Stormwater Newsletter September 2021


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

MS4PY12 Stormwater Program

Newsletter #1
September 2021

STORMWATER POLLUTION: BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES


For more information contact your stormwater coordinator:
Joe Gramando at
914-238-7210 x1201 or JoGramando@chappaquaschools.org
 

1.  BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
Best Management Practices (BMPs) are techniques or controls utilized to prevent or reduce the discharge of non-point source pollution into our stormwater, receiving waters or the stormwater conveyance system. These techniques or controls include non-structural BMPs as well as structural BMPs as noted below:  

  • Non-Structural BMPs: consist of training procedures, education and public involvement/participation activities
  • Structural BMPs: consist of onsite source control techniques, stormwater treatment controls and stormwater disposal practices 

2.  EXAMPLES OF NON-STRUCTURAL BEST MANAGEMANT PRACTICES 
Non-Structural BMPs should involve the utilization of the six (6) Minimum Control Measures (MCMs) to their maximum extent.

  • MCM 1 – PUBLIC EDUCATION: public education should consist of the development of Stormwater Website accessible to all students, teachers, custodians, maintenance personnel and administrative staff. Public education should also include the preparation of Newsletters and Fact Sheets on the ongoing stormwater program
  • MCM 2 – PUBLIC PARTICPATION AND INVOLVEMENT: should outline steps the district has taken in complying with the State’s stormwater program. Public participation activities should also include the involvement of students in stormwater outreach programs in nearby local communities.
  • MCM 3 – ILLICIT DISCHARGE DETECION AND ELIMINATION: Training should be provided to O & M staff on identification, containment and the proper enforcement procedures for illicit discharges. A field survey should be conducted of all active outfalls in the district, listing condition of the outfalls and observations of potential illicit discharges from school operations. A summary report should be included with photographs illustrating conditions of the outfalls and citing corrective actions that the district should implement to reduce the potential illicit discharges to nearby storm sewers
  • MCM 4 & MCM 5 - CONSTRUCTION SITE STORMWATER CONTROL & POST CONSTRUCTION STORMWATER MANAGEMENT: Fact sheets should be developed highlighting regulations related to stormwater discharges from construction activity. The fact sheets should include erosion and sediment controls to curtail stormwater runoff pollution during a construction project. The fact sheets should also outline the Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPPs) that the contractor must undertake during the construction project
  • MCM 6 – POLLUTION PREVENTION/GOOD HOUSE KEEPING: An O & M Staff Training Workshop should be presented to custodians and the district’s O & M staff. The workshop should focus on preventing and reducing pollutant runoff from buildings. The workshop should also cover best practices for disposing floor cleaning solutions, paints, solvents and hazardous materials.

3. EXAMPLES OF STRUCTURAL BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES

  • Floor Cleaning: The following structural BMPs are typically adopted for floor cleaning:
  1. Obtain necessary approvals from sewering agency to dispose wastewater into sanitary sewer
  2. Wastewater from holding tank should be disposed of to a sanitary sewer or approved location
  3. Use non-toxic or non-hazardous floor cleaners 
  4. Review MSDS for the products used to help determine proper disposal
  • Pool and Fountain Cleaning: The following structural BMPs are typically adopted for pool and fountain cleaning:
  1. Consult with local jurisdiction for discharge requirements
  2. Store chemicals in leak-proof containers
  3. Keep chemicals covered and securely stored in the vehicle
  4. If wash water cannot be disposed off at the job site, collect it and contain it for proper disposal
  • Vehicle Washing at the Job Site: The following structural BMPs are typically adopted for vehicle washing
  1. Consult with local jurisdiction for vehicle washing requirements and restrictions
  2. Locate the nearest storm drain outlet and make sure wash water is not discharged into the outlet
  3. Use phosphorus -free detergents and wash vehicle on bermed area over a porous surface such as a lawn or gravel area
  4. To prevent wash/rinse water from entering the storm drain, it should be allowed to infiltrate into the ground
  5. If wash/rinse water cannot be disposed at the job site, collect the wash/rinse water and contain it in a holding tank for proper disposal 
  • Building and Pavement Washing: The following structural BMPs are typically adopted for building and pavement washing
  1. Sweep and pick up trash, litter and debris downstream from wash area
  2. Use a vacuum recovery system to contain wash water for proper disposal
  3. Use dry clean-up methods when possible
  4. Dispose of wash water properly
  5. If wash/rinse water cannot be disposed of at the job site, collect it for recycling, re-using and proper disposal
  • Building Painting: The following structural BMPs are typically adopted for building painting
  1. Recover lose paint chips and sanding dust and properly dispose these materials
  2. Store paints, coatings and solvents under cover in a contained area
  3. Keep containers in good condition and keep them closed when not in use
  4. Filter, reuse and recycle thinners and solvents
  5. Dispose of unusable paints and solvents as hazardous waste
  6. Maintain proper spill control measures, materials and equipment
  7. Never dispose rinse water, paint or paint waste products into a storm drain
  8. Contain rinse water from latex paint equipment and dispose properly

4.  BMPS IMPROVE AND RESTORE WATER QUALITY 
BMPs are actions on the ground that help to improve and restore water quality. Identifying the appropriate BMPs is critical to a successful reduction of nonpoint source pollution. The BMPs that are selected depend on the type of pollutant and the management goal specifically applicable to each school district.

5.  BPMs UTILIZING GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE (GI) PRACTICES  
Consider utilizing GI BMPs whenever possible. Such practices may include green roofs, pervious pavements, rain gardens, vegetated swales and planters. GI BMPs have secondary benefits including aesthetic improvements, cleaner air, energy savings and urban cooling. 

6.  DISTRICT COMPLIANCE GOALS
It should be noted that the district has fully complied, and intends to comply, with the BMPs cited in this Newsletter, whenever applicable.