NPDES Stormwater and the Town of Wrightsville Beach

Stormwater 101

Why Worry about Stormwater? What is stormwater? Stormwater is the runoff that occurs during and after perception. Stormwater is carried downhill and eventually enters creeks, lakes and rivers.

Urban and Industrial Stormwater: Typical Pollutants Suspended solids/sediments Nutrients (nitrogen & phosphorus) Metals (copper, zinc,lead and cadmium) Oil & greases (PAHs) Bacteria and other human pathogens Pesticides & herbicides Temperature Trash and floatables

What is Stormwater Pollution? Human Behavior can cause stormwater pollution …..

What is Stormwater Pollution Vehicle washing can cause stormwater pollution..

What is Stormwater Pollution Leaking equipment can cause stormwater pollution…..

What is Stormwater Pollution Poor tank management can cause stormwater pollution…..

What is Stormwater Pollution Poor material storage practices can cause stormwater pollution…

What is Stormwater Pollution Sediment and stream bank erosion can also cause stormwater pollution.

The Federal Stormwater Program

National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Regulates sources of pollution at a recognizable point of discharge -pipes -ditches -other man made outlets

NPDES Regulated Entities Phase I -Large and medium municipalities -Industrial activities -Construction sites > 5 acres Phase II -Small municipalities -Municipal industrial activities -Construction sites > 1 acre

Town of Wrightsville Beach’s Required Permits Phase II MS4 Permit -Covers TOWB municipal jurisdiction area -Regulates the Municipal Separate Strom Sewer System (MS4) Municipally Owned/ Operated Industrial Facilities - Vehicle maintenance facilities

Federal Stormwater Permits Define minimum requirements Establish compliance and enforcement capability Include Federal; and State requirements Issued by DWQ in North Carolina

NPDES Permit Emphasis Control Stormwater pollutants by: -Raising awareness -Managing pollutant sources -Controlling runoff …all to the Maximum Extent Practicable (MEP)

The MS4 Stormwater Program

MEP- The Phase II Six Minimum Control Measures 1.Public Education and Outreach 2.Public Involvement / Participation 3.Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination 4.Construction Site Runoff Control 5.Post- Construction Management 6.Pollution Prevention/ Good Housekeeping

TOWB’s Permit Application Submit to DWQ by March 10, 2003 Stormwater Program Proposal - Based on MEP ( 6 minimum measures) - Program components for the next 5 years - Best Management Practices (BMPs) - Measurable Goals - Implementation Timelines - Responsible Parties/ Departments

Organizational Impacts Planning Department Emergency Management Transportation (Street Maintenance) Transportation (Design) Legal Finance Accounting Budget Fire Parks and recreation Floodplain Management System Design/ Construction Program Responsibility Spill response System Maintenance System Planning and Design Enforcement Resource Creation Resource Accounting Resource Support Emergency response Landscape Management

The Six Minimum Measures

Public Education and Outreach Education/ Outreach on Impacts Guidelines: Inform public on steps the can take Partnership with other entities Utilize existing materials where available Reach Diverse audiences

EXAMPLES Develop plan to set up regional cooperative or establish educational partnerships to accomplish education goals Educational Materials PSAs Educational Signs Educational Curriculum Green Business Program Illicit Discharge Education Program

Public Involvement/ Participation Provide Opportunities for Public Role in the Development and Implementation Guidelines - Involve Community stakeholders - Hold public meetings/hearings - Work with volunteer groups/projects

Examples Stormwater Hotline Water Clean Ups Storm Drain Stenciling Program Wetland and Buffer Restoration Pet Waste Management Volunteer Education Teams

Illicit Discharge Detection & Elimination Program to Find and remove Non- Stormwater Inputs to the Storm Sewer System Guidelines: - Develop a storm sewer system map - Develop legal authorities to prohibit and enforce - Develop a plan to detect and remove - Perform Educational Outreach

Examples Adopt Illicit Discharge Detection Ordinance Map and Conduct Initial Shoreline Surveys of Storm Water Drainage System Create a Program to Collect Hazardous Waste, Oil, Tires, and Batteries Pass Illegal Dumping Ordinance Establish Enforcement

Pollution Prevention / Good Housekeeping Program to Examine and Alter Current MS4 Activities to Reduce Pollution Guidelines: - Evaluate existing programs - Operation and maintenance program - Education/training for municipal operations

Examples Develop a Pollution Prevention Plan - Hold Training Workshops on pollution prevention for municipal employees - Procedures in place for catch basin cleaning and regular street and parking lot sweeping Pollution Prevention Ordinance

Construction Site Runoff Control Program to Reduce Stormwater Pollution from Construction > 1 acre Guidelines: - Regulatory mechanism for implementation - Review of site plans for compliance with BMPs - Regular Inspection and enforcement - Procedures to consider information from the public

Examples Implement Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPP) Construction Site Stormwater Control Ordinance Construction Site Inspection and Enforcement Program Contractor Certification Program

Post-Construction Runoff Control Program to Reduce Pollutants in Post- Construction Runoff (sites w/land disturbance > 1 acre) Guidelines: -Implement along with construction site runoff program - Applicable to new development and redevelopment - Ensure Long term operation and maintenance of BMPs - Non-structural BMPs

Examples Post- Construction Stormwater Management Strategy - Create Strategy - Pass Post- Construction Stormwater Ordinance Stormwater System Inspection Program Pervious Surface Management Plan

State Post - Construction Requirements Implement Post Construction Program by March 10, 2005 General: 30’ building setbacks Deed restrictions and protective covenants Fecal Coliform / septic system control program can coordinate with County

State Post - Construction Requirements Cont’d Low Density Development - < 24% built upon area or 2 Dwelling Units per acre - Vegetated conveyance systems High Density Development - Control new runoff volume from 1-yr., 24-hr. storm event - Design to remove 85% TSS -Annual maintenance inspection report

State Post - Construction Requirements Cont’d Additional Requirements for SA waters - No new expanded discharges - Local ordinances  BMP selection for fecal coliform die- off  Pet Waste management program  Overnight program for septic systems

State Post - Construction Requirements Cont’d Additional Requirements - Local Ordinance - BMP selection for nutrient removal - Nutrient Application Management Program

Successful Phase I Programs Clearly defined goals and policies & visionary leadership Political and popular support Adequate funding mechanisms Clear and complete regulations Strong technical tools and capabilities Encouragement of innovative land uses Customer service orientation Positive control of development Comprehensive water quality programs Public- private partnering in multi- objective land use Strong public participation

The MS4 Path Forward

MS4 Permit Between now and March 10 Evaluate existing programs Define gaps in MEP Develop program to fill gaps BMPs Measurable goals Implementation timelines Responsible parties/departments Submit permit application

Upon MS4 Permit Issuance Implement Permitted Program Perform Annual Assessment Evaluate program compliance Evaluate appropriateness of BMPs Evaluate progress on measurable goals Report to DWQ Revise / Update Program

Questions?