The intent of this chapter is to protect and enhance the water quality of our watercourses and water bodies in a manner pursuant to and consistent with the Federal Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. §1251 et seq.) and also to provide for the health, safety, and general welfare of the citizens of the city of Columbus through the reduction of pollutants in stormwater discharges and the regulation of non-stormwater discharges to the storm drainage system to the maximum extent practicable. This chapter establishes methods for controlling the introduction of pollutants into the municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) in order to comply with requirements of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit process and specifically meet the requirements of 327 IAC 15-13. The objectives of this chapter are:
A. To regulate pursuant to 327 IAC 15-13 the contribution of pollutants to the municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) by stormwater discharges by any user;
B. To prohibit illicit connections and discharges to the municipal separate storm sewer system;
C. To establish legal authority to carry out all inspection, surveillance and monitoring procedures necessary to ensure compliance with this chapter; and
D. To promote public awareness of the hazards involved in the improper discharge of trash, yard waste, lawn chemicals, pet waste, wastewater, grease, oil, petroleum products, cleaning products, paint products, hazardous waste, sediment and other pollutants into the storm drainage system. (Ord. 08-26, 2008; Ord. 06-11, 2006)