STORMWATER BASICS
 
What is stormwater runoff?

Stormwater runoff begins as rain. It carries pollutants from land surfaces on its way to water bodies such as streams, lakes, and rivers. The pollutants picked up by stormwater come from a variety of sources, including construction sites, leaking vehicles, vehicle exhaust, bacteria from failing septic systems and animal wastes, as well as trash and other debris. Developing land often alters the character of stormwater. The paving of surfaces results in runoff entering water sources at a much faster rate. It is important to properly manage stormwater runoff to reduce its negative consequences.

How can citizens make comments or file complaints regarding stormwater?

Newton County residents can call Newton County Water Resources at 678-625-1684.

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What are the impacts of stormwater runoff when left unmanaged?














Flooding
Flooding occurs when an excessive volume of runoff is generated. This is a product of the amount of impervious land surfaces and the rate at which runoff is delivered. Flooding accounts for most of the nation's disaster declarations. Floods are one of the most deadly types of weather conditions and claim hundreds of lives each year. They also cause more damage to property and infrastructure than any other weather hazard. Annual property damage estimates range in the billions.

Pollution
Untreated runoff increases the amount of pollutants in our water bodies. Pollutants can damage the quality of a lake or stream, adversely impacting the aquatic habitat of many insects and animals. The major kinds of water pollution are physical, biological, and chemical and fall under three categories: agricultural, industrial, and municipal. Water pollutants commonly consist of petroleum products, hazardous wastes, organic matter, trace metals, heat, and herbicides and pesticides.

What are the types of pollution?
Point Source
Point source pollution is generated from pollutants that enter a body of water directly from a specific sourc, usually a pipe.  These are generally discharged as a result of agricultural, industrial or municipal activities.  The point sources of pollution typically include:

Pipe discharges from an industrial or municipal plant
Sewage system overflows and bypasses
Chemical spills from oil and gas companies
Seepage from underground storage tanks
Illegal discharges into storm sewers and drains

Non-Point Source
Non-point source pollution is generated from a variety of sources.  The pollutants are indirectly deposited.  Asrunoff travels, it picks up and carries man-made and natural pollutants, tranferring them into the various water sources.  Non-point sources include the following:

Sediments from construction sites
Stream bank erosion
Animal wastes
Hazardous wastes from landfills
Oil, grease, and chemical spills
Herbicides, fertilizers, and insecticides
Trash, litter, and other debris

What are some benefits of stormwater management?
Reduced flooding
Reduced auto accidents and traffic congestion as a result of flooding
Reduced street and property damage as a result of flooding
Improved insurance rates
Cleaner and healthier water sources


Regulation

Who is responsible for stormwater management?

State Government
The state is responsible for protecting state and local waters, such as streams, lakes, and rivers, as well as state wetlands.

Federal Government
The federal government is responsible for protecting federal waters and wetlands. The waters may include navigable waters, tributaries to the navigable waters, and interstate waters.

What types of legislation are in place to regulate stormwater?
Local
Newton County and the City of Covington have enacted a number of regulations for stormwater management and watershed protection, including:
Stormwater Conveyance and Management
Watershed Overlay Zoning
Agriculture Waste Impoundment
Erosion and Sedimentation Control
Groundwater Protection
Groundwater Recharge Protection

State
The pollution of our waters prevents these resources from meeting water quality standards and designated uses regulated under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). The Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) administers the NPDES regulations for the state of Georgia. The first phase of the NPDES issued in 1990 was aimed at medium and large Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4s) with populations of 100,000 or more. The MS4s include but are not limited to conveyance systems such as roads with drainage systems, local streets, curbs, gutters, ditches, and channels or storm drains owned and or operated by municipal entities, institutions, or any authorized organization. The first phase addressed pollution from certain construction, industrial and municipal activities. The second phase issued in 1999 requires that MS4s with populations of between 10,000 and 100,000 prepare and implement stormwater management plans to control and mitigate pollution.

Federal
In the early 1970s U.S. Congress enacted the Clean Water Act to safeguard water resources throughout the country from harmful pollutants. The primary goals of the act were to eliminate pollutant discharges and achieve improved water quality levels, providing water that is safe for human recreation, consumption and the support of aquatic habitats. The legislation provided the country with a structure of technical tools, principles, and financial assistance to reduce pollution and improve water quality. The Clean Water Act resulted in a series of water quality improvement programs and methods including the NPDES, which has been responsible for substantial improvements to water quality throughout the nation.

Funding Overview

Newton County is now required by federal law to improve its stormwater management program (SWMP) because of high population density in certain areas of the county. The County currently spends approximately $500,000 annually on its stormwater program. Engineering consultants hired by the County have estimated that the current budget will be adequate for at least the next two years. After that timeframe, more funding may be needed in order to meet requirements under the law for a more formal and complex SWMP.

LINKS AND CONTACTS

Are there other sources I can use to obtain additional information on stormwater management?