[HISTORY: Adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Village
of Old Brookville. Amendments noted where applicable.]
A.Â
The intent of this chapter is to provide for the health, safety,
and general welfare of the citizens of the Incorporated Village of
Old Brookville through the regulation of nonstormwater discharges
to the municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) to the maximum
extent practicable as required by federal and state law. This chapter
establishes methods for controlling the introduction of pollutants
into the MS4 in order to comply with requirements of the SPDES general
permit for MS4s.
B.Â
The objectives of this chapter are:
(1)Â
To meet the requirements of the SPDES General Permit for Stormwater
Discharges from MS4s, Permit No. GP-02-02, or as amended or revised;
(2)Â
To regulate the contribution of pollutants to the MS4 since such
systems are not designed to accept, process or discharge nonstormwater
wastes;
(3)Â
To prohibit illicit connections, activities and discharges to the
MS4;
(4)Â
To establish legal authority to carry out all inspection, surveillance
and monitoring procedures necessary to ensure compliance with this
chapter; and
(5)Â
To promote public awareness of the hazards involved in the improper
discharge of trash, yard waste, lawn chemicals, pet waste, wastewater,
grease, oil, petroleum products, cleaning products, paint products,
hazardous waste, sediment and other pollutants into the MS4.
A.Â
For purposes of this chapter, certain terms and words are hereby
defined. Words used in the present tense include the future, words
in the singular include the plural, and words in the plural include
the singular; the word "shall" is mandatory.
B.Â
BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES (BMPs)
CLEAN WATER ACT
CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITY
DEC
DESIGN PROFESSIONAL
EPA
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
ILLICIT CONNECTIONS
(1)Â
(2)Â
ILLICIT DISCHARGE
INDUSTRIAL ACTIVITY
MS4
MUNICIPAL SEPARATE STORM SEWER SYSTEM
NYCRR
NONSTORMWATER DISCHARGE
PERSON
POLLUTANT
PREMISES
SMO
SPECIAL CONDITIONS
(1)Â
(2)Â
(3)Â
(4)Â
SPDES
STATE
SPDES GENERAL PERMIT FOR CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES GP-02-01
SPDES GENERAL PERMIT FOR STORMWATER DISCHARGES FROM MUNICIPAL
SEPARATE STORMWATER SEWER SYSTEMS GP-02-02
SPDES STORMWATER DISCHARGE PERMIT
STORMWATER
STORMWATER MANAGEMENT OFFICER (SMO)
303(d) LIST
TMDL
TOTAL MAXIMUM DAILY LOAD
WASTEWATER
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have meanings
set forth below:
Includes schedules of activities, prohibitions of practices,
general good housekeeping practices, pollution prevention and educational
practices, maintenance procedures, and other management practices
to prevent or reduce the discharge of pollutants directly or indirectly
to stormwater, receiving waters, or stormwater conveyance systems.
BMPs also include treatment practices, operating procedures, and practices
to control site runoff, spillage or leaks, sludge or water disposal,
or drainage from raw materials storage.
The Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. § 1251
et seq.), and any subsequent amendments thereto.
An activity requiring authorization under the SPDES permit
for stormwater discharges from construction activity, GP-02-01, as
amended or revised. These activities include construction projects
resulting in land disturbance of one acre or more. Such activities
include but are not limited to clearing and grubbing, grading, excavating,
and demolition.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
A New York State licensed professional engineer or licensed
architect.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency.
Includes any material, including any substance, waste, or
combination thereof, which because of its quantity, concentration,
or physical, chemical, or infectious characteristics may cause, or
significantly contribute to, a substantial present or potential hazard
to human health, safety, property, or the environment when improperly
treated, stored, transported, disposed of, or otherwise managed.
Includes any drain or conveyance, whether on the surface
or subsurface, which allows an illegal discharge to enter the MS4,
including but not limited to:
Any conveyances which allow any nonstormwater discharge, including
treated or untreated sewage, process wastewater, and wash water to
enter the MS4 and any connections to the storm drain system from indoor
drains and sinks, regardless of whether said drain or connection had
been previously allowed, permitted, or approved by an authorized enforcement
agency; or
Any drain or conveyance connected from a commercial or industrial
land use to the MS4 which has not been documented in plans, maps,
or equivalent records and approved by an authorized enforcement agency.
Includes any direct or indirect nonstormwater discharge to
the MS4, except as exempted in this chapter.
An activity requiring a SPDES permit for discharges from
industrial activities except construction, GP-98-03, as amended or
revised.
The municipal separate storm sewer system.
A conveyance or system of conveyances (including roads with
drainage systems, municipal streets, catch basins, curbs, gutters,
ditches, man-made channels, or storm drains):
The New York Code, Rules and Regulations
Includes any discharge to the MS4 that is not composed entirely
of stormwater.
Any individual, association, organization, partnership, firm,
corporation or other entity recognized by law and acting as either
the owner or as the owner's agent.
Includes dredged spoil, filter backwash, solid waste, incinerator
residue, treated or untreated sewage, garbage, sewage sludge, munitions,
chemical wastes, biological materials, radioactive materials, heat,
wrecked or discarded equipment, rock, sand and industrial, municipal,
agricultural waste and ballast discharged into water; which may cause
or might reasonably be expected to cause pollution of the waters of
the state in contravention of pertinent standards promulgated by the
federal government, the state, the Village, or any other municipality,
a department thereof, having legal jurisdiction to impose such standards.
Includes any building, lot, parcel of land, or portion of
land, whether improved or unimproved, including adjacent sidewalks
and parking strips.
The Stormwater Management Officer (see definition of "Stormwater
Management Officer").
Discharge compliance with water quality standards. A condition
that applies when the Village has been notified that the discharge
of stormwater authorized under its MS4 permit may have caused or has
the reasonable potential to cause or contribute to the violation of
an applicable water quality standard. Under this condition, the Village
must take all necessary actions to ensure future discharges do not
cause or contribute to a violation of water quality standards.
303(d) listed waters. A condition in the Village's MS4
permit that applies when the MS4 discharges to a 303(d) listed water.
Under this condition, the stormwater management program must ensure
no increase of the listed pollutant of concern to the 303(d) listed
water.
Total maximum daily load (TMDL) strategy. A condition in the
Village's MS4 permit where a TMDL including requirements for
control of stormwater discharges has been approved by EPA for a water
body or watershed into which the MS4 discharges. If the discharge
from the MS4 did not meet the TMDL stormwater allocations prior to
September 10, 2003, the Village was required to modify its stormwater
management program to ensure that reduction of the pollutant of concern
specified in the TMDL is achieved.
A condition in the Village's MS4 permit that applies if
a TMDL is approved in the future by EPA for any water body or watershed
into which an MS4 discharges. Under such condition, the Village must
review the applicable TMDL to see if it includes requirements for
control of stormwater discharges. If an MS4 is not meeting the TMDL
stormwater allocations, the Village must, within six months of the
TMDL's approval, modify its stormwater management program to
ensure that reduction of the pollutant of concern specified in the
TMDL is achieved.
The state pollutant discharge elimination system.
The State of New York.
The permit issued to developers of construction activities
to regulate disturbance of one or more acres of land.
The permit issued to municipalities to regulate discharges
from municipal separate storm sewers for compliance with EPA established
water quality standards and/or to specify stormwater control standards.
A permit issued by the DEC that authorizes the discharge
of pollutants to waters of the state.
Includes rainwater, surface runoff, snowmelt and drainage.
The Building Inspector, or his designee, as the designated
officer of the Village to enforce this chapter.
A list of all surface waters in the state for which beneficial
uses of the water (drinking, recreation, aquatic habitat, and industrial
use) are impaired by pollutants, prepared periodically by the DEC
as required by Section 303(d) of the Clean Water Act. 303(d) listed
waters are estuaries, lakes and streams that fall short of state surface
water quality standards and are not expected to improve within the
next two years.
The total maximum daily load. (See definition of "total maximum
daily load.")
The maximum amount of a pollutant to be allowed to be released
into a water body so as not to impair uses of the water allocated
among the sources of that pollutant.
Water that is not stormwater, is contaminated with pollutants,
and is or will be discarded.
This chapter shall apply to all water entering the MS4 generated
on any developed and undeveloped lands unless explicitly exempted
by an authorized enforcement agency.
The SMO shall administer, implement, and enforce the provisions
of this chapter.
A.Â
Prohibition of illegal discharges. No person shall discharge or cause
to be discharged into the MS4 any materials other than stormwater.
The commencement, conduct or continuance of any illegal discharge
to the MS4 is prohibited except as described as follows:
(1)Â
The following discharges are exempt from discharge prohibitions established
by this chapter, unless the DEC or the Village has determined them
to be substantial contributors of pollutants: water line flushing
or other potable water sources, landscape irrigation or lawn watering,
existing diverted stream flows, rising groundwater, uncontaminated
groundwater infiltration to storm drains, uncontaminated pumped groundwater,
foundation or footing drains, crawl space or basement sump pumps,
air-conditioning condensate, irrigation water, springs, water from
individual residential car washing, natural riparian habitat or wetland
flows, dechlorinated swimming pool discharges, residential street
wash water, water from firefighting activities, and any other water
source not containing pollutants. Such exempt discharges shall be
made in accordance with an appropriate plan for reducing pollutants.
(2)Â
Discharges approved in writing by the SMO to protect life or property
from imminent harm or damage, provided that such approval shall not
be construed to constitute compliance with other applicable laws and
requirements, and further provided that such discharges may be permitted
for a specified time period and under such conditions as the SMO may
deem appropriate to protect such life and property while reasonably
maintaining the purpose and intent of this chapter.
(3)Â
Dye testing in compliance with applicable state and Village laws
is an allowable discharge, but requires a verbal notification to the
SMO prior to the time of the test.
(4)Â
The prohibition shall not apply to any discharge permitted under
an SPDES permit, waiver, or waste discharge order issued to the discharger
and administered under the authority of the DEC, provided that the
discharger is in full compliance with all requirements of the permit,
waiver, or order and other applicable laws and regulations, and provided
that written DEC approval has been granted for any discharge to the
MS4.
B.Â
Prohibition of illicit connections.
(1)Â
The construction, use, maintenance or continued existence of illicit
connections to the MS4 is prohibited.
(2)Â
This prohibition expressly includes, without limitation, illicit
connections made in the past, regardless of whether the connection
was permissible under law or practices applicable or prevailing at
the time of connection.
(3)Â
A person is considered to be in violation of this chapter if the
person connects a line conveying sewage to the Village's MS4
or allows such a connection to continue.
No persons shall operate a failing individual sewage treatment
system in areas tributary to the Village's MS4. A failing individual
sewage treatment system is one which has one or more of the following
conditions:
A.Â
The backup of sewage into a structure.
B.Â
Discharges of treated or untreated sewage onto the ground surface.
C.Â
A connection or connections to a separate stormwater sewer system.
D.Â
Liquid level in the septic tank above the outlet invert.
E.Â
Structural failure of any component of the individual sewage treatment
system that could lead to any of the other failure conditions as noted
in this section.
F.Â
Contamination of off-site groundwater.
C.Â
Upon notification to a person that such person is engaged in activities
that cause or contribute to violations of the Village's MS4 SPDES
permit authorization, such person shall immediately commence and continue
thereafter will all due diligence to take all reasonable actions to
correct such activities such that such person no longer causes or
contributes to violations of the Village's MS4 SPDES permit authorization.
A.Â
Best management practices.
(1)Â
Where the SMO has identified illicit discharges or activities contaminating
stormwater, the Village may require implementation of best management
practices (BMPs) to control those illicit discharges and activities.
(2)Â
The owner or operator of a commercial or industrial establishment
shall provide, at its own expense, reasonable protection from accidental
discharge of prohibited materials or other wastes into the MS4 through
the use of structural and nonstructural BMPs.
(3)Â
Any person responsible for a property or premise, which is, or may
be, the source of an illicit discharge or an activity contaminating
stormwater, may be required to implement, at said person's expense,
additional structural and nonstructural BMPs to reduce or eliminate
the source of pollutant(s) to the MS4.
(4)Â
Compliance with all terms and conditions of a valid SPDES permit
authorizing the discharge of stormwater associated with industrial
activity, to the extent practicable, shall be deemed compliance with
the provisions of this section.
B.Â
Individual sewage treatment systems.
(1)Â
Response to special conditions requiring no increase of pollutants
or requiring a reduction of pollutants.
(a)Â
Where individual sewage treatment systems are contributing to
the Village's being subject to the special conditions, the owner
or operator of such individual sewage treatment systems shall be required
to:
[1]Â
Maintain and operate individual sewage treatment systems as
follows:
[a]Â
Inspect the septic tank annually to determine scum and sludge
accumulation. Septic tanks must be pumped out whenever the bottom
of the outlet baffle or sanitary tee or the top of the sludge is within
10 inches of the bottom of the outlet baffle or sanitary tee.
[b]Â
Avoid the use of septic tank activities.
[c]Â
Avoid the disposal of excessive quantities of detergents, kitchen
wastes, laundry wastes, and household chemicals.
[d]Â
Avoid the disposal of cigarette butts, disposable diapers, sanitary
napkins, trash, and other such items.
[e]Â
Most tanks should be pumped out every two to three years. However,
pumping may be more or less frequent depending on use. Inspection
of the tank for cracks, leaks and blockages should be done by the
septage hauler at the time of pumping of the tank contents.
(2)Â
Repair or replace individual sewage treatment systems as follows:
(a)Â
In accordance with 10 NYCRR Appendix 75A, as the same may be
amended or superseded from time to time, to the maximum extent practicable.
(b)Â
A design professional shall prepare design plans for any type
of absorption field that involves:
(c)Â
A written certification of compliance with the regulations shall
be submitted by the design professional to the Village at the completion
of construction of the repair or replacement system.
A.Â
Suspension of access to MS4. The SMO may, without prior notice, suspend
MS4 discharge access to a person when such suspension is necessary
to stop an actual or threatened discharge which presents or may present
imminent and substantial danger to the environment, to the health
or welfare of persons, or to the MS4. The SMO shall notify the person
of such suspension within a reasonable time thereafter in writing
of the reasons for the suspension. If the violator fails to comply
with a suspension order issued in an emergency, the SMO may take such
steps as deemed necessary to prevent or minimize damage to the MS4
or to minimize danger to persons.
B.Â
Suspension due to the detection of illicit discharge. Any person
discharging to the Village's MS4 in violation of this chapter
may have its MS4 access terminated if such termination would abate
or reduce an illicit discharge. The SMO will notify a violator in
writing of the proposed termination of its MS4 access and the reasons
therefor. The violator may petition the SMO for a reconsideration
and hearing. Access may be granted by the SMO if the SMO finds that
the illicit discharge has ceased and the discharger has taken steps
to prevent its recurrence. Access may be denied if the SMO determines
in writing that the illicit discharge has not ceased or is likely
to recur. A person commits an offense if the person reinstates MS4
access to premises terminated pursuant to this subsection without
the prior approval of the SMO.
Any person subject to an industrial or construction activity
SPDES stormwater discharge permit shall comply with all provisions
of such permit. Proof of compliance with said permit may be required
in a form acceptable to the SMO prior to the allowing of discharges
to the MS4.
A.Â
Applicability. This section applies to all facilities that the SMO
must inspect to enforce any provision of this chapter, or whenever
the authorized enforcement agency has cause to believe that there
exists, or potentially exists, in or upon any premises any condition
which constitutes a violation of this chapter.
B.Â
Access to facilities.
(1)Â
The SMO shall be permitted to enter and inspect facilities subject
to regulation under this chapter as often as may be necessary to determine
compliance with this chapter. If a discharger has security measures
in force which require proper identification and clearance before
entry into its premises, the discharger shall make the necessary arrangements
to allow access to the SMO.
(2)Â
Facility operators shall allow the SMO ready access to all parts
of the premises for the purposes of inspection, sampling, examination
and copying of records as may be required to implement this chapter.
(3)Â
The Village shall have the right to set up on any facility subject
to this chapter such devices as are necessary in the opinion of the
SMO to conduct monitoring and/or sampling of the facility's stormwater
discharge.
(4)Â
The Village has the right to require the facilities subject to this
chapter to install monitoring equipment as is reasonably necessary
to determine compliance with this chapter.
(5)Â
The facility's sampling and monitoring equipment shall be maintained
at all times in a safe and proper operating condition by the discharger
at its own expense. All devices used to measure stormwater flow and
quality shall be calibrated to ensure their accuracy.
(6)Â
Unreasonable delays in allowing the Village access to a facility
subject to this chapter is a violation of this chapter. A person who
is the operator of a facility subject to this chapter commits an offense
if the person denies the Village reasonable access to the facility
for the purpose of conducting any activity authorized or required
by this chapter.
(7)Â
If the SMO has been refused access to any part of the premises from
which stormwater is discharged, and the SMO is able to demonstrate
probable cause to believe that there may be a violation of this chapter,
or that there is a need to inspect and/or sample as part of a routine
inspection and sampling program designed to verify compliance with
this chapter or any order issued hereunder, then the SMO may seek
issuance of a search warrant from the Village Court, or, at its option,
any other court of competent jurisdiction.
A.Â
Notwithstanding other requirements of law, as soon as any person
responsible for a facility or operation, or responsible for emergency
response for a facility or operation has information of any known
or suspected release of materials which are resulting or may result
in illegal discharges or pollutants discharging into the MS4, said
person shall take all necessary steps to ensure the discovery, containment,
and cleanup of such release.
B.Â
In the event of such a release of hazardous materials, said person
shall immediately notify emergency response agencies of the occurrence
via emergency dispatch services.
C.Â
In the event of a release of nonhazardous materials, said person
shall notify the Village in person or by telephone or facsimile no
later than the next business day.
D.Â
Notifications in person or by telephone shall be confirmed by written
notice addressed and mailed to the Village within three business days
of the telephone notice.
E.Â
If the discharge of prohibited materials emanates from a commercial
or industrial establishment, the owner or operator of such establishment
shall also retain an on-site written record of the discharge and the
actions taken to prevent its recurrence. Such records shall be retained
for at least three years.
A.Â
Notice of violation. When the SMO, his designee, or other designee
of the Board of Trustees determines that a person has violated a prohibition
or failed to meet a requirement of this chapter, the SMO or such designee
may order compliance by written notice of violation to the responsible
person.
(1)Â
Such notice may require, without limitation:
(a)Â
The elimination of illicit connections or discharges;
(b)Â
That violating discharges, practices, or operations shall cease
and desist;
(c)Â
The abatement or remediation of stormwater pollution or contamination
hazards and the restoration of any affected property;
(d)Â
The performance of monitoring, analyses, and reporting;
(e)Â
Payment of a fine; and
(f)Â
The implementation of source control or treatment BMPs.
(2)Â
If abatement of a violation and/or restoration of affected property
are required, the notice shall set forth a deadline within which such
remediation or restoration must be completed. Said notice shall further
advise that, should the violator fail to remediate or restore within
the established deadline, the Village may perform the remediation
or restoration and the cost thereof shall become a lien upon the land
until paid, and if not paid, at the option of the Mayor, may be added
to the current tax bill for the subject premises and collected in
the same manner and with the annual Village real estate taxes.
B.Â
Violations. Any activity that is commenced or is conducted contrary
to this chapter may be restrained by injunction or otherwise abated
in a manner provided by law.
C.Â
Penalties. In addition to or as an alternative to any penalty provided
herein or by law, any person who violates the provisions of this chapter
shall be guilty of a violation punishable by a fine not exceeding
$350 or imprisonment for a period not to exceed six months, or both
for conviction of a first offense; for conviction of a second offense,
both of which were committed within a period of five years, punishable
by a fine not less than $350 nor more than $700 or imprisonment for
a period not to exceed six months, or both; and upon conviction for
a third or subsequent offense, all of which were committed within
a period of five years, punishable by a fine not less than $700 nor
more than $1,000 or imprisonment for a period not to exceed six months,
or both. For the purposes of conferring jurisdiction upon courts and
judicial officers generally, violations of this chapter shall be considered
misdemeanors and for such purpose only all provisions of law relating
to misdemeanors shall apply to such violations. Each week's continued
violation shall constitute a separate additional violation.
It shall be unlawful for any person to violate any provision
or fail to comply with any of the requirements of this chapter. If
a person has violated or continues to violate the provisions of this
chapter, the SMO may petition for a preliminary or permanent injunction
restraining the person from activities which would create further
violations or compelling the person to perform abatement or remediation
of the violation.
In addition to the enforcement processes and penalties provided,
any condition caused or permitted to exist in violation of any of
the provisions of this chapter is a threat to public health, safety,
and welfare, and is declared and deemed a nuisance, and may be summarily
abated or restored at the violator's expense, and/or a civil
action to abate, enjoin, or otherwise compel the cessation of such
nuisance may be taken.
The remedies listed in this chapter are not exclusive of any
other remedies available under any applicable federal, state or local
law and it is within the discretion of the authorized enforcement
agency to seek cumulative remedies.