Storm Water Pollution Prevention

Storm Water

Storm water is the runoff that flows over land during and immediately after a rain event. In urban and developed areas, this runoff is directed into storm drains which transport the water quickly out of the area and deposit it directly into local streams and rivers. Storm water cannot be treated at the sewage treatment plant because the cost of treating the huge amounts of storm water that result from even a small amount of rain would be prohibitive.

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How Storm Water Impacts Montgomery County

When storm water flows over parking lots, roads, driveways and lawns, pollutants such as hydrocarbons, deicers, fertilizers, bacteria, heavy metals and pesticides are carried away by the water. These pollutants are toxic and stay in the environment for long periods of time.

Once in the environment, these pollutants can harm human health, degrade water quality and aquatic habitat, and seriously impair ecosystem functions. Runoff from fertilized lawns contributes nutrients (ammonia, nitrogen and phosphates) to waterbodies, which leads to algal blooms and, in extreme cases, fish kills. Sedimentation that result from dirt and soil being carried away by storm water runoff clogs streams with silt and limits the amount of dissolved oxygen available for fish and other wildlife. Elevated fecal coliform levels impair water quality and leads to restrictions on fishing and swimming. Other effects of improperly controlled storm water runoff are flooding and erosion, which can result in expensive property damage.

How Montgomery County is Managing Storm Water

On July 3, 2003, Montgomery County was issued a Notice of Coverage (NOC) under the State of Tennessee’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (issued to the state by the US Environmental Protection Agency) General Storm Water Discharge Permit for Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4s). The NOC designates Montgomery County as an MS4, and requires the county to take certain legislative actions to remain in compliance with State and Federal regulations. In order to fulfill this obligation, The Montgomery County Commission adopted The Montgomery County Storm Water Resolution (#03-1-5), and The Water Quality Buffer and Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination Resolution (#08-1-2). These resolutions set the county regulations for:

• Pre-construction storm water management planning in areas of new development and re-development
• Construction site storm water runoff control in areas of new development and re-development
• Post-construction storm water management in areas of new development and re-development
• Water Quality Protection Buffers in areas of new development and re-development
• An Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination (IDDE) Program
• County operation pollution prevention and good housekeeping procedures
• Public Education
• Public Involvement

Keeping The Environment Safe

The Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination (IDDE) Program limits what can be discharged into the Montgomery County Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System(MS4). Any discharge into the MS4 that is not specifically allowed is considered an illegal discharge. Illegal discharges are punishable under TCA 68-221-1106, which subjects the violator to a civil penalty of not less than fifty dollars nor more than five thousand dollars per day for each day of violation. Each day of violation may constitute a separate violation.

How You Can Help

Individuals:

1. Dispose of household chemicals, paint cleaning products, fertilizers and pesticides properly. Pouring these hazardous substances down a storm drain, onto the ground or into a stream creates a danger to all the citizens of the county, as well as the environment. The Bi-County Solid Waste Management regularly sets collection dates and times for household hazardous waste. For more information call 931-648-5751

2. When using fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides, mixing instructions should be carefully followed. The application of these chemicals should follow manufacturer recommendations for safe use, and should be based on actual need as determined by testing. Use the least toxic product possible for each application. Avoid over-application, application to impervious areas, or application to irrigated or automatically watered areas to prevent these products from washing into storm water drains, ground water or surface water. Never mix products to save time.

3. Pet waste left on the ground gets carried away by storm water, contributing harmful bacteria, parasites and viruses to our rivers and streams. Please clean up after your pet.

4. Vehicle fluids such as oil, gas, and antifreeze are the #1 surface water quality problems nationwide. All vehicle fluids are toxic and extremely harmful to the environment. Recycle used oil in a clean, sealed, plastic container.

5. Yard waste such as grass clippings, tree trimmings, and leaves can be composted and used for fertilizer around the yard. Do not dispose of yard waste by dumpling it in a storm drain or store it where storm water can wash it into the storm drain system.

6. Street litter such as styrofoam, plastic, and paper can be prevented from blowing into inlets by keeping trash bins covered and by not littering.

7. SWEEP! Hosing off pavements washes pollutants into storm drains leading straight to the river.

Businesses and Industry:

1. Wash vehicles and equipment in wash bays connected to the sanitary sewer. Don't wash detergents, oils, and greases into streets or storm drains.

2. Waste and process water of any type must be discharged to the sanitary sewer. Discharging wastewater onto the ground or into storm drains is illegal.

3. SWEEP! Hosing off pavements washes pollutants into storm drains leading straight to the river.

4. Be sure to know spill cleanup procedures. Have a spill prevention plan prepared, cleanup materials near likely spill areas and train all employees in spill response procedures.

5. Street litter such as styrofoam, plastic, and paper can be prevented from blowing into inlets by keeping trash bins covered and by not littering.

Construction:

1. Vehicle and equipment maintenance becomes a significant factor when engine repairs or preventive maintenance procedures are performed at the construction site. Maintain a "dry site" by using off site facilities, performing maintenance in designated areas, keep materials stored outside protected from the weather, containing and cleaning up spills immediately, and training employees and subcontractors in proper procedures to prevent pollution.

2. Follow all BMPs found in the Tennessee Erosion and Sediment Control Handbook for limiting erosion and sedimentation.

3. For onsite concrete washout, locate washout area at least 50 feet from storm drains, open ditches, or water bodies. Construct a temporary pit or bermed area large enough to hold liquid and solid concrete waste to prevent the water from leaving the site. Wash out wastes into the temporary pit where the concrete can set, be broken up, and then disposed properly.

4. Street litter such as styrofoam, plastic, and paper can be prevented from blowing into inlets by keeping trash bins covered and by not littering.

Reporting Illegal Dumping

If you witness someone illegally (1) dumping pollutants onto the ground where storm water can wash it into the into storm drain system; (2) dumping pollutants directly into the storm drains, or (3) dumping pollutants directly into rivers, streams, lakes or ponds, it is important that you report this behavior as soon as possible. Report illegal dumping online or call Montgomery County Building and Codes Department (931-648-5718) to make your report. Try to give a complete description of what you witnessed (who you saw, vehicle description with tag numbers, what you saw being dumped, etc.). Remember, your report may protect you, your family and your neighbors from a dangerous health hazard and protect the Montgomery County environment for future generations.