The 2019-2024 SMC Research Agenda was developed by a nine-member advisory panel convened by the SMC to independently identify the region’s most pressing research needs.

The panel, which was convened last year, included experts from six science and engineering disciplines, plus three more representing a regulated stormwater agency, a regulatory agency and an environmental advocacy organization.

After hearing testimony from SMC members about their research needs and priorities, the panel developed 64 initial project concepts, then refined them down to 24 priority projects organized into six thematic areas:

• Microbiology and Human Health Risk
• BMP Monitoring, Implementation and Effectiveness
• Innovative Technology and Science Communication
• Expanding the Utility of Biomonitoring
• Improving Stormwater Monitoring Effectiveness
• Emerging Challenges

Then, the SMC Steering Committee used the Research Agenda to initiate a prioritization process to decide which projects to launch in the 2020-21 fiscal year.

Over the next five years, SMC members will use the research agenda as they prioritize, design and execute regional stormwater research projects. The research agenda will help the SMC evaluate potential funding opportunities and decide if, how and when to move forward with projects.

The expert panel members were:

• Karen Ashby Larry Walker & Associates
• Allen Davis University of Maryland
• Greg Gearheart California State Water Resources Control Board 
• Jody Harwood University of South Florida
• Terri Hogue Colorado School of Mines
• Drew Kleis City of San Diego Storm Water Division
• Shelley Luce Heal the Bay
• Pete Ode California Department of Fish & Wildlife
• David Senn San Francisco Estuary Institute