(a)
Goals and objectives of SWMP.
The goals for managing stormwater quality are:
(1)
Protect the health, safety and welfare of the general public;
(2)
Protect the environment;
(3)
Maintain good water quality;
(4)
Effectively address state and federal regulations;
(5)
Foster community cooperation and share knowledge and experience;
(6)
Educate the public employees, businesses, and general public about hazards associated with illegal discharges and improper disposal of waste;
(7)
Educate public about the impacts stormwater can have on water quality, and steps they can take to reduce pollutants in stormwater;
(8)
Reduce costs of the program by conducting cooperative activities whenever possible;
(9)
Appropriate and distribute educational information to the public;
(10)
Provide training and education about stormwater quality to the community, governmental staff and developers;
(11)
Identify high-priority community-wide issues;
(12)
Facilitate the collection and distribution of information to agencies;
(13)
Facilitate consistency in the collection and interpretation of water quality data;
(14)
Identify appropriate and cost-effective best management practices;
(15)
Set realistic measurable goals that can be implemented over the next 5 years;
(16)
Achieve proportionate share of pollution reduction in the watershed.
(b)
Context.
(1)
The city is in a naturally wooded area defined by the meandering course of the west fork of the Trinity River, just downstream from Lake Worth. The name of the city celebrates these natural features of the landscape by reminding residents of the many mature oaks trees throughout the city and the close proximity of the Trinity River corridor and the recreational amenities of Lake Worth.
(2)
The City of River Oaks is approximately 1.9 square miles in area (1,216 acres) on the west side of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex in North Central Texas. River Oaks is a suburban city, but it is located within the five-mile radius loop defined by Interstate Loop 820 around Fort Worth, in Tarrant County, Texas. It is surrounded by long-developed areas of the City of Fort Worth and the City of Sansom Park (north). The city limits are set since there is no extra territorial jurisdiction (ETJ) or unincorporated territory for expansion of the city limits.
(c)
History.
(1)
In 1941 the voters unanimously approved incorporating it as a village. Since the area incorporated was not located entirely in "the Castleberry area" the village was named for the river and oak trees and became River Oaks Village. On May 7, 1946, the board of aldermen changed the name to the City of River Oaks. The city charter was officially enacted on January 11, 1949.
(2)
In 1942, the Army Air Force constructed and operated Tarrant Field Air Dome adjacent to the newly built Consolidated Aircraft Corporation's B-24 "Liberator" bomber manufacturing facility, known today as Lockheed Martin Tactical Aircraft Systems. Early in the 1950's, the field became a part of the Strategic Air Command and was renamed Carswell Air Force Base, which remained in operation for over 40 years. In 1994 Carswell was designated as a Joint Reserve Base to be shared by the Navy, Marines, Air Force and Texas National Guard. Over the years the city has been a prime location for base personnel to locate.
(3)
The first year that the city appeared in the US Census was 1950, with a population of 7,097. The current population from the 2020 census is 7,646, which is the estimated population being served by the MS4. The population of the city is approximately 0.38% of the population projection of the county.
(4)
The TCEQ has reissued the small MS4 general permit, TXR040000, with an effective date of August 8, 2023. This general permit authorizes the discharge of stormwater from small MS4s located in urbanized areas state-wide and certain non-stormwater discharges into surface water in the state. The general permit for phase II (small) municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4) was first issued and effective on August 13, 2007. The city permit # TXR040146 was coverage effective on 05/01/2009 and was re-issued on December 11, 2014, that expires on December 13, 2018. The renewal period ended on July 23, 2019, and therefore the city with this revised stormwater management plan was required to resubmit for a new permit authorization number, TXRO40674, and authorization was issued by TCEQ on August 8, 2023, for MS4 Level 1. The SWMP shall be reviewed annually in conjunction with preparation of the annual report. The MS4 in conjunction with the preparation of the annual report shall check if a waterbody has been added to the latest EPA approved Integrated Report of Surface Water Quality for Clean Water Act (CWA).
(d)
Existing land use.
(1)
The city is basically completely built-out. The North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) calculates that only 1% of the property in the city is undeveloped or vacant. This means that 99% of the property in the city limits is developed. Three-fourths of the developed land in the city is single-family residential. These residential properties are grouped into five major neighborhoods:
(A)
West of Roberts Cut Off and north of Meandering Road;
(B)
South of Meandering Road and northwest of River Oaks Boulevard/SH 183;
(C)
East of Roberts Cut Off and northwest of River Oaks Boulevard/SH 183;
(D)
Southeast of River Oaks Boulevard/SH 183 and east of Roberts Cut Off; and
(E)
West of Roberts Cut Off and southeast of River Oaks Boulevard/SH 183. Lot sizes and housing sizes vary from neighborhood to neighborhood. There are a couple of apartment complexes, but the number of multifamily dwelling units in the city is very low compared with other area cities. There are also a few medium density residential units (duplex, triplex, townhouse, zero lot line, etc.) in the city.
(2)
The second major land use is parks and floodplain due to the portion of YMCA Camp Carter located within the city limits. The eastern portion of Camp Carter (east of the west fork of the Trinity River) is in the city. This includes the YMCA Equestrian Center, day camp multi-purpose activity area, chapel, some cabins, and the Castleberry ISD ball fields that are located on Meandering Road. Most of the Camp Carter property is west of the river and located within the city limits of Fort Worth. The only city owned parklands are the McGee Park ball fields and the nearby undeveloped park property between Glenwick Drive and Lawther Drive. There is also "permanent open space" provided by the floodplain area of the creek adjacent parallel to Jacksboro Highway. The steep sloped areas overlooking the west fork of the Trinity River are also shown as "open space" on the existing land use map, but these areas are privately owned by the adjacent residential homeowners and are not conducive to development due to the steep slopes.
(3)
The existing commercial uses are concentrated along River Oaks Boulevard/SH 183 and Jacksboro Highway/SH 199. There are other scattered commercial uses along Roberts Cut Off.
(4)
Institutional land uses (public and semi-public) account for an equal amount of property. The Castleberry ISD school campuses and the municipal facilities are public uses. There are 20 area churches and 13 of these are located within the city limits, and these are considered semi-public uses.
(5)
There are no significant existing industrial or manufacturing land uses located within the city limits. Since there are no large undeveloped tracts available, no industrial facilities are planned. Economic development focuses on commercial retail and office uses for new job opportunities.
Summary of City Existing Land Uses | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Land Use Type | Acres | Developed % | Total % |
Single-family residential | 937 | 74.66% | 73.90% |
Multifamily residential/apartments | 5 | 0.40% | 0.39% |
Manufactured housing | 2 | 0.16% | 0.16% |
Parks and floodplain | 165 | 13.15% | 13.01% |
Public/semi-public/institutional | 72 | 5.74% | 5.68% |
Commercial | 72 | 5.74% | 5.68% |
Industrial | 0 | 0.00% | 0.00% |
Infrastructure | 2 | 0.16% | 0.16% |
Subtotal developed | 1,255 | 100.00% | 98.97% |
Vacant/undeveloped | 13 | 1.03% | |
Total | 1,268 | 100.00% | |
Source: MPRG, Inc. Field Survey, October 2003 and NCTCOG estimates from aerial photos. |
(e)
Government.
The city is a home rule city acting under its charter adopted by the electorate pursuant to article XI, section 5, of the Texas Constitution and chapter 9 of the Local Government Code. The municipal government provided by this charter shall be known as "council-manager government." Pursuant to the provisions of, and subject only to the limitations imposed by the state constitution, state laws and this charter, all powers of the city shall be vested in an elective council, hereinafter referred to as the "council" or "city council."
(f)
Boundaries.
The boundaries and limits of the city shall be those as established and described in ordinances duly passed by the city council in accordance with state law. The city secretary shall always keep a correct and complete description and official map on file, with recent annexations or disannexations.
(g)
Operations.
The city revenues have been unstable. Income is derived primarily from property tax, sales tax, water and sewer charges, and general fees and charges. Our 2023-2024 revenues in the general and water funds were projected to be $12,531,822.00 and with expenditures of $12,581,511.00 that resulted in a general fund budget being in the red by $50,633.00 and the water fund in the black by $944.00. Our expenditure per capita is approximately $1,645.50 of which $620.15 is directly related to water and sewer service. In 2017 the city obtained a low interest loan from the state water development board in the amount of $15,000,000.00 to replace old, deteriorated water and sewer mains throughout the city. There are currently 70 full-time paid employees in the city with the addition of a full-time fire department. The public works department is responsible for water, sewer, drainage, streets, sanitation, parks and recreation and code compliance. A certified commissioned firefighter is on staff and performs annual fire inspections.
(h)
Public notice requirements.
(1)
Public hearings, community forums and meetings of the stormwater task force (SWTF) will be published by the city secretary 72 hours in advance by posting notice in the bulletin outside of city hall located at 4900 River Oaks Boulevard, River Oaks, Texas, a place that is accessible to the public at all times;
(2)
Notice of public hearings shall also be posted on the city's website at www.riveroakstx.com;
(3)
Notice of stormwater programs, educational materials and meetings of the stormwater task force (SWTF) will be posted online at www.riveroakstx.com.
(4)
SWMP updates that are considered major permit modifications require public notice and an opportunity for a public meeting.
(i)
MS4 mapping.
(1)
Outfall drainage basins.
Outfall drainage basins are established in the city's drainage master plan as WF5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11 and WF12 as enclosed on the map located in section 13.10.014. The west fork of the Trinity River is the main MS4 receiving stream for drainage discharge from the city that loops the city boundary on the western and southern sides of the city section 13.10.015. Lake Worth, located on the northwest side of the city is located outside the boundary of River Oaks in the City of Fort Worth and receives little or no drainage discharge from River Oaks.
(2)
Stormwater outfall base map.
(section 13.10.015). The base map plots the main drainageways and the outfall points of the entire city. Levels of sampling are recorded and reported with the annual permit. Levels of the small MS4 is based on the most recent U.S. census at the time of permit issuance. A national census held during a permit year term will not affect the level on an MS4 until the general permit is renewed. The outfall points are:
(A)
Surface drainage from drainage basin WF11 from north end of city. (Sample to be taken on city property before the Trinity River.)
(B)
Underground pipe under street then natural surface drainage in drainage basin WF11 across private property to Trinity River (on private property).
(C)
Underground drainage pipe from WF11 across private property to Trinity River (on private property).
(D)
Underground drainage pipe from WF11 across private property to Trinity River (on private property).
(E)
Combination surface drainage and underground drainage piping in [drainage basin] WF11 to Baylor Avenue; underground storm drain flows back west on Baylor Avenue and terminates in manhole at the dead-end of Baylor Road at the west city limits (sampling point at manhole).
(F)
Surface drainage in drainage basin WF7 on Meandering Road from the street inlet at 5800 Meandering Road; then northerly into Fort Worth through an open drainage channel. (City sample site is located at the street inlet in the 5800 block of Meandering Road.)
(G)
Surface drainage on the northwest side of River Oaks Boulevard in drainage basin WF11 to the Trinity River. (Samples would have to be taken from the concrete lined drainageway on the north side of River Oaks Boulevard in the 5600 block.)
(H)
Surface drainage on the southwest side of River Oaks Boulevard in drainage basin WF11 to the Trinity River. (Samples to be taken from the drainageway ravine on the south side of River Oaks Boulevard.)
(I)
The drainage channel from River Oaks to Fort Worth flows north to south under Sam Calloway Road through an underground conduit and interconnects to an open earthen channel in Fort Worth that ultimately flows to the Trinity River. (Drainage basin WF8.) (Samples can be taken from outlet on the north side of Sam Calloway Road in the right-of-way before flowing south through an underground conduit under Sam Calloway Rd into the Fort Worth drainageway that flows from there into the Trinity River.)
(J)
Surface drainage only from drainage basin WF7 in River Oaks south into Fort Worth (natural drainage flow into Fort Worth) (Any sampling would have to be a grab sample taken from the street right-of-way).
(K)
Surface street drainage on Churchill Road to Fort Worth and ultimately to the Trinity River in drainage basin WF12 (street drainage into Fort Worth).
(L)
Surface drainage from Worthview and Shear Drive into street inlets on Shear Drive that drains underground from Shear Drive in River Oaks and interconnects on Churchill Road with Fort Worth storm drainage system. (Sample to be taken at box inlet in drainage basin WF10 located on the vacant lot at 329 Churchill Road) (Block 6, lot 12; Doyle-Head 2nd Filing.)
(M)
From private drainageways in drainage basin WF11 to Fort Worth behind the 4600 block of Barbara Road. (Sample to be taken from drainage channel at Springer Road and Barbara Road.)
(N)
From private drainageways in drainage basin WF6 to Fort Worth. Includes drainage flow from drainageway behind the 1100 through 1200 blocks of Churchill and from there southeast behind the 4500 block of Ohio Garden Road to Fort Worth. (Sample point to be taken from drainageway in the rear of property in the 4500 block of Ohio Garden Road.)
(O)
Drainageway into River Oaks from Fort Worth under Long Avenue located behind the 2600 block of Jacksboro Highway in River Oaks and back out to Fort Worth at River Oaks Boulevard. (Sample must be taken from the point it comes into River Oaks and another sample from the point it leaves River Oaks.)
(P)
Combination surface drainage from Hillside Drive and Hilltop Circle in River Oaks into street inlet on Hillside Drive; then east under Hillside Drive through an underground conduit that interconnects with the drainageway in Fort Worth located behind 1509 Hillside Drive. (Sample point where conduit behind 1509 Hillside Drive flows out into Fort Worth drainageway.)
(3)
Improvement mapping.
During the 5-year permit, city engineer to the maximum extent practicable design scaled plans as revised for the entire stormwater drainage system including existing and planned improvements. The maps will designate all outfall points and sampling stations throughout the city to be used to detect and monitor illicit discharges into the MS4.
(A)
Priority areas.
The SWTF has designated the priority areas for drainage improvements as being high priority as follows:
(i)
Drainage basin WF11:
From Castleberry Cut Off Road south to Baylor Avenue of approximately 12,000 feet at an estimated cost of $3,370,000. The drainage channel in this area is located primarily within private drainageways that are undersized earthen channels. The earthen channel north to south is free flow and terminates into Baylor Road and from there is designed to flow back west creating a high potential for flooding.
(ii)
Inspiration estates.
Potential street flooding due to the lower elevation of properties. Culverts to the river are partial blocked in some cases and the earthen channel on the east side in the 1700 block of Inspiration Lane is susceptible to erosion and becomes a source of mosquito breeding due to the stagnant water. Estimated cost is about $200,000 for conduit, channel lining and inlets.
(iii)
Almena drainage channel.
Project location is for the earthen drainage channel from the drainageway entrance located in the rear of 1466 Greenbrier Drive on the south side of McGee Park continuing southward to the rear of the city hall at 4900 River Oaks Boulevard. Project improvements include erosion and sediment control, grading channel to meet engineered design flow rate, concrete lining, installation of box culverts, relocate utilities including excavation, installation and embedment. Estimated cost is approximately 1.3 million dollars.
(iv)
Schieme drainage channel.
Project location is in the street from 613 Schieme southwest to its intersection with Thomas Lane and east by south on Thomas Lane to its intersection with Taylor Road. The problem existing is inadequate drainage runoff flow causing standing water that won't drain off. Improvements include installation of underground stormwater conduit, street drainage inlets and relocation of public utilities. Estimated construction cost is approximately 1.3 million dollars.
(B)
Non-priority areas that are being considered for future improvements.
(i)
Intersection Yale at River Oaks Boulevard:
Street flooding located in drainage basin WF11. Engineering studies performed with the study of the high-priority drainage improvements in the 5400 block of River Oaks Boulevard. Inadequate drainage runoff. Further drainage improvement planning as a part of the master plan with NCTCOG for the River Oaks streetscape project ("River Oaks Revival") in 2014 to 2015.
(ii)
Drainage basin WF5:
Located partially in floodplain. There is a low-line flooding potential. Fort Worth apparently has a utility easement inclusive of the main drainage channel that flows from north to south from Long Avenue to River Oaks Boulevard.
a.
2609 Jacksboro Highway:
Drainage channel in the WF5 drainage basin from Jacksboro Highway westerly to the drainage channel in the rear of the properties. It is grown with vegetation and has signs of probable erosion. Staff research by the SWTF indicates that it is a private drainageway.
(iii)
Drainage basin WF6:
Street flooding. 2003 drainage study estimates costs of $1,028,000 for drainage improvements including underground storm conduits, culverts and approximately 1,110 feet of new concrete lined channel for adequate stormwater runoff.
(iv)
Drainage basin WF8 (600 block of Merritt):
Potential street and property flooding during heavy rains located in both the WF7 and WF8 drainage basins. Area drainage system possibly was originally improperly designed or has become undersized with property development. Estimated costs to drainage basin WF8 were approximately $800,000.
(v)
Drainage basin WF10:
Included in drainage study. Area around middle school. Shear Drive improvements previously performed. No further on-going studies done.
(vi)
Drainage basin WF12:
No improvements planned for in the city's drainage study.
(C)
Low-priority drainage problem areas.
(i)
Stormwater channels throughout the city:
All earthen channels in the city except for the channel located in drainage basin WF7 are privately owned. For the city to make planned improvements to them it would necessitate obtaining stormwater utility easements for those channels to be dedicated to the city.
(ii)
Street flooding:
The SWTF will continually monitor and investigate problem street flooding areas and with the engineer as the consultant make recommendations for improvements.
(iii)
River Oaks Highway corridor improvements:
Streetscape planning of River Oaks Boulevard from Jacksboro Highway to the Trinity River located just west of Sam Calloway Road. The master planning was completed in 2017. Funding has not yet been allocated.
(j)
Training methods for MS4 field operators.
(k)
Electronic reporting rule.
By December 21, 2020, permittees must submit applications and annual reports online using the electronic reporting system available through the TCEQ website unless the permittee requests and obtains an electronic reporting waiver.
(l)
Transfer of ownership, operational authority, or responsibility for SWMP implementation.
(1)
Implementation of the SWMP in new areas must be done as expeditiously as possible, but no later than three years from the addition of the new area. Within 90 days of transfer of ownership, operational control, or responsibility for SWMP implementation the MS4 must have developed a plan for implementing the SWMP.
(2)
If operational control of the small MS4 changes, the present operator must submit an NOT and the new operator must submit an NOI and SWMP to obtain authorization under this general permit. The NOT and NOI must be submitted concurrently no later than 10 days after the change occurs.
(3)
An NOC is also required for changes to the SWMP that are made after TCEQ has approved the NOI and SWMP. Updates to the SWMP during the permit term may be made by submittal of a NOC unless the changes are non-substantial in which a NOC is not required.
(4)
If public notice is required, the MS4 is required to publish notice on the MS4 website, along with NOC and revised SWMP for any proposed changes submitted by MS4 classified as a major permit modification.
(Adopted by Ordinance #636-04 on January 27, 2004, amendments adopted April 11, 2006; Ordinance planned for drainage districts; Ordinance 1422-2024 adopted 5/7/2024)

