 Stormwater
Management
The Town of
Milton's 2009-2010
Stormwater Management
Program Annual Report
is
available for public review. If you have questions
or comments please contact the Highway Department at
885-5655.
Stormwater runoff is a
quality and quantity problem, especially in urban and
developing areas. Runoff starts as rain or melting
snow that can't infiltrate the ground because of frozen,
saturated soils or impervious surfaces. Rapid
development and urbanization have accelerated runoff
problems, by changing natural drainage patterns and
adding more paved surfaces that shed water quickly
without absorbing it.
Stormwater can pick up
oils, metal particles, litter, animal waste, fertilizers
and possibly pesticides as it flows across the ground.
Bare soils from construction sites add sediment to
runoff. Winter conditions compound the problem
with sudden snowmelt and large areas of impervious ice.
Storm water washing from neighborhood streets flows
untreated into local waterways, eventually polluting
small ponds, lakes, rivers and estuaries. Changes
in flow and water quality can lead to habitual loss,
flooding, threats to drinking water supplies.
New requirements for
construction projects that disturb one or more acres of
land would require a permit for stormwater discharge
from the site. Before construction begins a
Notice of Intent bust be filed with DEC affirming that
Storm Water Pollution Plan (SWPPP) has been prepared. A
SWPPP is a plan for erosion and sediment control and for
post construction runoff.
10 things you can
do to prevent stormwater runoff pollution:
- Use fertilizers
sparingly, sweep up driveways and sidewalks.
- Never dump
anything down storm drains.
- Reseed bare spots
in your yard.
- Compost your yard
waste.
- Avoid pesticides.
learn about Integrated Pest Management.
- Direct Downspouts
away from paved or concrete surfaces.
- Take your car to
a car wash instead of washing it in your driveway.
- Check car for
fluids leak and recycle used motor oil.
- Pick up after
your pet.
- Have your septic
tank pumped and inspected regularly.
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