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Stormwater Pollution Prevention
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
Water pollution degrades surface waters, making them unsafe for drinking, fishing, swimming and other activities.
As authorized by the Clean Water Act, the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program controls water pollution by regulating point sources that discharge pollutants into waters of the United States. Point sources are discrete conveyances such as pipes or man-made ditches.
Since its introduction in 1972, the NPDES permit program is responsible for significant improvements to our nation’s water quality. Individual homes that are connected to a municipal system, use a septic system or do not have a surface discharge do not need an NPDES permit; however, industrial, municipal and other facilities must obtain permits if their discharges go directly to surface waters.
The City of Elgin discharges stormwater from its storm sewer system under IEPA General National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permit No. ILR40.
As a condition of the permit, the City is required to set goals for a five-year period in order to reduce pollution to the receiving waters. These goals are described in the Notice of Intent.
After each program year, the City must document its status of compliance with and any changes to the Notice of Intent in an Annual Facility Inspection Report. The reports from the last four years are available below.
How to reduce pollutants in stormwater runoff
The City of Elgin sponsors or participants in a number of programs that help improve water quality by working to eliminate pollutants:
Please call 311 (or 847-931-6001) to report any suspicious discharges to the storm sewer system or a body of water.
Impacts of stormwater discharges on water bodies
More information can be found in the following articles or fact sheets:
- Where does Stormwater Go?Be the Solution to Stormwater PollutionAfter the StormFertilization
- Going Native
- Lawn Watering
- Managing Your Household Chemicals
- Pet Waste and Water Quality
- Rethinking Yard Care
- Rivers and Streams Begin at your Front Door
- Storm Sewers – Rivers Beneath our Feet
EPA launches Green Infrastructure Website
Green infrastructure uses vegetation, soils and natural processes to manage water and create healthier urban environments. This website is a one-stop shop for resources on green infrastructure that features improved navigability and up-to-date content, including a wealth of publications and tools developed by EPA, state and local governments, the private sector, nonprofit organizations and academic institutions.
Getting more involved
A Stormwater Best Management Practice (BMP) is a practice used to manage the impacts of stormwater runoff. Some Stormwater BMPs occur naturally, such as wetlands, woods, and other natural vegetation. Other Stormwater BMPs are man-made structures, such as detention ponds, swales, rain gardens, or permeable pavement.
Stormwater BMPs are all around you and they all require maintenance, especially the man-made structures. Review the Stormwater BMP Maintenance and Inspection fact sheet and check to see if a Stormwater BMP in your area is in need of maintenance.
Want to know What You Can Do to Prevent Stormwater Pollution at your home or business? Or how to Save Money while Saving Water?
Many area organizations have an interest in protecting the quality of our water. Contact any of the following organizations and find out how you can get involved.