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Q: Isn’t storm water runoff natural and harmless because it only consists of rainwater? A: The rain is not to blame for the storm water runoff problems. In fact, rainfall is completely natural. The problem is the pollution that contaminates runoff during its journey over parking lots, roads and other impervious surfaces. Additionally, storm water can pick up fertilizers and chemicals from lawns and landscaped areas. Q: What is an impervious area? A: An impervious area is one that does not allow the water to penetrate like sidewalks and pavement. Q: Are sewers and storm drains the same thing? A: No. Except for the few combined sewers that remain in Terre Haute, storm and sanitary sewer systems are two completely separate systems. Wastewater from your sinks, showers, and toilets is sent through the sanitary sewer pipes to the Wastewater Treatment Plant. It is then treated and discharged to the Wabash River. Conversely, the water that enters storm drains flows untreated, directly into local water bodies and eventually to the Wabash River. A: A watershed is the area of land where all of the water that is under it or drains off of it goes into the same place. Every one of us lives in a watershed. Q: What solutions exist to solve storm water problems? A: Educational programs are in place to help make the community aware of ways to combat pollution. Most storm water problems can be reduced or prevented through responsible and efficient practices of homeowners, businesses, the public works department and pollution prevention programs. Q: What kinds of pollutants are found in the storm drain system? A: There are many pollutants that can be found in storm drain systems. Some of these pollutants include oil, paint products, fertilizers, pesticides, antifreeze, animal waste, and litter. A: NPDES stands for the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System. As authorized by the Clean Water Act, the NPDES permit program controls water pollution by regulating point sources that discharge pollutants into waters of the United States. (See http://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/ for more information) Q: Why doesn’t the City build a storm water treatment facility? A: It would be extremely costly to build and maintain a storm water treatment facility. Also, due to the variation in rainfall amounts in Vigo County, the system will often be overtaxed and the extra water would remain untreated anyway. Q: Why should I care about what goes down the storm drain? A: Everyone should be concerned about storm water quality because what we allow to go into our storm drain ends up in the Wabash River. Everything that we do affects the people living downstream, but remember, we all live downstream from someone. Q: Why is it necessary to have a storm water management program? A: Urbanization can increase the quantity and decrease the quality of runoff. Historically, cities have focused their storm water management programs on reducing the effects of flooding. More recently, in response to Federal and State initiatives, the focus has begun to also include the issue of water quality degradation. Today, storm water management programs address issues from preventing pollution to controlling erosion. Water quality is often addressed through implementing Best Management Practices, public education and involvement, and reduction of illicit pollution discharges. Q: What can I do to make a difference? A: You can make an enormous difference in storm water quality by simply changing a few practices at home. See TIPS & SAFETY PRACTICES for information about what you can do to make a difference. Q: Where can I take Household Hazardous Waste such as paints, oil and cleaners? A: Hazardous Waste can be taken to 109 E. National Avenue, Brazil, IN 47834 or visit IDEM – Managing Household Hazardous Waste Q: What is a storm water inlet? A: A storm water inlet is the metal grate which allows surface water to enter the storm water drainage system. A: A storm water sewer is a pipe, conduit or open channel that carries runoff from storms and surface drainage. Storm sewers do not convey wastewater from homes or businesses. Q: If I notice a foreign substance flowing into or see someone pouring something into a storm drain, what should I do? A: Please report it. Click here on who to contact. Q: What should I do if I see debris or garbage piled up in the creek at a road crossing? A: Please report it. Click here on who to contact. Q: What is a Municipal Separate Storm Sewer (MS4)? A: Stormwater Phase II Final Rule Fact Sheet 2.1 Q: What is an Urbanized Area (UA)? A: An urbanized area is a land area comprising one or more places that together have a residential population of at least 50,000 and an overall population density of at least 1,000 people per square mile. See a map of the urbanized areas. |
