(A) This chapter shall apply to all discharges, including illegal dumping, entering the storm drain system under the control of Hancock County, regardless of whether the discharge originates from developed or undeveloped lands, and regardless of whether the discharge is generated from an active construction site or a stabilized site. These discharges include flows from direct connections to the storm drain system, illegal dumping, and contaminated runoff.
(B) Stormwater runoff from agricultural, timber harvesting, and mining activities is exempted from the requirements of this chapter unless determined to contain pollutants not associated with such activities or in excess of standard practices. Farm residences are not included in this exemption.
(C) Any non-stormwater discharge permitted under an NPDES permit, waiver, or waste discharge order issued to the discharger and administered under the authority of the Federal Environmental Protection Agency, provided that the discharger is in full compliance with all requirements of the permit, waiver, or order and other applicable laws and regulations, and provided that written acceptance has been granted for the subject discharge to the storm drain system, is also exempted from this chapter.
(D) Finally, any construction project which has had its drainage plan approved by Hancock County prior to the effective date of this chapter shall be exempt from all requirements of this chapter that are in excess of the requirements of ordinances in effect at the time of approval.
(Ord. 2005-12C, passed 12-12-05; Am. Ord. 2018-11-A, passed 12-5-18; Am. Ord. 2022-10A, passed 10-4-22)