheet COther Hard Surfaces (cont.)
BMP and
Applicable
Lists
Infeasibility Criteria Infeasibility Description
and Rationale for each BMP
Not Selected
Bioretention or
Rain Gardens
(cont.)
Where land for bioretention is within an erosion hazard, or
landslide hazard area (as defined by PAMC 15.20).
Where the site cannot be reasonably designed to locate
bioretention areas on slopes less than 8 percent.
Within 50 feet from the top of slopes that are greater than 20
percent and over 10 feet of vertical relief.
For properties with known soil or groundwater contamination
(typically federal Superfund sites or state cleanup sites under
the Model Toxics Control Act [MTCA]):
• Within 100 feet of an area known to have deep soil
contamination.• Where groundwater modeling indicates infiltration
will likely increase or change the direction of the
migration of pollutants in the groundwater.• Wherever surface soils have been found to be
contaminated unless those soils are removed within
10 horizontal feet from the infiltration area.
Within 100 feet of a closed or active landfill.
Within 10 feet of an underground storage tank and
connecting underground pipes when the capacity of the tank
and pipe system is 1,100 gallons or less. As used in these
criteria, an underground storage tank means any tank used
to store petroleum products, chemicals, or liquid hazardous
wastes of which 10 percent or more of the storage volume
(including volume in the connecting piping system) is
beneath the ground surface.
Within 100 feet of an underground storage tank and
connecting underground pipes when the capacity of the tank
and pipe system is greater than 1,100 gallons.
Where the minimum vertical separation of 1 foot to the
seasonal high groundwater or other impermeable layer
would not be achieved below bioretention that would serve a
drainage area less than the above thresholds
12
Infeasibility Criteria
Worksheet COther Hard Surfaces (cont.)
BMP and
Applicable
Lists
Infeasibility Criteria Infeasibility Description
and Rationale for each BMP
Not Selected
Where field testing indicates potential bioretention/rain
garden sites have a measured (a.k.a., initial) native soil
saturated hydraulic conductivity less than 0.30 inches per
hour. A small-scale or large-scale PIT in accordance with
SWMMWW Volume III, Section 3.3.6 (or an alternative
small scale test specified by the local government) shall
be used to demonstrate infeasibility of bioretention areas.
If the measured native soil infiltration rate is less than 0.30
in/hour, bioretention/rain garden BMPs are not required
to be evaluated as an option in List #1 or List #2. In these
slow draining soils, a bioretention area with an underdrain
may be used to treat pollution-generating surfaces to help
meet Minimum Requirement #6, Runoff Treatment. If the
underdrain is elevated within a base course of gravel, it will
also provide some modest flow reduction benefit that will help
achieve Minimum Requirement #7.
Where the minimum vertical separation of 3 feet to the
seasonal high groundwater elevation or other impermeable
layer would not be achieved below bioretention that would
serve a drainage area that exceeds the following thresholds
(and cannot reasonably be broken down into amounts
smaller than indicated):
o 5,000 square feet of pollution-generating impervious
surface (PGIS)
o 10,000 square feet of impervious area
o 0.75 acres of lawn and landscape.
Any area where these facilities are prohibited by an approved
cleanup plan under the state MTCA or Federal Superfund
Law, or an environmental covenant under Chapter 64.70
RCW.
Within 100 feet of a drinking water well, or a spring used for
drinking water supply.
Within 10 feet of small on-site sewage disposal drainfield,
including reserve areas, and grey water reuse systems. For
setbacks from a “large on-site sewage disposal system,” see
Chapter 246-272B WAC.
Bioretention or
Rain Gardens
(cont.)
13
Infeasibility Criteria
Worksheet CSheet Flow
Dispersion
SWMMWW Volume
V, Section 5.3
Positive drainage for sheet flow runoff cannot be achieved.
Area to be dispersed (e.g., driveway, patio) cannot be graded
to have less than a 15 percent slope.
For flat to moderately sloped areas, at least a 10 foot-wide
vegetation buffer for dispersion of the adjacent 20 feet of
contributing surface cannot be achieved. For variably sloped
areas, at least a 25 foot vegetated flowpath between berms
cannot be achieved.
Siting and design criteria cannot be achieved on site.
Concentrated
Flow
Dispersion
SWMMWW Volume
V, Section 5.3
A minimum 3 foot length of rock pad and 50 foot flowpath
OR a dispersion trench and 25 foot flowpath for every 700
sq. ft. of drainage area followed with applicable setbacks
cannot be achieved.
More than 700 sq. ft. drainage area drains to any dispersion
device.
Siting and design criteria cannot be achieved on site.
Other Hard Surfaces (cont.)
BMP and
Applicable
Lists
Infeasibility Criteria Infeasibility Description
and Rationale for each BMP
Not Selected
List #1, #2
and #3
List #1, #2
and #3