New Stormwater Pollution Controls Are On The Way

Jose Lozano
Ithaca Environmental Lab Director

Ponds catch and store storm runoff from new developments.

In our watershed, its pretty easy to see the effect of a good storm on waterways. Streams and lakes quickly turn gray or brown as water levels rise, and we know the color comes from silt and debris carried off the land as stormwater finds its way into the creek. As a Network member, you probably have come to understand that stormwater is a major concern for our watershed. Stormwater can pick up bacteria, pesticides and oil, as it washes across parking lots, farm fields and lawns. Stormwater-borne sediments may carry heavy metals and nutrients that, according to a 1999 EPA Report to Congress, impact the biological, chemical and physical integrity of receiving waters, and are particularly detrimental to fish, benthic organisms and submerged aquatic vegetation.

Presently, stormwater collected by storm sewers in large cities is required to be treated before being discharged. But in smaller towns and rural areas such as those in our watershed, only a very small percentage of stormwater is subject to any control or treatment at all. By some estimates nearly 75% of pollution is attributable to stormwater runoff in rural regions. In recognition of this persisting problem, and in keeping with the requirements of the Federal Clean Water Act, the EPA has established new regulations intended to further reduce the collective impact of stormwater-borne pollution.

	Stormwater-borne sediment enters the Lake from Cayuga Inlet

These new "Phase II" Stormwater Regulations, will effect most communities around the lake to some degree. Most significantly, the larger urban area at the south end of the lake including Dryden, Cayuga Heights, Lansing, and the Town and City of Ithaca will be required to develop stormwater control programs by March 2003. These programs must be approved and fully operational by 2008. Other communities, and even highway departments and universities, situated along critical waterways may be required to follow suit at a later date. One option presently under consideration is a plan that would be developed and implemented jointly by all the municipalities. This intermunicipal cooperation could maximize environmental benefit for Cayuga Lake, and economize efforts and expenses associated with the mandatory implementation of the regulations.

The impact of the Phase II Stormwater Regulations will not be limited to the southern end of the lake. The rules also require that all construction and activities disturbing one or more acres of land be permitted by the NYS DEC to ensure that runoff controls are in place. (Previously, the permitting cut-off was five acres.) According to EPA, construction sites without proper sediment and erosion controls can deliver 10 to 20 times the sediment load than agriculture and more than 1000 times the load from forests. Clearly, there is logic to the enhanced degree of stormwater management slated for development activities across the watershed.

One important aspect of the regulations is the approach prescribed for municipalities as they develop their stormwater plans. The plans must include six basic components; three of which are straight-forward — addressing discharge detection, construction site controls and post-construction stormwater management. However, the other three — public education, public participation, and pollution prevention — reflect a growing consensus that education and community involvement are key elements to effectively protecting and improving the health of our water resources. While these requirements will certainly place a new burden on governments in terms of administration and implementation, well conceived stormwater management programs could more than pay for themselves in the long run. The Network and its partners intend to work to make this vision a reality for the benefit of Cayuga Lake and its entire watershed.