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The Clean Water Act (CWA) establishes the basic structure for regulating discharges of pollutants into the waters of the United States and regulating quality standards for surface waters. The basis of the CWA was enacted in 1948 and was called the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, but the Act was significantly reorganized and expanded in 1972. "Clean Water Act" became the Act's common name with amendments in 1977 and 1987. Legislative History Introduced in the Senate as S.2770 by Edmund Muskie on October 28, 1971 Committee consideration by: Senate Public Works Committee Passed the Senate on November 2, 1971 () Passed the House on March 29, 1972 () Reported by the joint conference committee on October 4, 1972; agreed to by the House on October 4, 1972 () and by the Senate on October 4, 1972 () Signed into law by President Richard Nixon (Congressional override of Presidential Veto) on October 18, 1972 History of Clean Water Act
What is Stormwater Runoff ? • Stormwater is a term used to describe water that originates during precipitation events. It may also be used to apply to water that originates from over watering that enters the stormwater system. Stormwater that does not soak into the ground becomes surface runoff, which either flows directly into surface waterways or is channeled into storm sewers, which eventually discharge to surface waters. • Stormwater is of concern for two main issues: one related to the volume and timing of runoff water (flood control and water supplies) and the other related to potential contaminants that the water is carrying, i.e. water pollution. • Common pollutants include oil and grease from roadways, pesticides for lawns, sediment from construction sites and carelessly discarded trash such as cigarette butts, paper wrappers and plastic bottles.
Difference between stormwater and sewer LAGUNA MADRE Traditional SEWER PLANT
We need to follow these (7) Best Management Practices • 1. Public Education and Outreach – Distributing educational materials and performing outreach to inform citizens about the impacts polluted Stormwater runoff discharges can have on water quality. • 2. Public Participation/Involvement - Providing opportunities for citizens to participate in program development and implementation, including effectively publicizing public hearings and/or encouraging citizen representatives on a Stormwater management panel. • 3. Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination - Developing and implementing a plan to detect and eliminate illicit discharges to the storm sewer system (includes developing a system map and informing the community about hazards associated with illegal discharges and improper disposal of waste). • 4. Construction Site Runoff Control - Developing, implementing, and enforcing an erosion and sediment control program for construction activities that disturb 1 or more acres of land (controls could include silt fences and temporary Stormwater detention ponds). • 5. Post-Construction Runoff Control - Developing, implementing, and enforcing a program to address discharges of post-construction Stormwater runoff from new development and redevelopment areas. Applicable controls could include preventative actions such as protecting sensitive areas (e.g., wetlands) or the use of structural BMPs such as grassed swales or porous pavement. • 6. Pollution Prevention/Good Housekeeping - Developing and implementing a program with the goal of preventing or reducing pollutant runoff from municipal operations. The program must include municipal staff training on pollution prevention measures and techniques (e.g., regular street sweeping, reduction in the use of pesticides or street salt, or frequent catch-basin cleaning). • 7. Authorization for Municipal Construction Activities - The development of a MCM for municipal construction activities is an optional measure and is an alternative to the MS4 operator seeking coverage under TPDES general permit TXR150000.
BMP #1 Examples Signage Classroom Presentations Brochures and Videos
BMP #2 – Public Participation / Involvement Stenciling Public Meeting
BMP #7 – Authorization for Municipal Construction Activities The development of a MCM (minimal control measures) for municipal construction activities is an optional measure and is an alternative to the MS4 operator seeking coverage under TPDES general permit TXR150000.
Plan of Action • Promote approved Ordinances • Identify and submit grant applications for Recycling and Storm Water Program • Finish stenciling storm drains-manholes & inlets • Finalize all pending BMP’s: website, handouts, stenciling, inlet markings, trainings, community education, etc. • Enhance Recycling Program for the City • Tentative collection of Storm Water User Fee If City charged: $1.00 for Residential (4486*$1.00=$4,486 per month) $2.50 for Commercial (413*$2.50=$1,032.50 per month) 4,486+1032.50=5518.50*12=$66,222.00 yearly On January 4, 2011, President Obama signed Senate Bill 3481 into law. The law requires federal agencies to pay the same local fees or assessments associated with storm water runoff that would be applicable to any non-governmental entity. Some agencies had argued that such fees were local taxes, which the federal government does not have to pay. The new law expressly resolves any disagreement over whether local governments may collect storm water fees from the federal government, as it is a user fee and not a tax.
Thank You! CONTACT INFORMATION Melisa Gonzales Storm Water Manager / Grant Writer 420 N. Tower Road Alamo, Texas 78516 E-MAIL: mgonzales@alamotexas.org Storm Water Hotline-956-887-4063
