Stormwater Management
The Town of Woodbury understands the importance of minimizing pollution generated from stormwater runoff. From private and municipal maintained properties to town-maintained roadways and parks, stormwater needs to be properly controlled and directed to reduce the environmental impacts caused by pollutants present in stormwater runoff.
What is Stormwater Runoff?
Stormwater runoff is generated when water from rain and snowmelt events does not soak into the ground and, instead, flows over the land’s surface. The addition of roads, driveways, parking lots, roof tops, and other impervious surfaces to our landscape greatly increases the runoff volume created during storm as these surfaces prevent water from soaking into the ground.
How Does Stormwater Become Polluted?
When stormwater flows over our lawns, driveways and parking lots, it picks up fertilizers, oil, chemicals, grass clippings, soil/sediment, litter, pet waste, and anything else in its path and transports these pollutants into the storm drain system or runs directly into nearby waterway.
What are Storm Drains?
Storm drains are the openings you see along curbs and in streets and parking lots. They collect stormwater and transport it through a system of pipes to nearby ponds, lakes and streams, and ultimately to Long Island Sound. Storm drains do not lead to a treatment facility. Anything that goes into a stormdrain eventually ends up in our waters.
How Does Polluted Stormwater Harm Rivers, Streams, Ponds, Wetlands, Etc?
The health of our water resources depends on the quality of water that flows through them. To care for a stream, river, wetland, pond or other water body, we must also care for the land that drains to it – its watershed.
Everything in the watershed affects the water in the stream. Hazardous chemicals, automotive products, pesticides, fertilizers, pet wastes, excessive soil erosion and air pollution all contribute to water pollution. These pollutants don't have to be dumped directly into the water to cause a problem. They are washed from streets, lawns, roofs and even out of the air by rainfall—eventually ending up in wetlands, streams and lakes.
Resulting impacts of water pollution can range from the obvious, such as oil floating on the water to losses of wildlife due to habitat destruction that often goes unnoticed. When too many pollutants are carried to our water ways, they may become unsafe for swimming and other types of recreation (example - too much bacteria) or may be unable to support aquatic life (example – too much sediment filling in essential habitat).
What is Woodbury Doing to Manage Stormwater?
The Town of Woodbury operates under a registered Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (CT DEEP), Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit. This general permit requires qualifying municipalities to take steps to keep the stormwater entering its stormdrain system clean and is designed to reduce discharges of harmful pollutants into local surface waters (i.e. streams, rivers, coastal waters, etc.). One important element of this permit is the requirement that towns prepare a Stormwater Management Plan that provides an action plan to evaluate and mitigate stormwater pollution. The Plan covers the current MS4 General Permit period of July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2022, and serves as an action plan for how the Town will fulfill the six minimum control measures required by the permit. Each year, the Town will submit an Annual Report to document stormwater management practices completed during the previous year, as required by CT DEEP.
State and Federal Policies:
The following web links provide more information pertaining to the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and United States Environmental Protection Agency policies on stormwater management.
CTDEEP Stormwater and Water Quality
CT DEEP Factsheet: Town of Woodbury Water Quality and Stormwater Summary
EPA National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)
CTDEEP Water Regulating and Discharges
CT Nonpoint Source Management Program Plan
What Can You Do to Help Minimize Stormwater Runoff and Pollution?
Everyone has a part in protecting our watershed and preventing water pollution. While the contribution of one home to water pollution may be small, the combined effect of an entire neighborhood or city can be substantial. We ask that you, as a member of this community, take an active role in minimizing stormwater pollution. The first step is to educate yourself on what stormwater pollution is, and where it comes from. Then, take action. Here are some everyday actions that can help improve water quality:
Use less fertilizer on your lawn
You can use less fertilizer, reduce pollution, and still keep your lawn healthy and green. Many lawns need as little as one-half of the fertilizer recommended on fertilizer bags. Too much fertilizer makes your lawn susceptible to diseases and pests, too.
Use fewer toxic pesticides less often
All pesticides, even natural ones, are poisons. Some that seem safe to use in your home can be lethal in the environment. For example, rotenone is a natural pesticide that is extremely toxic to fish. Use pesticides sparingly. Prepare and use only the amount that is absolutely necessary. Follow label directions exactly.
Compost yard waste
Grass clippings, leaves and garden trimmings can block storm drains. They use up oxygen from water, leaving less for fish and other aquatic life. Instead, compost grass clippings, leaves and pulled garden weeds – or bring them to the Woodbury Transfer Station.
Don’t litter
Garbage that washes down storm drains fouls our waterways and can harm or kill wildlife. Some litter, such as plastics, break down so slowly they can remain in the river or pond for centuries.
Properly dispose of pet waste
Pet waste is raw sewage. Dispose of it far from all water sources and storm drains, preferably with household trash.
Recycle used motor oil and antifreeze
Promptly repair fluid leaks in cars, trucks and other motorized equipment. Take used motor oil to the Woodbury Transfer Station for proper disposal – free of charge for Woodbury residents.
Take hazardous household materials to authorized collection sites
Woodbury residents can dispose of fluorescent bulbs, car tires, lead-acid batteries, and electronics free of charge at the Woodbury Transfer Station. Woodbury also participates in hazardous materials collection days sponsored by the Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments. For additional information on how to properly dispose of leftover paint, pesticides, cleaners and other hazardous household materials click here .
Wash your car on the lawn and use a vegetable based liquid soap - or bring it to a commercial car wash
Wash the car on the lawn so the water is absorbed into the soil rather than running off your driveway. A mild vegetable based soap also benefits your lawn by washing away pollutants from the grass blades and inhibiting many lawn pests and diseases. Or bring your car to the car wash. Commercial car wash facilities employ clean water practices.
Limit sand and salt use
When it comes to using sand and salt on your driveway and steps, you shouldn’t compromise your safety – but don’t overdo it. Salt can poison your drinking water supply and sand can fill in rivers and streams, destroying fish habitat.
Help keep storm drains clear of debris
Check the roadside storm drains in your neighborhood from time to time. If you notice leaves, garbage, or other debris covering the grates, lend a hand by removing the debris and disposing of it properly – but only if you can do so safely. If you can’t, contact Woodbury Public Works. Clean grates also reduce the likelihood of flooding during heavy rains.
Report Illicit Discharges
Illicit discharges to the storm drain system are prohibited. To find out what constitutes as an illicit discharge please click HERE for some tips on what to look for. In general, if it looks suspicious, report it.
To report a suspected or potential illicit discharge, please call 203-263-3467 or email stormwater@woodburyct.org.
Spread the word
Most storm drain pollution is caused by the actions of uninformed people. Share what you know and help protect our rivers and ponds.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Pomperaug River Watershed Coalition (PRWC) Watershed Education Programs
RiverSmart: Think Green, Stay Blue Clean Water Starts with You
The Solution to Stormwater Pollution
After the Storm: A Citizen’s Guide to Understanding Stormwater
Trees Tame Stormwater: Interactive Poster
Animal Waste
Pet Waste, Water Quality and Your Health
Connecticut DEEP - Do Not Feed Wildlife
Fertilizers, Pesticides, and Herbicides
Lawn Care the Environmentally Friendly Way
Impervious Cover
Impacts of Development on Waterways
Protecting Water Quality from Urban Runoff
Rainfall as a Resource: A Resident’s Guide to Low Impact Development In Connecticut
Rainfall as a Resource: A Resident’s Guide to Pervious Pavement in Connecticut
Agriculture
The Sources and Solutions: Agriculture