Stormwater runoff is a form of water pollution that flows across parking lots, construction sites, and streets and then flows untreated into streams and rivers. Under this permit, the City of Struthers has developed a program to manage the quality of stormwater runoff from the stormwater drainage system in order to protect its citizens from this form of water pollution. The program focuses on the following areas:
Distributing educational materials and performing outreach to inform citizens about the impacts polluted storm water runoff discharges can have on water quality.
Providing opportunities for citizens to participate in program development and implementation, including effectively publicizing public hearings and/or encouraging citizen representatives on a storm water management panel.
Developing and implementing a plan to detect and eliminate illicit discharges to the storm sewer system (includes developing a system map and informing the community about hazards associated with illegal discharges and improper disposal of waste).
Developing, implementing and enforcing an erosion and sediment control program for construction activities that disturb 1 or more acres of land (controls could include silt fences and temporary storm water detention ponds).
Developing, implementing and enforcing a program to address discharges of post-construction storm water runoff from new development and redevelopment areas. Applicable controls could include preventive actions such as protecting sensitives areas (e.g., wetlands) or the use of structural BMPs such as grassed swales or porous pavement.
Developing and implementing a program with the goal of preventing or reducing pollutant runoff from municipal operations. The program must include municipal staff training on pollution prevention measures and techniques (e.g., regular street sweeping, reductions in use of pesticides or street salt, or frequent catch-basin cleaning).