Stormwater Quality Management

Stormwater Quality Management Plan

In compliance with state and federal requirements, the City of Auburn has developed a Stormwater Management Program. Under this program, the City aims to prevent stormwater pollution, protect and enhance water quality in creeks and waterways, preserve beneficial uses of local waterways, and educate the public about stormwater impacts as well as best management practices (BMPs) when disposing of pollutants.

Under this program, the City educates the community in stormwater pollution prevention, regulates stormwater run-off from construction sites, investigates non-stormwater discharges and reduces non-stormwater runoff from its own municipal operations.

Stormwater discharges to local creeks from the City’s stormwater conveyance system are regulated under the State’s General Permit for Small Separate Municipal Storm Sewer System (MS4). The General Permit effectively prohibits the discharge of materials other than storm water except those that are “authorized” or those permitted by a separate State permit. Through the implementation of best management practices (BMPs), contaminant loads in both stormwater and non-stormwater discharges are reduced.

  1. What is a Storm Drain System?
  2. Common Pollutants and Proper Disposal
  3. Discharge and Runoff Impacts
  4. How Can I Help?
  5. Useful Information

Every time it rains, water flows down the gutter into the storm drain and out to the creek. This flow of water is stormwater. Water flowing into our creek doesn’t just come from rain, other discharges called “non-stormwater runoff” come from a variety of places, such as over watering a lawn, hosing down a driveway, and even washing a car. Water entering the storm drain system is untreated and has the potential to carry contaminants and be polluted. These pollutants harm our local creeks, streams, and wildlife. As rainwater and other discharges flow across the ground they pick up harmful contaminants like fertilizers, pesticides and dirt. When the rainwater hits our streets, the water mixes with waste oil, automotive fluids and plant debris. Unlike the wastewater we put down our sinks and toilets, stormwater flows to our waterways untreated. Stormwater pollution prevention is everyone’s responsibility.

Stormwater Runoff