Stormwater Runoff & Violations

PuBLIC WORKS/Storm Water Quality Mission

The mission of the Public Works/Storm Water Quality is to protect public health and safety. One of the best ways to do this is through education. Here we have tried to provide information and helpful links to allow our public to stay as informed as possible on Stormwater Quality.

Stormwater Runoff Overview

Stormwater is water that originates during a precipitation (rain, snow, sleet, etc.) event. Once the water begins to flow over the ground, it becomes stormwater runoff. Impervious surfaces such as streets and sidewalks prevent stormwater runoff from soaking into the ground.

The Problem

The problem is that when the stormwater is running over the ground it can pick up pollutants including trash, sediments, and chemicals. When the water enters the storm drain, there is no cleansing process like with wastewater. The stormwater runoff and any pollutant that it contains enters into our rivers, lakes, and streams potentially polluting them; affecting those animals, plants, and humans that use that water.

Prevention

There are a number of things you can do to help reduce the number of pollutants that enter our stormwater.

  • Lawn Care
    • Use organic products for mulch or pest control. If you need to use chemicals, use them sparingly
    • Compost or mulch using leaves and yard trimmings. Never sweep them into the street
  • Pet Care - Pick up pet waste and properly dispose of it. Otherwise, it could wash down harmful bacteria and nutrients into nearby bodies of water.
  • Auto Care
    • Properly dispose of used fluids. Never wash them into the storm drain.
    • Wash your vehicle at a car wash where the water can be captured and recycled.
  • Septic Systems - Maintain your system. Inspect it every 3 years and pump it when required.

Learn More

Violations & Examples

A violation occurs when a pollutant is introduced into the municipal storm sewer system (MS4) or into a body of water. The MS4 is anything that can convey water. This includes, but is not limited to, drainage channels, storm sewers, and even streets.

Examples:

  • Vehicles leaking oil or other fluids into the street
  • Filling in floodplain
  • Illegally dumping near or in the MS4 or waterway

Construction Site Violations:

  • Not maintaining Best Management Practices (BMPs)
  • Silt fencing down or allowing sediment through
  • Tracking sediment into the street
  • Concrete washout outside washout pit
  • Not properly containing construction debris and trash on site

To report a violation please contact us at 210-335-6700.