Stormwater Management in the City of Petersburg

1. Stormwater Managementin theCity of Petersburg Petersburg Storm Watch Virginia Pollution Discharge Elimination System Petersburg, Virginia June 2005 Clean Water is everybody’s business!

2. Petersburg Stormwater Management ProgramFederal Law • According to federal law (40CFR 122.26(b)(8)), “municipal separate storm sewer means a conveyance or system of conveyances (including roads with drainage systems, municipal streets, catch basins, curbs, gutters, ditches, man[made channels, or storm drains; • Owned or operated by a … city,,,that discharges into water of the United States. • Designed or used for connecting or conveying storm water; • which is not a combined sewer; and • Which is not part of a Publicly Owned Treatment Works (POTW) as defined at 40 CFR 122.2.” Clean Water is everybody’s business!

3. Petersburg Stormwater Management ProgramThe State of Virginia The 2004 Virginia General Assembly unanimously passed House Bill 1177 transferring regulatory authority of National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) programs related to municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4) and construction activities from the State Water Control Board to the Soil and Water Conservation Board and transferred oversight of these programs from the Department of Environmental Quality to the Department of Conservation and Recreation. This transfer became effective January 29, 2005. As a result, DCR is responsible for the issuance, denial, revocation, termination and enforcement of NPDES permits for the control of stormwater discharges from MS4s and land disturbing activities under the Virginia Stormwater Management Program. The Department of Environmental Quality continues to manage the remaining NPDES program. Clean Water is everybody’s business!

4. What is Stormwater Runoff? When it rains, when someone washes their car, when we water our lawns, impervious surfaces such as rooftops, driveways and roads prevent water from being absorbed into the ground. The portion of water that is not absorbed into the ground is what is known as stormwater runoff. This water in motion picks up and carries a wide variety of pollutants and carries them along with it into our sewers and ditches. Clean Water is everybody’s business!

5. What about Urban Stormwater Runoff? In urban areas, such as Petersburg, much more of the land surface is covered by buildings and pavement. Instead, most developed areas rely on storm drains, pipes, culverts and ditches to carry large amounts of runoff from our yards and streets to nearby creeks and streams that eventually drains to rivers. This stormwater runoff carries pollutants such as oil, dirt, chemicals, and lawn fertilizers directly to stream and rivers, where they seriously harm water quality. To protect water quality, all development should be designed and built to minimize increases in stormwater runoff and we should employ local practices to control pollutants. Clean Water is everybody’s business!

6. The effects of polluted Stormwater • Sediment in the water can destroy aquatic habitats. • Excess nutrients can kill fish and other aquatic organisms by causing algae blooms that remove oxygen from the water • Bacteria and other pathogens can wash into swimming areas and create health hazards • Debris washed into waterbodies can choke, suffocate, or disable aquatic life • Household hazardous wastes like insecticides, pesticides, paint, motor oil can poison aquatic life Clean Water is everybody’s business!

7. Petersburg Stormwater Management ProgramState Law § 10.1-603.8. Regulated activities; submission and approval of a control plan; security for performance; exemptions. … A person shall not develop any land for residential, commercial, industrial, or institutional use in that locality until he has submitted a stormwater management plan to the locality that has jurisdiction and has obtained approval of the plan from that locality. The plan may include appropriate maps, mathematical calculations, detail drawings and a listing of all major decisions to assure that the entire unit or units of land will be so treated to achieve the objectives of the local program…. These requirements are in addition to all other provisions of law relating to the issuance of such plans and are not intended to otherwise affect the requirements for such plans. Clean Water is everybody’s business!

8. Petersburg Stormwater Management ProgramPetersburg City Code Sec. 122-100. Stormwater management plan (for areas part of Chesapeake Bay Preservation Areas). A stormwater management plan shall be submitted as part of the plan of development process required by this article and in conjunction with site plan or subdivision plan approval. Such plan shall clearly indicate how the stormwater management criteria consistent with the water quality protection provisions of (4 VAC 3-20-71 et seq.) of the Virginia Stormwater Management Regulations (4 VAC 3-20) shall be satisfied. (1) Contents of the plan. The stormwater management plan shall contain maps, charts, graphs, tables, photographs, narrative descriptions, explanations, and citations to supporting references as appropriate to communicate the information required by this article. At a minimum, the stormwater management plan must contain the following: a. Location and design of all planned stormwater control devices. b. Procedures for implementing nonstructural stormwater control practices and techniques. c. Pre- and post-development nonpoint source pollutant loadings with supporting documentation of all utilized coefficients and calculations. d. For facilities, verification of structural soundness, including a professional engineer or class III B surveyor certification. (2) Site specific facilities shall be designed for the ultimate development of the contributing watershed based on zoning, comprehensive plans, local public facility master plans, or other similar planning documents. (3) All engineering calculations must be performed in accordance with procedures outlined in the current edition of the Local Assistance Manual, Virginia Erosion and Sediment Control Handbook, Virginia Department of Transportation Drainage Manual, or any other good engineering methods deemed appropriate by the city director of public works. (4) The plan shall establish a long-term schedule for inspection and maintenance of stormwater management facilities that includes all maintenance requirements and persons responsible for performing maintenance. If the designated maintenance responsibility is with a party other than the city, then a maintenance agreement shall be executed between the responsible party and the city. (Code 1981, § 9.5-12(4); Ord. No. 04-51, 6-15-2004) . Clean Water is everybody’s business!

9. Petersburg Stormwater Management ProgramStormwater Management Policy • Purpose - It is the purpose of the SWM Policy to establish minimum stormwater management guidelines and controls. • To reduce flood damage to health, life, and property. • To minimize increased stormwater runoff from new developments. • To maintain the adequacy of existing channels and structures. • Program Administration - Department of Public Works • Applicability - the following activities are exempt from this policy: • Agriculture, horticultural and forestry related activities; • Single family residences separately built and not developed as part of a subdivision; • Land development projects that disturb less than 10,000 square feet of land, provided that the Director may reduce this exception; • And State projects. • Compatibility with Other Requirements - This policy does not relieve the owner from responsibility to comply with other applicable ordinance and regulations. • The owner shall complete and record a Declaration of Covenants for Storm and Surface Water Facility and System Maintenance with an approved Stormwater Management Plan. Clean Water is everybody’s business!

10. How can the City of Petersburg reduce non-point pollution of our creeks, streams and the river? Residential: Recycle or properly dispose of household products that contain chemicals, such as insecticides, pesticides, solvents, and used motor oil and other auto fluids. Don’t pour them onto the ground or into storm drains. Clean Water is everybody’s business!

11. How can the City of Petersburg reduce non-point pollution of our creeks, streams and the river? • Lawn Care: • Excess fertilizer and pesticides applied to lawns and gardens wash off an pollute creeks and streams. In addition, yard clippings and leaves can wash into storm drains and contribute nutrients and organic matter to creeks and streams. • Don’t overwater your lawn. Consider using a soaker hose instead of a sprinkler. • Use pesticides and fertilizers sparingly. When use is necessary, use these chemicals in the recommended amounts. • Use organic mulch or safer pest control methods whenever possible. • Compost or mulch yard waste. Don’t leave it in the street or ditch or sweep it into storm drains or drainage ditches. Clean Water is everybody’s business!

12. How can the City of Petersburg reduce non-point pollution of our creeks, streams and the river? • Auto Care: • Washing your car and degreasing auto parts at home can send detergents and other contaminants down our drains and through the storm sewer system. Dumping automotive fluids into storm drains has the same result as dumping the materials directly into a waterbody. • Use a commercial car wash that treats or recycles its wastewater, or wash your car on your yard so the water infiltrates into the ground. • Repair leaks and dispose of used auto fluids and batteries at designated drop-off or recycling locations. Clean Water is everybody’s business!

13. How can the City of Petersburg reduce non-point pollution of our creeks, streams and the river? • Pet Waste: • Pet waste can be a major source of bacteria and excess nutrients in local waters! • When walking your pet, remember to pick up the waste and dispose of it properly. Flushing pet waste is the best disposal method. Leaving pet waste on the ground increases public health risks by allowing harmful bacteria and nutrients to wash into the storm drains and eventually into local waterbodies. Clean Water is everybody’s business!

14. How can the City of Petersburg reduce non-point pollution of our creeks, streams and the river? • Residential Landscaping: • Permeable Pavement - Traditional concrete and asphalt don’t allow water to soak into the ground. Permeable pavement systems allow rain and snowmelt to soak in decreasing stormwater runoff. • Rain Barrels - Yon can collect rainwater form rooftops in mosquito-proof containers. The water can be used oater on lawn or garden areas. • Rain Gardens and Grassy Swales - Specially designed areas planted with native plants can provide natural places for rainwater to collect and soak into the ground. • Vegetated Filter Strips - Filter strips are areas of native grass or plants created along roadways or streams. They trap the pollutants stormwater picks up as it flows across driveways and streets. Clean Water is everybody’s business!

15. How can the City of Petersburg reduce non-point pollution of our creeks, streams and the river? • Commercial Developments: • Dirt, oil, and debris that collect in parking lots and paved areas can be washed into the storm sewer system and eventually enter local waterbodies. • Sweep up litter and debris from sidewalks, driveways and parking lots, especially around storm drains. • Cover grease storage and dumpsters and keep them clean to avoid leaks. • Report any chemical spell to the local hazardous waste cleanup team. They’ll know the best way to keep spills from harming the environment. Clean Water is everybody’s business!

16. How can the City of Petersburg reduce non-point pollution of our creeks, streams and the river? • Construction: • Erosion controls that aren’t maintained can cause excessive amounts of sediment and debris to be carried into the stormwater system. Construction vehicles can leak fuel, oil, and other harmful fluids that can be picked up by stormwater and deposited into local waterbodies. • Divert stormwater away from disturbed or exposed areas of the construction site. • Install silt fences, vehicle mud removal areas, vegetative cover, and other sediment and erosion controls and properly maintain them, especially after rainstorms. • Prevent soil erosion by minimizing disturbed areas during construction projects, and seed and mulch bare areas as soon as possible. Clean Water is everybody’s business!

17. How can the City of Petersburg reduce non-point pollution of our creeks, streams and the river? • Automotive Facilities: • Uncovered fueling stations allow spills to be washed into storm drains. Cars waiting to be repaired can leak fuel, oil, and other harmful fluids that can be picked up by storm. • Clean up spills immediately and properly dispose of cleanup materials. • Provide cover over fueling stations and design or retrofit facilities for spill containment. • Properly maintain fleet vehicles to prevent oil, gas, and other discharges from being washed into local waterbodies. • Install and maintain oil/water separators. Clean Water is everybody’s business!

18. The City of Petersburg is in the James River and the Chowan River Watersheds Clean Water is everybody’s business!

19. Which local watershed are you in? Clean Water is everybody’s business!