Title
An Ordinance Amending Multiple Parts of Article 8 (Stormwater Quality Management and Discharge Control Code) of Chapter 3 (Public Property and Public Works) of the Code of the City of Colorado Springs 2001, as Amended, Pertaining to Stormwater Quality Management and Discharge Control Code and Providing Penalties for the Violation Thereof
Presenter:
Erin Powers, P.E., Stormwater Enterprise Manager
Richard Mulledy, P.E., Public Works Director
Body
Summary:
The City of Colorado Springs MS4 Permit requires the City to maintain an enforcement program to detect and eliminate illicit discharge to the stormwater system. Illicit discharge is the discharge of anything that is not stormwater, excluding allowable non-stormwater discharges under the City's MS4 Permit. The recommended code changes strengthen the enforcement options available under City Code.
Background:
The City of Colorado Springs Stormwater Enterprise oversees compliance with the City's Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Permit. This permit requires the implementation and maintenance of an Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination (IDDE) Program.
The IDDE Program establishes a comprehensive framework to prevent non-stormwater pollutants from entering the municipal storm sewer system. The program requires the City to maintain a current storm sewer system map, implement enforceable prohibitions against illicit discharges, and respond promptly, typically within 24 hours, to any reported or observed discharge. It includes procedures for tracing the source of illicit flows, removing or requiring removal of the discharge, and escalating enforcement when responsible parties fail to comply. The City must also identify priority areas with a higher likelihood of illicit activity, conduct dry-weather outfall screenings, and train staff across departments to recognize and report potential issues. Together, these measures reduce pollutant discharges, protect receiving waters, and mai...
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