Storm Water Runoff and Pollution Prevention

NEW PUBLIC INFORMATIONAL CAMPAIGN

The Village is required to obtain a storm water discharge permit as part of the nationwide program to eliminate pollutants in storm water runoff. This permit will be issued by the Environmental Protection Agency as a component of the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES).

Criteria includes -
Public Education and Outreach on Storm Water Impacts
Public Involvement and Participation
Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination
Construction Site Runoff Control
Post-Construction Storm Water Management
Pollution Prevention and Good Housekeeping for Municipal Operations

STORM WATER

NATIONAL POLLUTION DISCHARGE ELIMINATION SYSTEM

Storm water runoff is our most common cause of water pollution.  Unlike pollution from industry or sewage treatment facilities, which is caused by a discrete number of sources, storm water pollution is caused by the daily activities of people everywhere.  Rainwater and snowmelt run off streets, lawns, farms, and construction and industrial sites and pick up fertilizers, dirt, pesticides, oil and grease, and many other pollutants on the way to our rivers, lakes, and coastal waters.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates storm water discharges under the Clean Water Act’s National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program.  The NPEDS regulations cover discharges from municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4s), certain industrial activities, and construction activities that disturb one acre or more of land.  The information provided here describes the regulatory requirements for MS4s and construction activities involving one acre or more of disturbed land.  Information about industrial activities can be found at EPA’s home web site for NPDES http://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/index.cfm

Other website links: 

http://www.epa.gov/npdes

http://www.bernco.gov/

MS4s 

The Storm Water Phase II Final Rule requires operators of regulated (MS4s) to obtain a NPDES permit and develop a storm water management program designed to prevent harmful pollutants from being washed by storm water runoff into bodies of water.  The Village of Los Ranchos was required to submit an application for a permit by April 1, 2007.  This application included a Storm Water Management Program that includes the following six minimum control measures: 

• Public Education and Outreach
• Public Participation/Involvement
• Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination
• Construction Site Runoff Control
• Post-Construction Runoff Control
• Pollution Prevention/Good Housekeeping

The Village has only one outfall into the Alameda Drain (Main Canal) on Willow.  The inlets are marked that these waters flow to the Rio Grande. 

What are Storm Water pollutants?

There are  hazards associated with illegal discharges and improper disposal of waste. Endangered species specific to the Village of Los Ranchos are:

1. Fish — Rio Grande Silvery Minnow

2. Bird — Mountain Plover, Southwestern Willow Flycatcher, Bald Eagle, Mexican Spotted Owl

3. Mammal — Black-Footed Ferret 

Additionally, polluted water affects other animals and humans alike.  Pollution can be a result of water line flushing, landscape irrigation, diverted stream flows, rising ground waters, uncontaminated ground water infiltration (as defined at 40 CFR 35.2005 (20)), 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, and street wash water. The significant contributors of pollutants in The Village of Los Ranchos and Bernalillo  County are animal and pet waste (fecal coliform bacteria), floatables, and drainage and grading (erosion and sediment).

Illegal dumping of oil, grease, household cleaners, transmission and radiator fluid into ditches and canals is strictly prohibited.  These contaminants can significantly increase pollution. Illegal dumping of household trash or food containers are considered pollutants because they stop up the storm drainage system.

Restaurant owners must install grease traps in their drains to prevent wastewater contamination.

All new development and redevelopment projects that disturb greater than or equal to one acre, including projects less than one acre that are part of a larger common plan of development or sale must submit proof of their construction NOI and Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) as well as a grading and drainage plan for on-site storm water retention after completion of construction.

Erosion and sediment as well as animal wastes are two of the Villages main sources of potential pollution. 

What can you do? 

Reduce fertilizer application to plants and agricultural crops.  Ensure that borders are maintained so that irrigation and lawn water do not run into the street.  Use herbicides with short residual lift at lowers effective concentration.  Move sprinkler heads away from street.  Install low water use landscaping where appropriate.  Educate yourself in plant science so that plants are cared for properly, without excess fertilizer or water. Reduce turf areas where appropriate. Use short cycles of watering instead of heavier water programs to eliminate runoff into streets and arroyos. Use reduced pressure on irrigation system to reduce over-spray and misting. Make sure sprinkler systems, drip systems and irrigation systems are in good repair, installed correctly and operate effectively. Improve grades on turf areas to eliminate runoff into streets and arroyos. Install silt boxes and cobblestone at runoff exits into arroyos. 

Contact Information: 

Questions, comments or to report illegal discharge or dumping, contact Linda Seebach at 344-6582, llseebach@losranchosnm.gov, or the Village of Los Ranchos Code Enforcement Officer at 344-6582, kheinzelman@losranchosnm.gov.

Click Here for the Village Stormwater Management Program

Click Here for the Stormwater Management Ord.