Stormwater Management and UPDES MS4 Compliance

 

Protecting Water Quality Through Responsible Stormwater Management

As part of its commitment to environmental stewardship and public health, Washington Terrace City is required to maintain a Stormwater Management Program (SWMP) under the Utah Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (UPDES). This program ensures that stormwater runoff—rain or snowmelt that flows over streets, lawns, and other surfaces—is managed in a way that minimizes pollution entering our local rivers, lakes, and streams.

The UPDES program is Utah’s implementation of the federal Clean Water Act’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). Under this program, cities operating Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4s) must obtain a permit and follow specific guidelines to reduce pollutants in stormwater discharges.

 

City Responsibilities Under the MS4 Permit

To comply with the UPDES MS4 permit, Washington Terrace City must develop, implement, and enforce a Stormwater Management Plan (SWMP) that includes the following six minimum control measures (MCMs):

 

1. Public Education and Outreach

Educating residents and businesses about the impacts of stormwater pollution and how they can help protect water quality. This includes distributing materials, hosting construction stormwater training for contractors and a water fair for 5th graders, and maintaining online resources.

 

2. Public Involvement and Participation

Encouraging community engagement through volunteer programs (such as adopting a storm drain, installing storm drain decals, participating in City Clean-up events, etc.), public meetings, and opportunities to comment on stormwater initiatives.

 

3. Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination

Identifying and eliminating unauthorized discharges into the storm sewer system; such as dumping of chemicals, oils, or wastewater.

 

4. Construction Site Stormwater Runoff Control

Ensuring that construction activities implement best management practices (BMPs) to prevent sediment and pollutants from leaving the site.

 

5. Post-Construction Stormwater Management

Managing runoff from new developments and redevelopments through permanent stormwater controls like detention basins, green infrastructure, and permeable surfaces.

 

6. Pollution Prevention and Good Housekeeping

Training city staff and maintaining municipal facilities to reduce pollution from daily operations, including street sweeping, proper waste disposal, and equipment maintenance.

 

Why It Matters

Stormwater runoff can carry harmful pollutants into our waterways, affecting drinking water sources, recreational areas, and aquatic habitats. By following UPDES MS4 requirements, Washington Terrace City helps ensure clean water, reduce flooding risks, and maintain a healthy environment for future generations.