The city's physical growth and urban development has and will continue to increase the amount of storm water runoff collected and routed, using the city's storm water drainage system and facilities. Storm water runoff has been known to cause property damage and erosion, carry concentrations of nutrients, chemicals, heavy metals, oil and toxic materials into receiving waters and ground waters which then degrade the integrity of city streets, curbs, gutters and other infrastructure for conveying storm water. This can reduce the citizens' access to emergency services and imposes hazards to both life and property. Additionally, the federal government has established, through its clean water act, environmental protection regulations for water quality and NPDES permit requirements for the discharge of storm water into receiving waters. (Ord. 04-2, 1-27-2004, eff. 2-16-2004)