The detection and elimination of pollutants being discharged into the MS4. Primarily, any discharge into the MS4 other than stormwater runoff including direct connections of waste water and effluent from residential or industrial/commercial sources. Municipalities must map all outfalls into surface water bodies, outfalls into adjacent MS4s and all infiltration practices such as dry-wells. Additionally, Municipalities must adopt a local law prohibiting illegal connection to or illegal dumping into the MS4. Lastly, Municipalities must regularly monitor outfalls to maintain water quality. Examples of prohibited practices include wastewater/grey water or rooftop runoff conveyances connected to the MS4 and disposal of chemicals and other waste products into ditches, storm sewers, catch basins, etc.
Ways to help
Reducing Your Domestic Footprint:
Every year millions of gallons of Stormwater, in the form of rain and snow melt, flow through our County. As stormwater flows through developed areas, it picks up sediment and other pollutants. These pollutants, including oil, chemicals and trash, are being deposited in our lakes, ponds and rivers. If left unmanaged, stormwater can cause waterbodies to become impaired by debris, sediments and flooding, worsening water conditions for drinking, fishing and natural processes.
Collecting Rainwater:
Owners of existing homes can “retro-fit” their residences by installing rain barrels to help reduce runoff from their lot. Contact Blue Neils at (518)-885-8995 or brn5@cornell.edu for instruction and installation.
Improving Yard Management:
There are a variety of ways you can reduce your stormwater impact through improved yard landscaping. Many of these are simple, including reducing fertilizer use and mowing the lawn higher. Additionally, consider replacing standard turf grass with alternatives such as native perennials and groundcovers.
Buying a new Home:
New-home buyers should consider the design of their home and the development that surrounds it. Residents, as consumers, have the right to insist on better Stormwater Management Practices to be installed on their own home-site. You can also be a more discerning consumer by purchasing homes in developments that utilize Low-Impact Development (LID) or other modern practices to manage runoff.