What is Stormwater?
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency defines stormwater as runoff, snow melt runoff, and surface runoff and drainage. The runoff and drainage caused by precipitation, in any form, that flows over surfaces is considered stormwater. Stormwater runoff is typically recognized as the largest pollutant to waterways in the United States, both rural and urban.
Water quality is a top environmental concern for Americans. Since the passage of the Clean Water Act in 1972, point-source pollution (i.e. pollution with a single identifiable source) from industrial areas and sewage treatment plants has been greatly reduced. Today, increasing water quality problems are from non-point sources of pollution (pollution without a single identifiable source such as excess fertilizer/ herbicide use, urban runoff, or eroding streambanks) including stormwater discharges. Polluted stormwater can lead to fish kills, destruction of wildlife habitat, loss of aesthetic value, impaired recreational areas, and contaminated drinking water resources.
Hamilton County’s landscape is heavily impacted by stormwater runoff. The actions we take as individual citizens can also contribute to the health of the streams, rivers, and ponds across our County’s landscape. The MS4 permit addresses impacts from stormwater runoff by implementing the six Minimum Control Measures (MCMs) and the associated Best Management Practices (BMPs).
Water quality is a top environmental concern for Americans. Since the passage of the Clean Water Act in 1972, point-source pollution (i.e. pollution with a single identifiable source) from industrial areas and sewage treatment plants has been greatly reduced. Today, increasing water quality problems are from non-point sources of pollution (pollution without a single identifiable source such as excess fertilizer/ herbicide use, urban runoff, or eroding streambanks) including stormwater discharges. Polluted stormwater can lead to fish kills, destruction of wildlife habitat, loss of aesthetic value, impaired recreational areas, and contaminated drinking water resources.
Hamilton County’s landscape is heavily impacted by stormwater runoff. The actions we take as individual citizens can also contribute to the health of the streams, rivers, and ponds across our County’s landscape. The MS4 permit addresses impacts from stormwater runoff by implementing the six Minimum Control Measures (MCMs) and the associated Best Management Practices (BMPs).
