O & M Staff Trainging Meeting Handout

Chappaqua Central School District
66 Roaring Brook Road
Chappaqua, NY 10514

O & M Staff Training Meeting

MS4PY11 SWMP for 2021

Part 1
Stormwater Runoff
Part 2
Training Program Review Questions

For more information contact your stormwater coordinator, Joe Gramando, at 914-238-7210 or via email at JoGramando@ccsd.ws.

WORKSHOP PART ONE: STORMWATER RUNOFF


1.  STORMWATER RUNOFF
Stormwater runoff is water from rain or melting snow that does not soak into the ground but runs into our waterways. The key sources of stormwater runoff are:

  • Runoff from Rooftops: It consists of rainwater and melting snow that run off the rooftops via roof gutters and leaders and flows onto the ground, to the nearest catch basin or nearby waterway 
  • Runoff from Paved Areas: It consists of rainwater and melting snow from impervious surfaces such as paved sidewalks, parking lots and blacktopped surfaces such as roads and driveways
  • Runoff from Lawns and Gardens: It consists of rainwater and melting snow that run off sloped lawns and gardens
  • Runoff from Construction Activities: It consists of rainwater and melting snow, exposed to sediment from excavated areas, construction wastes, vehicle washing, fuels, oils and other pollutants used in vehicle and equipment operation and maintenance

2.  EXAMPLES OF POLLUTANTS IN STORMWATER 
Stormwater runoff may carry a number of pollutants, varying by the season, the rainfall event and the activities carried out in the path of the flow. Examples of pollutants in stormwater are:

  • Pollutants from Roofing Materials: Old weathered roofs may contain tar and roofing chemicals
  • Pollutants from Paved Areas: Paved areas may contain oils and greases from automobiles, trash and debris, as well as sand, salt and de-icing chemicals utilized during the winter season
  • Pollutants from Lawns and Gardens: Excessive use of fertilizers from lawns and gardens contribute nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen, which can promote the overgrowth of algae. The algae may deplete the oxygen in our waterways and may be harmful to humans and animals. Careless application of pesticides, and herbicides affect the health of living organisms and cause ecosystem imbalances. 
  • Pollutants from Animal Wastes and Illicit Connections: Bacteria from animal wastes, improperly maintained septic systems and illicit connections from sanitary sewage system discharges can make nearby streams and waterways unsafe for wading, swimming and the propagation of edible shellfish
  • Pollutants from Construction Activities: Sediment and construction wastes cloud waterways and interfere with the habitat of living organisms

SOURCES: The information in this training document was extracted from various EPA publications.
 

PART TWO: TRAINING PROGRAM REVIEW QUESTIONS

1.  Vehicle washing should be done preferably at a commercial car wash.
          o    True
          o    False
2.  Salt/Sand: It is not necessary to collect and dispose of road sand/salt after the winter season ends.
          o    True
          o    False
3.  Paved Areas Pollutants may contain oils and greases and debris.
          o    True
          o    False
4.  Septic Tank Wastes: Poorly maintained septic tank systems do not cause stormwater pollution.
          o    True
          o    False
5.  Phosphorus and nitrogen from fertilizers promote algae growth, which deplete sunlight and oxygen in our waterways.
          o    True
          o    False
6.  Stormwater Regulations: All O & M staff are required to prevent stormwater pollution at the work site.
          o    True
          o    False