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.

• Intermunicipal Stormwater Program
  www.saratogastormwater.org
• Milton's Municipal Compliance Certification

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.