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What is NPDES?
NPDES is an acronym for National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System. MS4 is an acronym for Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System. The program is aimed at reducing the amount of pollution carried off by rainfall and stormwater runoff. This program will reduce the amount of pollutants in our waterways by helping keep stormwater clean through education, awareness, and new regulations for illegal dumping, construction sites, and development requirements.
What is stormwater runoff?
When it rains, the stormwater runs off roofs, driveways, yards and roads. Pipes and ditches carry this water away. These pipes and ditches lead into local streams, rivers and lakes. Unlike sewage, storm runoff is not treated. As it flows, pollution such as oil, dirt, deicing chemicals, excess lawn fertilizers and trash are carried into our waterways.
What is stormwater pollution?
As it runs off of rooftops, and lawns, and down driveways and streets, stormwater picks up pollutants and debris. This can include such things as:
- Sediment (dirt)
- Fertilizer
- Pesticides
- Motor Oil
- Grease
- Heavy Metals (lead, copper, zinc, cadmium)
- Leaves and Grass Clippings
- Pet Waste
- Litter
How is stormwater conveyed?
Water running off your yard, sidewalk or street flows down gutters to curbside openings called catch basins. From there, this urban runoff flows into the storm drain system, a vast underground network of pipes and tunnels. Anything carried by this runoff is led straight into our waterways where it can harm fish, frogs, other aquatic plants and animals...and us!
A common misconception is that water that runs off streets and parking lots into a storm drain goes directly to a wastewater treatment plant. IT DOESN'T. In fact, stormwater usually receives no treatment!
Stormwater pollution can make monitoring and treatment of our drinking water more difficult and costly. In addition, it can hinder the aquatic ecosystem and result in the loss of our rivers, lakes and streams for swimming, fishing and other recreational activities.
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