Stormwater Management Program (SWMP)
What is Stormwater?
Stormwater is runoff that is generated from rain and snowmelt events that flow over land or impervious surfaces, such as paved roads, parking lots and building rooftops, and does not soak into the ground. The runoff picks up pollutants like trash, chemicals, oils and dirt/sediment that can harm our rivers, streams, lakes and coastal waters.
What is an MS4?
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Stormwater program was created under the Clean Water Act (CWA). Phase I uses National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit coverage to manage Stormwater from different sources, including MS4 communities.
- MS4 stands for “Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System”.
- “Municipal” refers to a unit of local government like a town or a city, but may also refer to an organization responsible for the administration of a developed area.
- The number “4” represents the four words that start with the letter “S” – “Separate,” “Storm,” “Sewer,” “System”.
The NH Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) as established a webpage with information and links to other resources concerning MS4 if you want to learn more.
Stormwater Regulation
EPA’s Stormwater Phase II Rule establishes an MS4 Stormwater management program that is intended to improve water quality of waterways by reducing the quantity of pollutants.
Phase !! of EPA’s Storm Water Regulation requires operators of MS4s in urbanized areas and operators of small construction sites, through use of NDPES Permits, to implement programs and practices to control polluted stormwater runoff. Phase II is intended to further reduce adverse impacts to water quality and aquatic habitat by instituting the use of controls on the unregulated sources of stormwater discharges that have the greatest likelihood of causing continued environmental degradation. The Permit is comprised of the following six elements that, when implemented in concert, are expected to result in signifigant reduction of pollutants discharged into receiving waters:
- Public Education and Outreach
- Public Involvement / Participation
- Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination (IDDE)
- Construction Site Stormwater Runoff Control
- Post Construction Stormwater Management in New Development and Redevelopment Projects
- Polution Prevention / Good Housekeeping for Municipal Operations
Pursuant to the requirements of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s “National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) General Permit for Storm Water Discharges from Small Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4)” the Town is responsible for implementing and performing various items and activities related to stormwater management.
As an operator of an MS4, the Town is required to develop, implement, and enforce a Stormwater Management Program (SWMP). The SWMP is a 'living document' intended to be revised and updated as needed, but at a minimum, annually. The primary goals of the SWMP are to reduce the discharge of pollutants from the MS4 to the maximum extent practicable, to protect water quality, and to satisfy the appropriate water quality requirements of the Clean Water Act (CWA). To achieve these goals, the Town implements certain Minimum Control Measures (MCMs), which include:
The Town’s progress regarding implementation of these MCMs, and the SWMP in general, is documented in Annual Reports submitted to both the EPA and the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Protection (NHDES). These Annual Reports are available for public viewing online (Salem MS4 General Permit Archives) or by visiting Town Hall.
Auburn and MS4
Auburn Notice of Intent under MS4 Permit
Auburn Authorization for USEPA
MS4 Resources for Residents, Developers And Businesses
Use Innovative Development Practices - Flyer
Auburn Cares about Clean Water Bodies
Auburn cares about clean water and is doing its part to help prevent pollution in local water bodies and wetlands. Please help us by doing your part to keep our water bodies and wetlands clean!