As part of the city Hilliards, compliance with the Clean Water ActIts. National Pollutant Discharge Elimination SystemPermit with the Ohio Environmental Protection AgencyThe city is updating its Stormwater Management Program.
The SWMP’s main goal is to improve water quality in the city through stormwater runoff pollution reduction. This permit process is conducted every five years. Jeff Cox, the city project engineer, leads it with support from a multidisciplined local consulting firm. EMH&T.
Stormwater discharges are permitted from the Hilliards NPDES permit Municipal Separate Storm Sewer SystemThe MS4 (or MS4) is a conveyance or system of conveyances into statewaters. The MS4 refers to a conveyance or system that conveys storm water. It can be owned or operated by the municipality.
Hilliard has a population of less than 100,000 residents. Ohio EPA small NPDES broad permit. The general permit allows for the creation, implementation, and enforcement of a SWMP that reduces the pollutants released from the small MS4 as much as possible. The SWMP was designed to incorporate best-management practices and six minimum control measures.
MCM 1 Public education.
MCM 2 Public involvement/participation
MCM 3 Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination
MCM 4 Construction site stormwater runoff control
MCM 5 Stormwater management after construction
MCM 6 Pollution prevention/good maintenance for municipal operation
Additionally, and where applicable best-management practices are selected in order to address U.S. EPA’s total maximum daily load (TMDL) for shortrecommendations for water-quality issues associated with MS4 discharges within the MS4 watersheds. TMDLs are used to identify and assess water-quality issues in impaired water bodies, and then propose solutions.
Hilliard is found within the Scioto and Big Darby Creek waters. A TMDL has been established for the Big Darby Creek watershed that identifies total phosphorus as well as the bacterium E.coli as TMDL pollutants. Totalphosphorussources include the over-application of fertilizer and stormwater runoff over impervious surfaces. E.coli can be caused by failing home sewer-treatment systems, broken or inadequate sanitary sewers, and insufficient pet-waste management.
Each of the six MCMs in the city’s permit renewal will be updated. This includes the use of social media to educate and inform residents about SWMP updates, workshops, public programs, community cleanup events and inspections, as well as staff training and staff training.
The proposed Hilliard SWMP can be found on the city’s website hilliardohio.gov/were-listening-city-seeks-feedback-on-stormwater-quality-management-program.
Continue reading:Stormwater Management Program
Residents are encouraged to review the SWMP document, and provide feedback before February 18th at 5 p.m.
Greg Smith is a member on the Hilliard Environmental Sustainability Commission.