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Rainwater from storms
carries pollutants from streets, parking lots, and residential
areas into storm drains. These drains lead directly to
streams and rivers. Untreated oil, grease, pesticides, eroded
soil, and trash are commonly found in the runoff. When these
substances pollute streams, they can contaminate drinking
water, discourage recreational use of streams, and kill or
contaminate fish and other wildlife.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has
begun a program to address storm water pollution as part of
the Clean Water Act. The program is called the National
Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) The NPDES
Phase II program requires all governments in urbanized areas
to comply with the program or be fined. As a “small municipal
separate storm sewer system,” the Oconee County storm water
system is required to comply in all of its urbanized areas
(mapped below).
In 2004, Oconee County implemented a Stormwater Management
Program as required by the NPDES Phase II. It is designed to
reduce pollutant discharge to the maximum extent possible,
protect water quality, and satisfy the requirements of the
Clean Water Act. The program has six elements:
S Public Education and
Outreach
S Public Participation
S
Illicit discharge Detection and
Elimination
S
Construction Site Runoff
Control
S
Post-Construction Runoff
Control
S
Pollution Prevention and Good
Housekeeping
(More)
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Storm water carries oil,
chemicals, garbage, and other toxic material into public
systems.
These systems flow directly or indirectly to the rivers,
streams, and oceans we all want to stay clean.
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