Scope

The USEPA and the states have designated “urbanized areas” (see table on left) with storm sewer systems subject to the new Phase II Storm Water Regulations.  These areas include:

» one or more municipalities
» one or more watersheds
» populations less than 100,000
» populations served by the storm sewer system(s).  

States are permitted to exclude communities with a population of less than 1,000, and areas with less than 10,000, if minimal water quality impacts are involved.

Even small communities may have to obtain permits when storm water impacts are known to be the cause of water quality problems.

Guidelines

Regulated municipalities in Pennsylvania are required to file a "Notice of Intent" for a SWPhII permit by March 10, 2003.  The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) has also developed a draft permit package.  This material has been sent to affected municipalities.

As part of the process, municipalities can apply for general or individual permits.  Individual permits are required if the storm water is discharged into a watershed in which the stream is designated as high quality or of exceptional value. 

Generally, the permits require implementing “Six Minimum Control Measures."  Applicants have two options.  They can use PADEP's Storm Water Management Protocols; or, develop their own specific program addressing each control measure.

Approach

Before jumping into the permitting process, many municipalities and urbanized areas should consider meeting storm water requirements on a “watershed” basis.  By doing so, communities may be eligible for funding assistance.  This approach also enables them to more effectively address both upstream and downstream multi-jurisdictional issues.

Click here to learn more about how Gannett Fleming planners and scientists can assist with this process.