CECIL COUNTY NEWS BRIEF
October 3, 2008
Storm Sewer System Discharge Permit Proposal
from the Maryland Department of the Environment
Background:
The Department of Public Works Development Services Division Chief Tim Whittie briefed the Commissioners last week on proposed statewide revisions to the Maryland Department of the Environment's (MDE) Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System Discharge Permit (MS-4) and how the changes in the regulations could potentially impact Cecil County.
The proposed regulations being considered for submission to the State Legislature by MDE would closely follow the Montgomery County MS-4 Permit. Here is a brief overview of a few of their MS-4 Permit requirements for storm sewer and storm water management systems:
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Sources of pollutants in stormwater runoff shall be identified and linked to specific water quality impacts on a watershed basis;
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Preventative maintenance inspections of all stormwater management facilities with documentation of inspections and enforcement actions taken;
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Field screening of a least 150 outfalls annually using a chemical test kit;
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Routine surveys of commercial and industrial areas for pollutant sources;
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Enforcement procedures for investigating and eliminating illicit discharges, illegal dumping, and spills;
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Implement regional strategies to reduce trash in rivers and watersheds, and increase recycling;
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Implement program to reduce road pollutants associated with road maintenance activities;
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Implement a public education and outreach program to reduce stormwater pollutants;
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Conduct systematic assessment of water quality within all of its watersheds, including a detailed water quality analysis;
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Implement restoration efforts to restore ten percent of the county's impervious surface areas in the watersheds under the current MS-4 permit and add an additional twenty percent with the proposed MS-4 permit;
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County shall use chemical, biological, and physical monitoring to document progress toward meeting watershed restoration goals.
Cecil County Officials are concerned about the potential costs to the county if the proposed legislation is adopted by the State. Chief Whittie serves as Vice President of the Stormwater Association of Municipalities, a joint committee of officials from municipalities and smaller counties from around the State. This group was formed to collectively voice concerns to the Maryland Department of the Environment regarding the potential financial impact adopting this legislation would have on smaller counties across Maryland.
Proactive Approach:
Anticipating compliance with some or all of the proposed legislation, the Public Works Development Services Division has started the daunting task of identifying and mapping in the County's GIS system all stormwater management facilities located in the county. Staff is identifying ownership and inspecting the current condition of the stormwater management facilities to develop repair and maintenance plans for each one.
There are five rivers (Sassafras, Bohemia, North East, Elk, Susquehanna) and their respective watershed areas, the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal, and approximately 300 stormwater management facilities located within Cecil County, which all eventually empty into the Chesapeake Bay. The proposed changes would directly impact residents and future development in the county. The Commissioners are considering all options regarding financial and maintenance responsibilities for current and future stormwater management facilities.
Conclusion and Follow up:
The Board of County Commissioners and Public Works Officials will be closely monitoring the Storm Sewer System Discharge Permit Proposal if it is introduced by the Maryland Department of the Environment during the next legislative session.
If you would like more information on this topic, please contact Tim Whittie in the Public Works Department at twhittie@ccgov.org or call his office at 410.996.8387.
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