Regulatory Background
Water quality deterioration throughout the United States prompted the US-EPA to mandate stormwater management programs. As a result, the City of St. Cloud must comply with federal stormwater requirements through the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. The City is responsible for maintaining compliance with Minnesota’s General National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit for Small Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4s).
To comply with the NPDES Permit, the City is implementing a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program (SWPPP). The City's SWPPP Document includes best management practices (BMPs) designed to reduce negative impacts on water quality to the maximum extent possible. The City of St. Cloud's Stormwater Utility has an important role in maintaining and improving water quality and regulatory compliance.
The SWPPP includes 6 categories:
- Public Education and Outreach
- Public Participation and Involvement
- Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination
- Construction Site Runoff Controls
- Post-Construction Stormwater Management
- Pollution Prevention/Good Housekeeping for Municipal Operations
Stormwater System Use Code
The City of St. Cloud's Stormwater System Use Code (PDF):
- Establishes the Stormwater Utility
- Prohibits illicit connections and discharges
- Regulates land disturbing activities for erosion and sediment control
- Establishes legal authority for inspections, monitoring and enforcement of local, state and federal laws
Stormwater Management Plan
St. Cloud's Stormwater Management Plan (PDF) serves as a comprehensive guide to managing the City's stormwater discharges in a cost effective manner.