National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) developed the federal National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) stormwater permitting program in two phases. Phase I, promulgated in 1990, and addresses "Large" and "medium" municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4s) located in incorporated places and counties with populations of 100,000 or more, and eleven categories of industrial activity, one of which is large construction activity that disturbs 5 or more acres of land.

Phase II, promulgated in 1999, addresses additional sources, including MS4s not regulated under Phase I, and small construction activity disturbing between 1 and 5 acres. The City of Edgewater is regulated under Phase II of this program.

In October 2000, EPA authorized the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to implement the NPDES stormwater-permitting program in the State of Florida (in all areas except Indian Country lands). The NPDES stormwater program regulates point source discharges of stormwater into surface waters of the State of Florida from certain municipal, industrial and construction activities.

Program for Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4s)

A municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) is a publicly owned conveyance or system of conveyances (i.e. ditches, curbs, catch basins, underground pipes, etc.) that is designed or used for collecting or conveying stormwater and that discharges to surface waters of the State. The City of Edgewater was required to obtain coverage under this program and obtain an NPDES stormwater permit. This permit requires the City to implement a comprehensive stormwater management program to reduce the contamination of stormwater runoff and prohibit illicit discharges to the MS4. The contents of this permit are very extensive and include requirements to:

• Public Education and Outreach As to Stormwater Impacts
• Public Involvement and/or Participation
• Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination
• Construction Site Stormwater Runoff Control
• Pollution Prevention/Good Housekeeping for Municipal Operations
• Identify major outfalls and pollutant loadings

Compliance with this Permit

In order to be compliant with this permit, the City advertises many different programs for the citizens to participate in through the City newsletter which is mailed out with utility bills. Also, there are various pamphlets that are given to residents via recycling bins, direct mail outs and handouts at various City Facilities.

Below is a link for questions, reporting of an illicit discharge to the stormwater system, suggestions on public involvement programs and other questions you would like answered.

STORMWATER@CITYOFEDGEWATER.ORG
Or Call 386-424-2476