The proper management of stormwater runoff has become a growing concern for pollution-control agencies in Florida. Stormwater runoff often contains pollutants which can damage surface waters if it is directly discharged into them. Stormwater management systems are designed to collect and treat this runoff before it can pollute surface waters.
Illicit connections are defined as "illegal and/or improper connections to storm drainage systems and receiving waters" (CWP, 1998). A discharge of industrial wastewater to a storm sewer is "illicit" because it would ordinarily require a permit under the Clean Water Act. Many building owners or operators are not aware that improper connections exist in their facilities. Identifying and removing illicit connections is a measure for reducing storm water pollution. In extreme cases of illicit dumping, legal action is necessary.
Industrial Facilities Inspections
Staff currently issues permits to and inspects wastewater treatment facilities in Duval County that discharge treated effluent to groundwater. This effluent must be treated to meet state standards to ensure that groundwater is not polluted or contaminated. WQB employees inspect these facilities on a regular schedule. Each inspection visit involves checking for proper record keeping, mechanical components and taking effluent samples for compliance with permit standard
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)
The NPDES Stormwater Program regulates point source discharges from three potential sources: Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4s), construction activities and industrial activities.
Stormwater runoff is generated from rain events that flow over land or impervious surfaces, such as paved streets, parking lots and building rooftops, and does not soak into the ground. The runoff picks up pollutants like trash, chemicals, oils, and dirt/sediment that can harm our rivers, streams and lakes. To protect these resources, municipalities, construction and industries activities, and others use stormwater controls, known as Best Management Practices (BMPs), to manage their runoff. The implementation of these practices, which include BMP design, performance and adaptive management requirements, prevent pollution by controlling it at its source.
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Monitoring Information
- 2014 Annual Monitoring Report - Includes routine tributary monitoring sites and data, long term trends from 1990-2013, BMAP tributary sites and data, and special studies
- Ribault River Bacteria Control Plan Update
Private Stormwater Ponds
All new construction after 1982 required a Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) permit to construct a stormwater pond to treat runoff from the site. Since 1986, that permit program in Jacksonville has been delegated to the St. Johns River Water Management District.
In the late 1980s, the Environmental Quality Division established an inspection program to address pollution from erosion at construction sites and to ensure maintenance of stormwater ponds. The pond maintenance inspection program ceased in the late 1990s due to budget cuts.
In 1972, the Clean Water Act had created the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System to address point sources of pollutant discharges. It wasn’t until 1990, that the Environmental Protection Program implemented a stormwater program under NPDES. Eventually, that was delegated to the State of Florida, implemented by FDEP.
Maintenance requirements
Jacksonville Environmental Protection Board Rule 3.603 adopts the requirements of the SJRWMD permit and rule as discussed below:
s. 40-C42.19.2 Maintenance Requirements for all Permitted Systems. The following operational maintenance activities shall be performed on all permitted systems on a regular basis or as needed:
- Removal of trash and debris
- Inspection of inlets and outlets
- Removal of sediments or vegetation when the storage volume or conveyance capacity of the stormwater management system is below design levels
- Stabilization and restoration of eroded areas
19.3.3 Wet Detention Wet detention systems shall include provisions for operational maintenance of the littoral zone.
- Replanting shall be required if the percentage of vegetative cover falls below the permitted level.
- It is recommended that native vegetation be maintained in the littoral zone as part of the system's operation and maintenance plan.
- Undesirable species such as cattail and exotic plants should be controlled if they become a nuisance.
19.4 Non-functioning Systems. If the system is not functioning as designed and permitted, operational maintenance must be performed immediately to restore the system.