Stormwater Protection ProgramPost-Construction Stormwater Management ProgramFor the past two decades the rate of land development across the country has been more than two times greater than the rate of population growth. If unchecked, the increased impervious surface associated with this development will increase stormwater volume and degrade water quality, which can harm lakes, rivers, streams, and coastal areas. The best way to mitigate stormwater impacts from new developments is to use practices to treat, store, and infiltrate runoff onsite before it can affect water bodies downstream. Innovative site designs that reduce imperviousness and smaller-scale low impact development practices dispersed throughout a site are excellent ways to achieve the goals of reducing flows and improving water quality. The City of Willoughby implements a Comprehensive Stormwater Management regulation that addresses post-construction stormwater runoff from new development and redevelopments that disturb one or more acres. The regulation establishes a technically feasible, and economically reasonable standards to achieve a level of stormwater management that will minimize damage to property and degradation of water resources and wetlands, and will promote and maintain the health and safety of the citizens in the community. The regulation allows development, while minimizing increases in erosion and sedimentation, and reduce water quality impacts to receiving water resources and wetlands that may be caused by new development or redevelopment activities. The regulation applies to all parcels being whole or partially developed for industrial, commercial, institutional, or residential projects; building activities on farms; redevelopment activities; general clearing; and all other uses that are not specifically exempted in the model regulation. The regulation details items required for inclusion in a stormwater pollution prevention plan, performance standards for best management practices, and inspection and maintenance requirements. City OrdinancesManualResources |