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Storm Water

When it rains or snow melts, the resulting "storm water" may be absorbed into the ground or it may "runoff" the land surface into a nearby lake, stream, or estuary. Storm water runoff from natural (vegetated) land is typically low since most rain or snow melt infiltrates into the ground or is lost to evaporation. Storm water runoff increases as the percentage of impervious surface cover (e.g., streets, parking lots, rooftops) increases since the land's ability to absorb water is restricted . In addition to washing pollutants (e.g., hydrocarbons, nutrients, bacteria) into our surface waters, improperly managed storm water runoff can result in soil erosion and flooding.

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EPA New England

NPDES Storm Water Permit Program

EPA and State NPDES Permit Storm Water Contacts

Low Impact Development

 
National EPA

NPDES Storm Water Permit Program

National Menu of Best Management Practices for Storm Water Phase II

National Stormwater BMP Database

Green Infrastructure
Green infrastructure is a cost effective and environmentally friendly approach to reduce stormwater and other excess flows entering combined or separate sewer systems

Low Impact Development

Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination (IDDE)
Find a wide range of resources including on-line training programs.

Developing Your IDDE Program (IDDE 101), US EPA Stormwater Program Webcast Series
Learn the basic components of an effective IDDE program, including auditing existing resources; establishing legal authority; determining illicit discharge potential; developing program goals; searching for illicit discharges; eliminating and preventing illicit discharges; and evaluating program effectiveness.

Conducting Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination Investigations (IDDE 201), US EPA Stormwater Program Webcast Series
Learn the field and laboratory methods necessary to conduct IDDE investigations, including conducting desktop assessments of illicit discharge potential (IDP); conducting an Outfall Reconnaissance Inventory (ORI); performing post-screening prioritizations; and performing detailed field sampling and lab analyses to confirm and identify illicit discharges.

Stormwater Phase II Final Rule, Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination Minimum Control Measure, Fact Sheet, 2005, US EPA Office of Water (PDF) (4 pp., 263 KB, about PDF)
A profile of the IDDE minimum control measure, outlining the Phase II Final Rule requirements and guidance on how to satisfy them.  
 
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Stormwater Manager's Resource Center Exit EPA. Click for disclaimer.

Construction Industry Compliance Assistance Center Exit EPA. Click for disclaimer.

Serving Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, & Tribal Nations

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