Storm Water Division

The public works division of Storm Water is the local face of the federal Environmental Protection Agency.  Our job is to protect our citizens, our contractors and our local business from the negative influences of pollution, erosion and all the rest.

For storm water forms click here.

For more information or to volunteer, contact our Storm Water Department at 773-6270

What is stormwater runoff pollution?

When it rains or as snow melts, the resulting stormwater flows over roads or ground surfaces, picking up debris, chemicals, oils, grease, salt, sediment and other pollutants. These can have harmful effects on drinking water supplies, recreation, fisheries and other wildlife.

What you can do to help prevent stormwater runoff pollution:

• Don't dump anything into a catchbasin, drain pipe or storm sewer grate.
• Properly dispose of all paints, used motor oil and other hazardous waste
• Use fertilizers and pesticides sparingly
• Pick up after your pet and dispose waste in the toilet or trash.
• Check you vehicles for any leaking fluids
• Wash your vehicles at a car wash. If washing at home, use a low-phosphate detergent.
• Have your septic tank pumped and inspected at least once every two years.

What is an Illicit Discharge?

An illicit discharge is the discharge of pollutants or non-storm water materials into a storm drain system via an illegal pipe connection or other direct tie-in and also via overland flow or direct dumping into a catch basin or stormdrain. Municipal storm drains are intended to convey storm water runoff to nearby lakes and streams to prevent flooding, but they are not intended to carry flow from sources such as sanitary sewers, septic systems, carwashes, laundromats, or other similar sources. Illicit discharges are a problem because stormwater generally flows to a river, pond or stream without any additional treatment, unlike wastewater or sewage which flows to a wastewater treatment plant. Dumping anything other than storm water into a storm drain is illegal and considered an illicit discharge.

Sources of Illicit Discharges

• Sanitary wastewater (sewage)
• Septic tank waste or overflows
• Car wash, laundry, and industrial wastewaters
• Improper disposal of auto and household toxics, such as motor oil, antifreeze, and pesticides
• Spills on roadways and other accidents