Comprehensive SWM Plan 2010
NPDES Phase II Municipal Stormwater Permit for Western Washington
Background
In 1987, Congress changed the Clean Water Act to include stormwater discharges in the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) developed the new stormwater regulations to be implemented into two phases of the NPDES permit program. The Washington State Department of Ecology (DOE) was given the regulatory authority to implement and enforce these stormwater regulations through municipal stormwater permits.
The Phase I permit covers jurisdictions serving more than 100,000 people while the Phase II permit covers census-defined urban areas that serve smaller populations or rural population over 10,000 people.
On January 17, 2007, DOE issued the NPDES Phase II Municipal Stormwater Permit for Western Washington (WW) that regulates stormwater and wastewater discharges to waters of the state, which expired in 2011. The new 5 year Phase II WW permit will be issued in August of 2013. A one year interim permit is currently in effect. Owners of publicly-owned stormwater systems have a duty to obtain coverage under the NPDES permits for their stormwater discharges.
The City of Newcastle is an operator of a regulated small municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4). As a Phase II Permittee the City is required to develop and implement a Stormwater Management Program (SWMP).
The SWMP is designed to reduce the discharge of pollutants from the regulated small MS4 to the maximum extent practicable (MEP), meet state requirements to use all known, available, and reasonable methods of prevention, control and treatment (AKART) to waters of the state, satisfy appropriate requirements of the Clean Water Act and to protect water quality. In addition, the federal rules require record keeping, evaluation, and reporting on the progress of the SWMP.
Western Washington Municipal Phase II Permit Documents, see link below.
http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wq/stormwater/municipal/phaseIIww/wwphiipermit.html
US Environmental Protection Agency “After the Storm”
 What is a SWMP?
According to the permit, each Permittee shall develop and implement a Stormwater Management Program (SWMP). A SWMP is a set of actions and activities comprising of the following five components:
1. Public Education and Outreach
2. Public Involvement and Participation
3. Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination (IDD&E)
4. Controlling Runoff from New Development, Redevelopment &
Construction Sites
5. Pollution Prevention and Operation and Maintenance for Municipal Operations
Program Documents
Annual Reports
Public Involvement and Participation
The City of Newcastle provides the following ongoing opportunities for public involvement and participation:
- Stormwater Management Program webpage on the City's website
- Newcastle Newsletter
- Public meetings for public input
- Newcastle Community Events
The City encourages public comment and participation in the development and implementation of the SWMP. See links above for the latest electronic or request the latest copy at City Hall. (Comments regarding the SWMP can be sent to the following email address: lauraf@ci.newcastle.wa.us, or by contacting Laura Frolich, Surface Water Engineer, at (425) 649-4444, or in writing at 12835 Newcastle Way, Newcastle WA 98056-1316.)
SWMP Participation Memo (updated March 2011)
Construction Stormwater General Permit (issued by WA State DOE)
Who Needs a State Construction Stormwater Permit coverage?
1. Does your construction project disturb 1 or more acres of land through clearing, grading, excavating, or stockpiling of fill material? Remember to count the cumulative acreage of the entire project whether in a single or in a multiphase project. This applies even if you are responsible for only a small portion [less than one acre] of the larger project planned over time.
2. Is there any possibility that stormwater could run off your site during construction and into surface waters or conveyance systems leading to surface waters of the state? In almost every case, the answer to this question is yes. However, if the topography and location of your site is such that there is no possibility that rainfall or snowmelt could leave the site or enter a waterway, you do not need permit coverage.
If you answered "yes" to both of these questions, your construction site needs a permit. Construction site operators must apply for a permit 60 days prior to discharging stormwater. Focus on Construction Stormwater General Permit
Department of Ecology Construction Stormwater General Permit
Construction Stormwater General Permit Application Form (Notice of Intent, or NOI)NPDES Phase II Helpful Links
Western Washington Phase II Municipal Stormwater Permit
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)
Stormwater Services and Information |
