Industrial Stormwater Permit Guide

Lesson 1: Compliance Background and Applicability

What is Stormwater Pollution?

Storm water can pick up debris, chemicals, fertilizers, dirt, and other pollutants and flow into a storm sewer system or directly to a lake, stream, pond, river, wetland, or coastal water. In most instances, flows that enter a storm sewer system, are discharged untreated into nearby water bodies that are often used for swimming, fishing and providing drinking water. Common contaminants in stormwater and the problems they cause are:

• Sediment – smothers aquatic species, beneficial plants, and their aquatic habitats.
• Fertilizers cause Excess algae growth – eventually die and decompose stealing precious oxygen from fish and other aquatic animals.
• Fecal bacteria – threaten animal and human health in recreational areas and drinking water.
• Debris – plastic bags, six-pack rings, bottles & cigarette butts washed into water bodies can choke, suffocate and disable aquatic life such as ducks, fish, turtles, and birds. This debris can also block the flow of water and cause localized flooding.
• Hazardous materials – insecticides, pesticides, paint, solvents, motor oil, coolants, etc. can poison animals and people.