River Road-Santa Clara Stormwater and Natural Resource Projects

One of the five Topic Areas to be addressed in the River Road-Santa Clara Neighborhood Plan is Parks and Natural Resources. The River Road and Santa Clara neighborhoods contain a bounty of natural beauty, including access to the Willamette River and to over 227 acres of parks, recreation and open space. From Awbrey Park to Rasor Park, wildlife in River Road-Santa Clara flourishes in and around the neighborhoods. A key component to ensuring the protection of both wildlife and habitat is comprehensive and coordinated stormwater management.

Eugene receives 47 inches of rain per year on average. In a natural environment, the rich, pervious soils in the River Road-Santa Clara neighborhoods would absorb most of this water. However, where buildings, parking lots, and roads cover the ground, water cannot infiltrate. As water washes over these impervious surfaces it becomes stormwater, picking up dirt, debris, and pollutants along the way. Stormwater includes anything that flows into the storm drain. Stormwater management helps to ensure that our waterways and aquifers are kept clean of debris and significant pollutants. The City and the County work together in the mixed jurisdictional River Road-Santa Clara area to ensure that requirements set by the federal Clean Water Act are met. City and County staff also work towards advancing best practices through pilot projects, community education and awareness, and problem solving.

For information on current and upcoming stormwater and natural resource projects in River Road - Santa Clara check out the Stormwater and Natural Resources Handout and the Parks and Natural Resources Map.