Stormwater discharges are generated by run-off from land and impervious areas such as paved streets, parking lots, and building rooftops during rainfall and snow events that often contain pollutants in quantities that could adversely affect water quality. Most stormwater discharges are considered point sources and require coverage by a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit. The primary method to control stormwater discharges is through the use of best management practices (BMPs).
Under the NPDES stormwater program, operators of large, medium and regulated small municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4s) require authorization to discharge pollutants under an NPDES permit. Chatham County and all of the municipalities within those boundaries fall under these guidelines for medium and large MS4 operators and are required to submit comprehensive permit applications and are issued individual permits.
The most significant portion of the application is the operator or municipal stormwater management program that would meet the standard of “reducing pollutants to the Maximum Extent Practicable (MEP).” Stormwater management programs for medium and large MS4s include measures to:
- Identify major outfalls and pollutant loadings;
- Detect and eliminate non-stormwater discharges to the system;
- Reduce pollutants in runoff from industrial, commercial, and residential areas; and
- Control stormwater discharges from new development and redevelopment areas.
More information on the permit application requirements and stormwater management programs for medium and large MS4s can be found from the following link: Storm Water Permit
STORMWATER POND MAINTENANCE BROCHURE
Check out this great resource and guidance brochure on what local municipalities will be looking for when inspecting local ponds and stormwater system structures for compliance. Stormwater System Maintenance Guidance
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: EPA Stormwater Program – Office of Wastewater Management.
Download Powerpoint Presentation:
NPS Solutions.ppt
The MPC in conjunction with the City of Savannah and Thomas and Hutton Engineering held a training session on February 23, 2011 to discuss proper stormwater detention maintenance. Please click here for a copy of the presentation.: City of Savannah Stormwater Pond Maintenance
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE COASTAL STORMWATER SUPPLEMENT TO THE GEORGIA STORMWATER MANAGEMENT MANUAL
The Coastal Stormwater Supplement (CSS) adds to the multitude of information found in the Georgia Stormwater Management Manual (GSMM) http://www.georgiastormwater.com/ by providing specific guidance for Georgia’s coastal communities. Georgia’s coastal areas have high water tables and a large tidal range with unique terrestrial and marine habitats that are addressed within the new Coastal Supplement. The Coastal Stormwater Supplement can be used to shift the focus of Coastal Georgia’s post-construction stormwater management efforts onto the prevention, rather than the mitigation of the negative impacts of the land development process. Runoff reduction strategies are detailed as an approach to manage stormwater. Coastal High Priority Plant and Animal Species and Habitat Areas are provided and integrated from the State’s Comprehensive Wildlife Action Strategy,http://georgiawildlife.dnr.state.ga.us/
statewildlifeactionplan_conservation.aspx and Coastal Rainfall Analysis, a Coastal Stormwater BMP Monitoring Protocol, and a model local government ordinance for Coastal Georgia are attached to the Supplement. The project also included guidance for coastal local governments on establishing a stormwater financing mechanism developed by the University of Georgia. Additionally, a user-friendly excel worksheet is also provided as a tool to ensure a project’s consistency with the Coastal Stormwater Supplement. The CSS provides Georgia’s coastal communities with comprehensive guidance on an integrated, green infrastructure-based approach to natural resource protection, stormwater management and site design that can be used to advance protection of coastal Georgia’s unique and vital natural resources as the region grows and develops.
TIDAL CREEK HABITATS
SENTINELS OF COASTAL HEALTH
To view details please click on files below:
HOW TO CONSERVE NATURAL RESOURCES ON CONSTRUCTION SITES
To view details please click on file below:
COASTAL STORMWATER SUPPLEMENT TO THE GEORGIA STORMWATER MANUAL APRIL 2009 EDITION
To view details please click on file below:
Georgia CSS Site Planning & Design Worksheet Revised June 2010
Please check back regularly to ensure you have the latest edition of the CSS SP&D Worksheet. Should you need assistance with any components of the CSS please contact us to obtain support from the CSS Technical Advisory Committee.
02/10/2009: CSS TRAINING IN SAVANNAH AND BRUNSWICK
To view details please click on files below:
CSS Training Attendees Dec 10-11 08
Connecting Green Infrastructure & Stormwater Management
COASTAL STORMWATER SUPPLEMENT Integrates Green Growth Guidelines
Green Infrastructure Practices
Development in Coastal Georgia – The Watershed Impacts
Stormwater Management and Site Planning & Design Criteria
Effective Post-Construction Stormwater Management
Stormwater Management Planning & Design
Courtney Regulatory Requirements
Section 7.6 BMP site challenges
02/10/2009: ECONOMICS OF GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE-BASED BETTER SITE DESIGN
To view details please click on files below:
The Economics of Low-Impact Development: A Literature Review
Synthesis of Existing Cost Information for LID vs. Conventional Practices
http://www.epa.gov/owow/nps/lid/costs07/
STORMWATER UTILITY HANDBOOK: A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO ESTABLISHING A UTILITY IN COASTAL GEORGIA
To view details please click on file below:
COASTAL MODEL ORDINANCE 043008
To view details please click on files below:
COASTAL STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PRACTICE MONITORING PROTOCOL
To view details please click on files below:
Coastal Stormwater Management Practice Monitoring Protocol
7/16/2008: STORMWATER UTILITY MANUAL TRAINING WORKSHOP
To view details please click on files below:
Development in Coastal Georgia – The Watershed Impacts
Georgia Stormwater Utility Handbook
Stormwater Management Programs for Local Governments
5/28/2008: BIORETENTION WORKSHOP
To view details please click on files below:
The Georgia Stormwater Management Manual-Coastal Supplement
Breaking New Ground in Retail Development: A Case Study of Abercorn Common
Coastal Stormwater Management: The Bioretention Option
02/28/2008: MEETING AT HOLLINGS MARINE LABORATORY
To view details please click on files below:
Implementation of Low Impact Development (LID) Practices in Oak Terrace Preserve
Stormwater Runoff Assessing & forecasting impacts of urbanization
State of the knowledge: Stormwater Ponds in the Coastal Zone




