Stormwater Pollution Prevention Training Arlington Public Schools August 8, 2014 Diana Handy AC DES OSEM
Overview Stormwater 101 Regulations / Permits Stormwater Pollution Illicit Discharges Pollution Prevention
What goes to our streams? Stormwater vs. Non-Stormwater STORMWATER NON-STORMWATER
These are connections to streams, not trash cans. Storm drains do not go to the treatment plant
Path of Stormwater Runoff Storm drain Outfall pipe Four Mile Run
Where does it go from there? Four Mile Run To the Potomac River Water in storm drains does not go to a treatment plant On to the Chesapeake Bay.
Why? Clean water Living critters It s the law Permits Public image
Photo courtesy of the City of Wilmington, NC Stormwater Pollution Discharges Indirect Surface runoff Direct We need to deal with both types!
Impacts of Pollution Releases Threats to human health & environment Water quality impacts Impacts to aquatic life = Fish Kills Regulatory requirements Costly clean-ups Enforcement action
Courtesy of University of Rhode Island Rhode Island Stormwater Solutions
Yes, there are fish in Arlington s streams
Regulations to Protect Streams Goal: keep pollution out of streams / clean water Federal Clean Water Act Virginia Code VA Water Control Law County Code Chapter 26.5 It shall be unlawful for any person to discharge directly or indirectly into the storm sewer system or state waters, any substance likely to have an adverse effect on the storm sewer system or state waters
MS4 Permit Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System Includes street and gutter system Issued by DEQ to APS Covers all APS property Stormwater management program Prevent pollution Only certain non-stormwater discharges allowed The permittee shall require the implementation of appropriate controls to prevent non-stormwater discharges to the MS4, such as wastewater, concrete washout, fuels and oils, and other illicit discharges identified during land disturbing activity inspections.
Authorized Discharges** Water line flushing Landscape irrigation Diverted stream flows Rising ground waters Uncontaminated ground water infiltration Uncontaminated pumped ground water Discharges from potable water sources Foundation drains Air conditioning condensation Irrigation water Springs Water from crawl space pumps Footing drains Lawn watering Individual residential car washing Flows from riparian habitats and wetlands Dechlorinated swimming pool discharges Street wash water Discharges or flows from fire fighting activities Non-exempted non-storm water discharges must be in compliance with a separate VPDES permit. Unauthorized discharges are considered an illicit discharge under the County s MS4 permit and the Clean Water Act Violation of permit may result in permit revocation and fines (up to $32,500 a day)
Permit Requirements Illicit Discharge Detection & Elimination Site inspections Outfall screening Pollution prevention Employee training
Pollution What we re trying to prevent Pollutants of Concern Sediment Chemicals / cleaners / detergents Nutrients Trash Petroleum Bacteria
Sources of Pollution Parking areas / loading docks Washing activities Leaks (vehicles / equipment) Waste & recycling containers Exposed equipment / materials Storm drain
Sediment
A watershed view Potomac River Rappahannock River York River James River
Wash Water Wash water cannot go to the storm drain system Do not dispose of on the ground Dispose in mop sink Outdoor washing - Protect storm drains and capture washwater Floor drains know where they go!
Wash Water Discharge Gone Wild Four Mile Run
Soap / Paint / Grout / Concrete
Trash /Litter
Oil / Fuel / Vehicle Fluids Leaks / spills Do not hose off Use spill kit Clean up It s raining, it s pouring, toxic rainbows are forming
Pollution Prevention Good Housekeeping Practices Keep areas clean / sweep Properly dispose of trash / remove litter Do not hose spills, leaks, dirt, debris down storm drain Manage wash water - Do not allow it to go into a storm drain Keep lids on waste receptacles closed Clean up spills / leaks promptly
Spills / Discharges Small spills clean up appropriately using spill kits Larger spills get help Call 703-558-2222 OR 911 Notify supervisors Have SDS readily available Notify DES / OSEM
Recognizing and Reporting Illicit Discharges and Stream Pollution Report to Non Emergency: 703-558-2222 Sewage: Contact DES-WSS: 703-228-6555 DES OSEM: 703-228-0772
Summary Pollution prevention is everyone s job New permits more stringent regulations Keep outside areas clean Take actions to prevent pollution Use proper equipment / controls Report spills and illicit discharges