The city of Inver Grove Heights, hereby finds that uncontrolled and unmanaged stormwater and snowmelt runoff can have significant adverse impacts upon water resources; and can adversely affect the health, safety, property and general welfare of the community, and diminish the public enjoyment and use of natural resources. Specifically, runoff can:
A. Cause erosion to exposed soil resulting in loss of topsoil and deposition of sediments.
B. Carry nutrients, pathogens, organic matter, heavy metals, toxins, and other pollutants to lakes, streams, and wetlands.
C. Diminish the capacity of water resources to support recreational and water supply uses and reduce the natural diversity of plant and animal life.
D. Clog existing drainage systems, increasing maintenance problems and costs.
E. Cause bank and channel erosion.
F. Increase downstream flooding.
G. Reduce groundwater recharge, which may diminish stream base flows and lower water levels in lakes, ponds, and wetlands.
H. Contaminate drinking water supplies.
I. Increase risk of property damage and personal injury.
Further, effective stormwater pollution prevention, addressing the following issues, depends on proper planning and design, the timely installation and maintenance of site and situation of appropriate best management practices (BMPs), and prompt and appropriate response upon discovery of previously unknown pollutant sources. (Ord. 1326, 11-28-2016)