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- city of kalispell stormwater management program -
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Stormwater runoff can collect pollutants from urbanized areas, which can add to or create problems in lakes and streams. New federal and state regulations require action by the City of Kalispell to minimize pollution carried by stormwater runoff. The Montana Department of Environmental Quality regulates stormwater runoff through the Clean Water Act. Kalispell was issued an MPDES permit for discharges from its Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) in July of 2007. The City of Kalispell must implement a Stormwater Management Program, involving six minimum control measures, to control pollutants in stormwater to the maximum extent practical. The following is a list of the six minimum measures and a description of activities the City will perform in 2008. For more information on the City programs, please call the Public Works Office at 406-758-7720.
The objective of this minimum control measure is to increase awareness and educate the public about urban runoff. General knowledge of both water quality problems and potential solutions can allow for greater compliance with laws and regulations.
2008 Program Activities
- Stormwater public information on stormwater pollutions sent in utility bills.
- Numerous printed brochures on stormwater are available at the counter of the Public Works building and are included in utility bill statements, Consumer Confidence Report and in the bi-annual City Parks and Recreation Newspaper.
- Stormwater information on the City of Kalispell website and on the Montana Department of Transportation’s (MDT) website.
- Informational products related to stormwater education are available, at no charge to the public, at the City Public Works Office and at the MDT Kalispell office.
The requirement of this measure is to provide opportunities for the City to get feedback from the public and allow individuals or groups with specific interests to participate in City stormwater issues and programs.
2008 Program Activities
- Annual Public Meetings are held to obtain public comments and relay stormwater information.
- A Public Complaint Process was developed in December 31, 2007 and advertised through the Stormwater Public Education Program in 2008. The program will provide a means for citizens to register a complaint or acquire information regarding stormwater pollution through the City Public Works Department and Montana Department of Transportation Kalispell Office.
- City staff will be present at Earthday 2008 to hand out pamphlets and inform the public about stomwater pollutions.
- City staff will present stormwater public education and be involved in educational programs for students in the eight grade, 6th grade, and elementary classes.
Water that enters the storm drainage system is not processed in a treatment plant. Illicit discharges are sources of water that are not runoff from precipitation events and can be a source of pollutants. The goal of this minimum measure is to identify and control non stormwater discharges to the waters of the community.
2008 Program Activities
- Storm drainage facilities such as storm sewers, inlets, and channels have been mapped by the Engineering and Utilities Division. These maps are a valuable tool for management and maintenance.
- An Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination (IDDE) Program was developed for the City in December 2007. The program will be implemented in 2008 and 2009 and outlines the programs used to detect and address illicit discharges to the stormwater systems, including discharges from illegal dumping and spills. A copy of this program is available to the public; please contact Susie Turner at 758-7852.
- In February 2008 a new Illicit Discharge Elimination Ordinance was adopted by City Council. For information on the new ordinance please contact Susie Turner at 758-7852, or a copy of the ordinance can be obtained from the City website.
Almost any form of outdoor construction disturbs the existing ground cover or vegetation and creates soil erosion. The City developed, implemented, and enforces a program to reduce pollutants in stormwater runoff to the permitted small MS4 from construction activities.
2008 Program Activities
- The City ordinance, “Stormwater Discharges Resulting from Construction and Land Disturbance Activities” was approved by City Council in April 2007 and has been active since May 2, 2007.
- The following are the Stormwater Management requirements.
- A Stormwater Management (SWM) Permit is required for any land disturbance construction activities in the City of Kalispell. A copy of the permit can be obtained from this website in the Public Works Permit Section or at the Public Works Office.
- This SWM permit DOES NOT take the place of the State General Permit for Discharges Associated with Constructions Activities. Both permits will need to be acquired for land disturbance equal to or greater than one acre.
- Construction sites will be inspected by Kalispell employees for conformance to submitted Stormwater Management Plans.
- Educational training and information for the Stormwater Management requirements will be provided for contractors, engineers, and developers. For more information contact Susie Turner at 758-7852.
The objective of this minimum measure is to develop, implement, and enforce a program to address stormwater runoff from new development and redevelopment projects that disturb greater than or equal to one acre, including projects less than one acre that are part of a larger common plan of development or sale, that discharge into the City’s small MS4. This program must ensure that controls are in place that would prevent or minimize water quality impacts.
2008 Program Activities
- The City of Kalispell Standards for Design and Construction outlines design standards for stormwater management in new development. In addition, a stormwater report is required to address measures taken to meet the requirements of the City’s SWMP as it applies to the site.
- All new developments with stormwater outfalls to waterbodies or to City MS4s that flow to waterbodies are required to design and implement treatment facilities for pollutants of concern.
- The City Public Works Department is currently working on Water Quality Design Standards. Once the draft is complete it will be advertised for public review and comment.
- The City continually performs maintenance and cleaning of structural stormwater controls such as:
- Sweeping of gutter and streets
- Cleaning of storm manholes, catch basins, and pipes
- Annual leaf pick up program
- Maintenance and repairs of City owned stormwater detention and stormwater treatment facilities
- Maintenance of storm conveyance ditches
The City considers the potential impacts to stormwater of its operations, equipment, and practices. Numerous measures are employed on a daily basis to minimize any negative effects.
2008 Program Activities
- The City’s Public Works Department continues to perform the following daily Operation and Maintenance activities:
- Street sweeping
- Alternative product usage
- Material management
- Material storage and recycling
- Dead animal removal
- Storm drain system cleaning
- City leaf collection/recycling program
- The City Public Works Fleet Maintenance recycles automotive fluids used in maintenance of the City’s cars, trucks, and equipment. All maintenance is performed indoors and no work or material storage is exposed to stormwater runoff.
- All City employees whose activities may affect stormwater quality will receive annual training on methods to minimize any negative impacts.
- The City obtains construction stormwater permits from the Montana Department of Environment Quality for City projects.
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