Stormwater Management Program
WHY HAVE A STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM?
Regulatory Background
In 2003, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), under the terms of the 1987 amendments to the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (FWPCA), also referred to as the Clean Water Act (CWA), required that the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC) expand its permitting program to include a new federally mandated program to control stormwater runoff and protect waterways. According to the federal law, commonly known as Stormwater Phase II, permits will be required for stormwater discharges from Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4s) in urbanized areas and for construction activities disturbing one or more acres. The NYS DEC has developed two general permits, one for MS4s in urbanized areas and one for construction activities. The permits are part of the state Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (SPDES). Operators of regulated MS4s and operators of construction activities were required to obtain permit coverage under either an individual SPDES permit or one of the general permits no later than March 10th, 2003 or prior to commencement of construction.
In addition to obtaining the required permits, MS4’s must also develop, implement and enforce a stormwater management program (SWMP) designed to reduce the discharge of pollutants from small MS4’s to the maximum extent practicable (MEP) to protect the water quality and to satisfy the appropriate water quality requirements of the Environmental Conservation Law and the CWA. SWMP’s must include six minimum control measures. These are:
- Public Education and Outreach on Stormwater Impacts
- Public Involvement and Participation
- Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination
- Construction Site Stormwater Runoff Control
- Post-Construction Stormwater Management
- Pollution Prevention and Good Housekeeping for Municipal Operations
For each of these six minimum measures, measurable goals are to be selected, identified and management practices implemented. The SWMP’s must be fully developed and implemented within five years of the issuance date of the permit, January 8th, 2008.
To learn more about the Federal and State Stormwater programs visit the following websites:
Environmental Protection Agency Stormwater Website
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Stormwater Website
WHAT IS THE TOWN OF QUEENSBURY DOING TO ASSURE REGULATORY COMPLIANCE?
The Town of Queensbury filed the required Notice of Intent (NOI) to obtain permit coverage under a SPDES General Permit for Stormwater Discharges from MS4’s on March 5, 2003 and is currently covered under MS4 SPDES No. NYR40A112.
To learn more about the Town of Queensbury Stormwater Management Plan review the following documents:
- Draft 2007 Annual Report on Storm water Management
- Storm Water Management Program – Draft Annual Report,
Period Ending March 9, 2006 - Powerpoint Presentation to the Town Board May 15, 2006
- Gap Analysis Summary
- Town Board Minutes April 10, 2006
As part of the Stormwater Management Program, the Town has partnered with other organizations to produce the goals outlined in the six minimum control measures:
- Warren County Soil & Water Conservation District (WCS & WCD)
- Lake Champlain Lake George Regional Planning Board (LCLGRPB)
E mail:
Stuart Baker, Senior Planner
E mail:
Craig Brown, Zoning Administrator
Email:
Community Development Office
742 Bay Road, Queensbury, NY 12804
Office Phone: (518) 761-8220
Fax: (518) 745-4437