In accordance with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation(NYSDEC), requirements the following has been provided to increase public awareness of Phase II Stormwater regulations.

Runoff from our roads, buildings and homes contributes to pollution of our surface waters. Yet, there is so much we can do to clear up the quality of our streams, lakes, ponds, reservoirs and rivers.

As we learn more about how our household and business management practices affect water quality, we’ll begin to think twice about our habits. Changing habits may take some effort, but these simple changes will revive our streams, lakes, rivers and other surface waters over time.

Rain or melting snow falls to the ground and it may either soak in and become part of the groundwater, or it may run off into drainageways such as ditches, streams, ponds, lakes, rivers or other surface waters. When it runs into drainageways, it is called stormwater or runoff. Stormwater from rooftops and paved areas runs over bare soils and lawns and collects materials on the way. Runoff may pick up soil, animal waste, oil, grease, pesticides, fertilizers, salt, dirt and other debris and possible pollutants and these materials are carried along in stormwater.

All the materials and potential pollutants from runoff enter drainageways and are carried to surface waters: streams, lakes and rivers. Soil, wastes, debris and other pollutants harm our surface waters. Polluted runoff presents the most serious threat to clean water (see Internet Information, links 1 2 and 3).

What can we do? There are many things you can do at home or the office to prevent stormwater runoff pollution (see Internet Information, links 4, 5 and 6):

Use pesticides, fertilizers and cleaning fluids sparingly. Learn about and use Integrated Pest Management.

 

Sweep driveways and walkways.

 

Never dump anything into drainageways or storm drains.

 

Plant bare spots in your yard.

 

Compost yard waste and other wastes.

 

Direct spouts from rooftops away from paved areas.

Get your car washed at the carwash instead of washing it in your driveway.

 

Check your car for leaks and spills, clean spills with absorbent material and dispose of properly.

 

Pick up after your pet and dispose of waste properly.

 

Have your specific system inspected and pumped regularly. Don’t flush household chemicals and items that will damage the system

 

 

Internet Information: These are internet addresses (links) to websites about stormwater and how to prevent water pollution. Internet access is available at your local library:

1. NYSDEC Website: What is Stormwater? http://www.dec.state.ny.us/website/index.html

2. Stormwater Manager’s Resource Center, with links to the US EPS and other websites: http://www.stormwatercenter.net/

3. The Stormwatercenter.net link above includes a slide show, which can be found directly at: http://www.stormwatercenter.net/

4. EPA pamphlet, "After the Storm": http://www.epa.gov/npdes/pubs/after_the_storm.pdf (if you need the free program Acrobat Reader to see this document, go to: http://www.epa.gov/epahome/pdf.html)

5. EPA-Public Education and Outreach on Stormwater Impacts has Best Management Practices (BMP) for Lawn and Gardens: http://cfpub1.epa.gov/npdes/stormwater/menuofbmps/edu_6.cfm

A list of other BMP Fact Sheets: http://cfpub1.epa.gov/npdes/stormwater/menuofbmps/pub_ed.cfm

6. Household chemicals and toxic wastes: http://www.westchestergov.com/waterquality/ http://www.westchestergov.com/envfacil/2003HCCDFlier.htm

7. Watershed Agricultural Program (WAP): http://www.westchestergov.com/planning/watershed/default.htm (WAP in left column)