Watershed or Sub-basin Plan
A
watershed or sub-basin plan is a document that studies stormwater runoff and
the potential for flooding and environmental impact of a particular watershed
or sub-basin, before and after potential development, which drains into a river
or other body of water. This plan has
boundaries defined by the natural watershed basin or sub-basin of the area. It uses multiple layers of information
pertaining to the natural and built environment to develop a comprehensive
picture of the carrying capacity of the land for urban densities of
development.
This
is the second largest and most challenging type of plan to develop. A watershed or sub-basin plan is similar to
the development of a comprehensive land use plan in its level and intensity of
work. This type of plan could take 24 to
36 months.
When is a watershed or sub-basin plan
appropriate?
This
type of plan is commonly used to study greenfield, undeveloped, natural,
or agriculturally used areas on the fringe of urban development. A watershed or sub-basin plan is used to
determine the long-term future (potential) for urban densities of development and
their impact on the natural environment.
Purpose or reasons to use a watershed
or sub-basin plan are to:
- Provide information regarding
the impact on the natural environment on the potential future development.
- Determine any
environmental constraints and hazards for future development.
- Provide a shared
vision for area’s residents/owners and local government entities.
- Provide information
regarding the area’s needs, priorities, and proposed projects.
- Provide guidance on
matters of land use, development, and site layout to possible area
residents or investors.
- Determine if
development proposals and land use changes are in accordance with the
community’s long term vision.
- Provide
implementation recommendations for coordination of development with
adequate public facility’s goals.
- Provide a framework
to guide an area’s development efforts and track development trends and
progress.
- Provide maps showing
existing information and proposed information.
Typical Process of a Watershed Plan
- Identify the study
area boundary
- Identify key
stakeholders
- Public meetings
- Inventory survey and
data analysis
- Goals, visions,
policies, and objectives
- Plan drafts
- Adoption process