Stormwater Program
Rice SWCD now provides stormwater education and assistance to contractors and developers in Rice County. Through a pilot project with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, Rice SWCD inspects all construction sites that disturb one acre or more land and offer assistance on ways to comply with regulations and control erosion and sediment.
If you need assistance with NPDES requirements, contact Danielle Waldschmidt at 507-332-5408 or visit the SWCD office at 1810 30th St. NW in Faribault, MN
To obtain a NPDES Permit, click on the following link: MPCA Permit
What is stormwater runoff?
Stormwater runoff occurs when precipitation from rain, snowmelt, or any other surface runoff and drainage flows over the ground. This includes bare soil and impervious surfaces like driveways, streets, parking lots and gravel roads. Impervious surface is any hard surface that either prevents or retards the infiltration of water into the soil and causes water to run off the surface in greater quantities and at an increased rate of flow than prior to development.
The NPDES permit authorizes the discharge of stormwater generated by construction activity disturbing land of equal to or greater than one (1) acre and includes the disturbance of less than one (1) acre of total land area that is part of a common plan of development or sale if the larger common plan will ultimately disturb equal to or greater than one (1) acre. The primary method to control stormwater discharges is through the use of erosion and sediment control best management practices (BMPs).
Who needs a Construction Stormwater Permit?
You need an NPDES/SDS permit if you are the owner or operator for any construction activity disturbing:
- One acre or more of soil.
- Less than one acre of soil if that activity is part of a "larger common plan of development or sale" that is greater than one acre.
- Less than one acre of soil, but the MPCA determines that the activity poses a risk to water resources.
Most construction activities are covered by the general NPDES stormwater permit for construction activity, but some construction sites need individual permit coverage. Owners and operators are both responsible for submitting the permit application.
Minnesota State Stormwater Manual
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has produced a comprehensive manual addressing stormwater issues. The Table of Contents is here, and includes links to chapters addressing Rules, Site Design and BMPs
BMPs
Rice SWCD strongly encourages developers to include stormwater best management practices (BMPs) in their project plans. In addition to the information available from the MPCA, a publication, Minnesota Urban Small Sites BMP Manual, was prepared by the Metropolitan Council and includes an excellent collection of practices designed to limit erosion and sedimentation, reduce runoff volume and improve stormwater quality.
REMEMBER: A construction storm-water permit from the MPCA is required before construction begins.
What are the urban sources and pollutants of concern?
People and their actions are the most significant sources and causes of urban runoff and pollution.
Uncontrolled or treated runoff from the urban environment and from construction activities can run off the landscape into surface waters. This runoff can include such pollutants as sediments, pathogens, fertilizers/nutrients, hydrocarbons, and metals. Pavement and compacted areas, roofs, and reduced tree canopy and open space increase runoff volumes that rapidly flow into our waters. This increase in volume and velocity of runoff often causes stream bank erosion, channel incision and sediment deposition in stream channels. In addition, runoff from these developed areas can increase stream temperatures that along with the increase in flow rate and pollutant loads negatively affect water quality and aquatic life.
Other common sources of urban pollution include improperly sited, designed and maintained onsite wastewater treatment (septic) systems, pet wastes, lawn and garden fertilizers and pesticides, household chemicals that are improperly disposed of, automobile fluids, road deicing/anti-icing chemicals, and vehicle emissions.
Erosion and Sediment Control Resources
Planning a construction project can be an overwhelming task. Knowing what to use for erosion and sediment control can be even harder. Fortunately, there are many great resources available now to help you prepare your stormwater pollution prevention plan.
The Minnesota Erosion Control Association
Stormwater Program and NPDES Phase II Information