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WHAT IS STORMWATER?
Stormwater is water from a rain or snow fall event that flows across the land and into rivers, creeks, lakes, ditches and canals. When it rains or snows, it is possible that debris, sediment, pollutants, bacteria and nutrients on sidewalks, streets and parking lots wash into gutters, through storm drains, and eventually flow, untreated, into the creeks and rivers. Other sources of water include over-irrigation, automobile wash water, or any other activity that results in water flowing into the drainageways. Fertilizers, paint, antifreeze, oil, plastic bottles and other materials that can be harmful to the wildlife and environment may end up in Adams County's waterways after a storm event.
Stormwater goes directly from the storm drainage system into our local rivers and creeks with no water quality treatment.
The water in the South Platte River, Big Dry Creek, Clear Creek and the many small ponds and lakes within the county's urbanized boundaries may be potentially adversely impacted by pollutants.
Adams County's Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permitted area
Adams County is committed to the environment and its citizens to help keep our stormwater quality clean.
ADAMS COUNTY'S STORMWATER QUALITY PROGRAM
In 2002, Adams County launched the Stormwater Quality Program. This federally mandated program is administered by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Water Quality Control Division. The goal of the county's program is to reduce the amount of pollutants entering streams, creeks, lakes and rivers as a result of rain water and snowmelt from residential, commercial and industrial areas. This ensures the safety of water bodies for drinking water sources and for recreational uses.
The county was required to apply to the State of Colorado for a Stormwater Discharge Permit. The Stormwater Discharge Permit sets the guidelines for compliance with the Colorado Water Quality Control Act and the Federal Clean Water Act. The county must set specific goals for each year of the permit. The county received the approved permit on March 13, 2003. The permit must be renewed every five years for the life of the federal program.
Through the Stormwater Program, the county is pledging its commitment to reduce and help prevent stormwater pollution and keep state waters clean and pure for generations to come.
Adams County is now in the second permit term. The Stormwater Phase II Permit requires Adams County to implement six minimum control measures over the period of 2008 through 2012. These minimum control measures are as follows:
- Public Education and Outreach
- Public Participation and Involvement
- Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination
- Construction Site Runoff Control
- Post Construction Site Runoff Control
- Pollution Prevention/Good Housekeeping
Please direct any questions pertaining to this program to Adams County - Public Works - Drainage Engineering by calling 303.453.8787 or e-mail swq@co.adams.co.us.
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