Stormwater - MS4 Permit
What is Stormwater?
Stormwater is water from precipitation that flows across the ground and pavement when it rains or when snow and ice melt. The water seeps into the ground, drains to streams, or to the Town’s MS4. The Town’s MS4 are those drains (catch basins) that can be seen along the roadway. Because stormwater travels across the ground it can come into contact with debris, pet waste, fertilizers, chemicals, dirt and other pollutants which then drain to the streams, ponds, lakes or even sources for drinking water.
Stormwater and Development
Impervious surfaces like roads, rooftops, and sidewalks prevent
stormwater from seeping into the ground, causing greater volumes of runoff. This
can have a number of side effects, including increased severity of flooding and
pollution into waterways.
For more information: https://nemo.uconn.edu/publications/fact_sheets/nemo_fact_sheet_3_s.pdf
Pollutants of Concern
Stormwater is not treated before entering waterways, so
pollutants containing bacteria, nitrogen, and phosphorus can cause issues for
the environment. These can make recreational waterways unsafe for use and
contaminate sources are drinking water.
Pet Waste
·
Has bacteria that makes our streams, river and
reservoirs unsafe for swimming, drinking and other recreational activities.
·
Can cause streams and lakes to become murky,
green, smelly, and full of algae and weeds.
·
Even if placed into plastic bags can remain a
hazard if not disposed of in the trash.
The Town of Canton, MA had so many bags dropped into their drains that
it caused a major flood.
Poorly Performing Septic Systems
· Can cause a serious health threat to your family
and neighbors.
·
Can introduce nitrogen, phosphorus, and bacteria
into the environment, especially lakes, streams and groundwater.
·
Put thousands of water supply users at risk if
you live in a public water supply watershed and fail to maintain your system.
The Eastern Highlands Health District provides additional
information for maintenance of Septic Systems. http://www.ehhd.org/SSDS
Fertilizers
· Contain nitrogen and phosphorous, which can
increase algae growth. Algae uses up oxygen as it decays, suffocating fish.
Never fertilize before rain and keep fertilizer off of
pavement where it is likely to runoff. Fertilizers should not be applied on
lots next to waterbodies. Additionally, grass clippings, which can also cause
algae blooms, should be kept on the lawn and can act as natural fertilizer.
Herbicides and Pesticides
·
Can pose a health risk to humans, plants, and
beneficial insects.
Alternatively, weed by hand and choose plants that resist
pests and disease. Never apply pesticides before rain, and use them sparingly.
What the Town is doing
The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental
Protection (CTDEEP) General Permit for the Discharge of Stormwater from Small
Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems, more commonly known as the “MS4”
Permit, was revised in 2016 and became effective July 1, 2017. As a result of
the revision, the town has become subject to the new Permit.
Your community is implementing a Stormwater Management Plan
in accordance with the CTDEEP General Permit. The goal of the MS4 permit program is to improve overall water quality
by reducing the amount and potential for pollutants to enter our waterways.
Stormwater Management Plan
In accordance with the MS4
Permit, the town has created a Stormwater
Management Plan that identifies measurable goals in each of the following
six control measures:
1) Public Education and
Outreach
2) Public Participation and
Involvement
3) Illicit Discharge
Detection and Elimination
4) Construction Site Runoff
Control
5) Post-Construction Runoff
Control
6) Pollution Prevention/Good
Housekeeping
The Stormwater
Management Plan was prepared by the Town of Mansfield Engineering
Division. Your participation is encouraged to assist the Town in meeting the
Public Participation and Involvement Control Measure.
If you have any questions or
comments regarding this plan, please contact Derek Dilaj, Asst. Town Engineer
at (860) 429-3334 or via e-mail at dpw@mansfielct.org.
Illicit Discharge Ordinance
In accordance to the Stormwater Management Plan, the town
created an illicit discharge ordinance in July 2019 with the goal to:
·
Regulate the contribution of pollutants to the
storm drainage system through stormwater discharges by any user.
·
Prohibit illicit connections and discharges to the
storm drainage system.
·
Establish legal authority to carry out all
inspection, surveillance and monitoring procedures necessary to ensure
compliance with this article.
The full ordinance can be viewed here.