(A) As of March of 2003, the county has been mandated to follow the requirements of the National Pollutant Discharge and Elimination System (NPDES) permit program as promulgated by Congress in the Clean Water Act. Under Phase II of the program, the county was required to control non-point source pollution such as stormwater runoff containing sediment, fertilizers, waste oil, and other pollutants as targeted. Due to the program standards, the county was deemed to possess a municipal separate stormwater system (MS4). The county is required to have an approved permit program as promulgated by the State Environmental Protection Agency and is required to follow the rules regarding erosion and sediment control. The county has passed an ordinance requiring any project disturbing more than one acre of ground to incorporate proper erosion and sediment controls.
(B) All developers, builders, and subdividers disturbing more than one acre of ground are required to adhere to the county ordinance on erosion and sediment controls. They should contact the County Planning and Zoning office to determine current requirements for site plans, review of construction plans, ongoing site inspections, expectations and responsibilities of the contractor and follow-up reviews. These requirements are likely to change over time, so it is incumbent upon the applicant to know what is expected by the county before design work begins.
(C) All developers and subdividers are strongly encouraged to design for low impact development (LID) in regards to stormwater design. LID preserves open space and minimizes land disturbances. This leads to the protection of natural features and areas both on and off the development site. For example, the use of buffer strips along natural drainage ways and existing drainage swales and waterways helps lower the impact of stormwater leaving the site. It also leads to fewer human-made controls that need to be installed to meet the NPDES permit requirements. There are many emerging techniques, both natural and human-made, that are available for LID. Many of these techniques can lead to lower design and construction costs versus traditional methods when properly applied.
(Ord. O-72-5-08, passed 5-8-2008)