Storm Water Management Program Plan

Background

In 1972, the Clean Water Act was passed to help protect rivers, streams, and lakes from pollution. From this Act the newly created United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) created the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program.  The purpose of the NPDES program was to track and control sources of pollution through permitting. In 1987, the NPDES program’s focus was widened to include permits for municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4). The first MS4 permits for cities within Alabama were distributed in 1996.  The Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) is responsible for administering the permits in Alabama. The duration of each permit is five years.

Program Overview

On August 17, 2017, ADEM issued the current MS4 permit for Midfield (NPDES Permit No. ALS000030). It can be found right here.  Midfield is currently a member of Storm Water Management Authority, Inc. (SWMA) which has a membership of 21 cities within Jefferson County.  SWMA helps the member cities’ cost share many of the permit requirements.

The components of the permit are as follows:

  • Storm Water Collection System Operations
  • Spill Prevention and Response
  • Public Education and Public Involvement on Storm Water Impacts
  • Pollution Prevention/Good Housekeeping for Municipal Operations
  • Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination (IDDE)
  • Application of Pesticides, Herbicides, and Fertilizers (PHFs)
  • Construction Site Storm Water Runoff Control
  • Oils, Toxics, and Household Hazardous Waste Control
  • Post-Construction Storm Water Management in New Development and Redevelopment
  • Industrial Storm Water Runoff

The City of Midfield submits an Annual Report to ADEM reporting their stormwater permit requirements.  The latest report can be found right here.

The Stormwater Management Program Plan (SWMPP) outlines how the City will meet its permit requirements. The latest SWMPP can be found here.

Important Numbers and Links

923-7578For unknown liquids entering the storm drain system, stream, or river
923-7578For mud leaving a construction site due to improper construction practices
424-0110For any spill
942-0681Sanitary Sewer Overflow

What is Stormwater and What Can I Do to Help?

Stormwater is rainwater, snowmelt, or even water from a garden hose that flows into the storm sewer system. Stormwater can come from many different sources including rooftops, street curbs, and paved areas. Once the excess water from these sources reaches the storm sewer, the water is piped to the nearest creek, river, or stream untreated and could eventually end up in the drinking water supply.

For more information on stormwater and what you can do as a citizen, business owner, or developer click on the links and/or pamphlets below.

Residents/Businesses

Fun Stuff for Kids

Contractors/Developers/Engineers

Household Hazardous Waste

Jefferson County Environmental Community Resource Booklet http://www.jcdh.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Resource-Booklet-5.5_3.1.pdf

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