[HISTORY: Adopted by the City Council of the City of Saratoga Springs 1-2-2008 by L.L. No. 1-2008; amended in its entirety 9-4-2012 by L.L. No. 2-2012. Subsequent amendments noted where applicable.]
GENERAL REFERENCES
Flood damage prevention — See Ch. 120.
Illicit discharges to storm sewer system — See Ch. 138.
Subdivision regulations — See Ch. 241.
Zoning — See Ch. 240.
It is hereby determined that:
A. 
Land disturbance activities and associated increases in site impervious cover often alter the hydrologic response of local watersheds and increase stormwater runoff rates and volumes, flooding, stream channel erosion, or sediment transport and deposition;
B. 
This stormwater runoff contributes to increased quantities of waterborne pollutants, including siltation of aquatic habitat for fish and other desirable species;
C. 
Clearing and grading during construction tends to increase soil erosion and add to the loss of native vegetation necessary for terrestrial and aquatic habitat;
D. 
Improper design and construction of stormwater management practices can increase the velocity of stormwater runoff thereby increasing stream bank erosion and sedimentation;
E. 
Impervious surfaces allow less water to percolate into the soil, thereby decreasing groundwater recharge and stream base flow;
F. 
Substantial economic losses can result from these adverse impacts on the waters of the municipality;
G. 
Stormwater runoff, soil erosion and non-point source pollution can be controlled and minimized through the regulation of stormwater runoff from land disturbance activities;
H. 
The regulation of stormwater runoff discharges from land disturbance activities in order to control and minimize increases in stormwater runoff rates and volumes, soil erosion, stream channel erosion, and non-point source pollution associated with stormwater runoff is in the public interest and will minimize threats to public health and safety;
I. 
Regulation of land disturbance activities by means of performance standards governing stormwater management and site design will produce development compatible with the natural functions of a particular site or an entire watershed and thereby mitigate the adverse effects of erosion and sedimentation from development;
J. 
The boundaries of the City's Municipal Separate Sewer System (MS4) is defined as the entire City of Saratoga Springs, and all lands within its corporate limits.
In accordance with Article 10 of the Municipal Home Rule Law of the State of New York, the City Council of Saratoga Springs has the authority to enact local laws and amend local laws and for the purpose of promoting the health, safety or general welfare of the City of Saratoga Springs and for the protection and enhancement of its physical environment. The City Council of Saratoga Springs may include in any such local law provisions for the appointment of any municipal officer, employees, or independent contractor to effectuate, administer and enforce such local law.
The purpose of this chapter is to establish minimum stormwater management requirements and controls to protect and safeguard the general health, safety, and welfare of the public residing with in this jurisdiction and to address the findings of fact in 242-1 hereof. This chapter seeks to meet those purposes by achieving the following objectives:
A. 
Meet the requirements of Minimum Control Measures 4 and 5 of the SPDES General Permit for Stormwater Discharges from Municipal Separate Stormwater Sewer Systems (MS4s), Permit No. GP-0-10-002 or as amended or revised;
B. 
Require land disturbance activities to conform to the substantive requirements of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation State Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (SPDES) General Permit for Construction Activities GP-0-10-001 or as amended or revised;
C. 
Minimize increases in stormwater runoff from land disturbance activities in order to reduce flooding, siltation, increases in stream temperature, and streambank erosion and maintain the integrity of stream channels;
D. 
Minimize increases in pollution caused by stormwater runoff from land disturbance activities which would otherwise degrade local water quality;
E. 
Minimize the total annual volume of stormwater runoff which flows from any specific site during and following development to the maximum extent practicable; and
F. 
Reduce stormwater runoff rates and volumes, soil erosion and non-point source pollution, wherever possible, through stormwater management practices and to ensure that these management practices are properly maintained and eliminate threats to public safety.
A. 
The City designates the City Engineer as the Stormwater Management Officer. The Stormwater Management Officer shall accept and review all stormwater pollution prevention plans and forward such plans to the applicable City board. The Stormwater Management Officer may:
(1) 
Review the plans;
(2) 
Upon approval by the City Council, engage the services of a registered professional engineer to review the plans, specifications and related documents at a cost not to exceed a fee schedule established by the City Council; or
(3) 
Accept the certification of a licensed professional that the plans conform to the requirements of this chapter.
A. 
The requirements of this chapter shall be applicable to all land disturbance activities as defined in this chapter.
B. 
All land disturbance activities subject to review and approval by the City Planning Board under subdivision, site plan, special use permit, and/or land disturbance activity regulations shall be reviewed subject to the standards contained in this chapter.
C. 
All other land disturbance activities not subject to review by the Planning Board but subject to § 242-7A shall also be required to submit a stormwater pollution prevention plan (SWPPP) to the Stormwater Management Officer who shall approve the SWPPP if it complies with the requirements of this chapter.
The following activities may be exempt from review under this chapter.
A. 
Agricultural activity as defined in this chapter.
B. 
Silvicultural activity except that land areas, log haul roads, and the removal of stumps are subject to this chapter.
C. 
Routine maintenance activities that disturb less than one acre and are performed to maintain the original line and grade, hydraulic capacity or original purpose of a facility.
D. 
Repairs to any stormwater management practice or facility deemed necessary by the Stormwater Management Officer.
E. 
Any part of a subdivision if a plat for the subdivision has received final approval from the Planning Board on or before the effective date of this chapter.
F. 
Land development activities for which a building permit has been approved on or before the effective date of this chapter.
G. 
Cemetery graves.
H. 
Installation of fence, sign, telephone, and electric poles and other kinds of posts or poles.
I. 
Emergency activity immediately necessary to protect life, property or natural resources.
J. 
Activities of an individual engaging in home gardening by growing flowers, vegetable and other plants primarily for use by that person and his or her family.
K. 
Landscaping and horticultural activities in connection with an existing structure.
A. 
Submission of a stormwater pollution prevention plan (SWPPP) is required in the following circumstances:
(1) 
Basic SWPPP (soil and sediment control) required for residential activities disturbing land of 1.0 to 5.0 acres.
(2) 
Full SWPPP (soil and sediment control and post-construction controls) required for residential activities disturbing 5.0 acres or more.
(3) 
Full SWPPP (soil and sediment control and post-construction controls) required for nonresidential activities disturbing 0.1 acre or more.
B. 
Contents of stormwater pollution prevention plans.
(1) 
Basic SWPPPs shall provide the following background information and erosion and sediment controls:
(a) 
Background information about the scope of the project, including location, type and size of project;
(b) 
Site map/construction drawing(s) for the project at a scale no smaller than one inch equals 100 feet, including a general location map. At a minimum, the site map shall show the total site area; all improvements; areas of disturbance; areas that will not be disturbed; existing vegetation; on-site and adjacent off-site surface water(s); wetlands and drainage patterns that could be affected by the construction activity; existing and final grades (five-foot contour interval max); material, waste, borrow or equipment storage areas; and location(s) of the stormwater discharge(s);
(c) 
Delineation and description of the soil(s) present at the site, including an identification of the Hydrologic Soil Group (HSG); test pit or soil boring information as required by the Stormwater Management Officer;
(d) 
Construction phasing plan describing the intended sequence of construction activities, including clearing and grubbing, excavation and grading, utility and infrastructure installation and any other activity at the site that results in soil disturbance. Consistent with the New York State Standards and Specifications for Erosion and Sediment Control (Erosion Control Manual), not more than five acres shall be disturbed at any one time unless pursuant to an approved SWPPP and prior written authorization from the City's Stormwater Management Officer;
(e) 
Description of the pollution prevention measures that will be used to control litter, construction chemicals and construction debris from becoming a pollutant source in stormwater runoff;
(f) 
Description of construction and waste materials expected to be stored on-site with updates as appropriate, and a description of controls to reduce pollutants from these materials including storage practices to minimize exposure of the materials to stormwater, and spill prevention and response;
(g) 
Temporary and permanent structural and vegetative measures to be used for soil stabilization, runoff control and sediment control for each stage of the project from initial land clearing and grubbing to project completion and achievement of final soil stabilization. Measures shall meet the requirements of the most current version of the technical standard, New York State Standards and Specifications for Erosion and Sediment Control;
(h) 
A site map/construction drawing(s) specifying the location(s), size(s) and length(s) of each erosion and sediment control practice;
(i) 
Dimensions, material specifications, installation details, and operation and maintenance requirements for all erosion and sediment control practices, including the siting and sizing of any temporary sediment basins;
(j) 
Temporary practices that will be converted to permanent control measures;
(k) 
Implementation schedule for staging temporary erosion and sediment control practices, including the timing of initial placement or implementation of each erosion and sediment control practice and duration that each practice should remain in place or be implemented;
(l) 
Maintenance schedule to ensure continuous and effective operation of the erosion and sediment control practice. The maintenance schedule shall be in accordance with the requirements in the most current version of the technical standard, New York State Standards and Specifications for Erosion and Sediment Control;
(m) 
Name(s) of the receiving water(s);
(n) 
Delineation of SWPPP implementation responsibilities for each part of the site;
(o) 
Description of structural practices designed to divert flows from exposed soils, store flows, or otherwise limit runoff and the discharge of pollutants from exposed areas of the site to the degree attainable; and
(p) 
Any existing data that describes the stormwater runoff at the site.
(2) 
Full SWPPP. Land disturbance activities as defined in this chapter and meeting Condition A, B or C below shall also be required to prepare and submit a full SWPPP, which includes basic SWPPP requirements in addition to water quantity and water quality controls (post-construction stormwater runoff controls) as set forth below:
(a) 
Condition A. Stormwater runoff from land disturbance activities directly discharging a pollutant of concern to either an impaired water identified on the Department's 303(d) list of impaired waters or a total maximum daily load (TMDL) designated watershed for which pollutants in stormwater have been identified as a source of the impairment.
(b) 
Condition B. Stormwater runoff from residential development activities involving land disturbance of five or more acres.
(c) 
Condition C. Stormwater runoff from nonresidential development involving land disturbance of 0.1 acre or more.
(3) 
SWPPP Requirements for Condition A, B and C:
(a) 
All information in § 242-7B(1) of this chapter;
(b) 
Description of each post-construction stormwater management practice;
(c) 
Site map/construction drawing(s) showing the specific location(s) and size(s) of each post-construction stormwater management practice;
(d) 
Hydrologic and hydraulic analysis for all structural components of the stormwater management system for the applicable design storms;
(e) 
Comparison of post-development stormwater runoff conditions with predevelopment conditions;
(f) 
Dimensions, material specifications and installation details for each post-construction stormwater management practice;
(g) 
Maintenance schedule to ensure continuous and effective operation of each post-construction stormwater management practice;
(h) 
Maintenance easements to ensure access to all stormwater management practices at the site for the purpose of inspection and repair. Easements shall be recorded on the plan and shall remain in effect with transfer of title to the property.
(i) 
Inspection and maintenance agreement binding on all subsequent landowners served by the onsite stormwater management measures in accordance with this chapter.
(j) 
The SWPPP shall be prepared by a landscape architect, certified professional or professional engineer and must be signed by the professional preparing the plan, who shall certify that the design of all stormwater management practices met the requirements in this chapter.
C. 
Other environmental permits. The applicant shall assure that all other applicable environmental permits have been or will be acquired for the land disturbance activity prior to approval of the final stormwater design plan.
D. 
Contractor certification.
(1) 
Each contractor and subcontractor identified in the SWPPP who will be involved in soil disturbance and/or stormwater management practice installation shall sign and date a copy of the following certification statement before undertaking any land disturbance activity:
"I hereby certify that I understand and agree to comply with the terms and conditions of the SWPPP and agree to implement any corrective actions identified by the qualified inspector during a site inspection. I also understand that the owner or operator must comply with the terms and conditions of the most current version of the New York State Pollutant Discharge Elimination System ("SPDES") general permit for stormwater discharges from construction activities and that it is unlawful for any person to cause or contribute to a violation of water quality standards. Furthermore, I understand that certifying false, incorrect or inaccurate information is a violation of the referenced permit and the laws of the State of New York and could subject me to criminal, civil and/or administrative proceedings."
(2) 
The certification must include the name and title of the person providing the signature, address and telephone number of the contracting firm; the address (or other identifying description) of the site; and the date the certification is made.
(3) 
The certification statement(s) shall become part of the SWPPP.
E. 
A copy of the SWPPP shall be retained at the site of the land disturbance activity from the date of initiation of construction activities to the date of final soil stabilization.
All land disturbance activities shall be subject to the following performance and design criteria:
A. 
Technical standards. For the purpose of this chapter, the following documents shall serve as the official guides and specifications for stormwater management. Stormwater management practices that are designed and constructed in accordance with these technical documents shall be presumed to meet the standards imposed by this chapter:
(1) 
New York State Stormwater Management Design Manual (New York State Department of Environmental Conservation), 2010, most current version or its successor, hereafter referred to as the Design Manual).
(2) 
New York State Standards and Specifications for Erosion and Sediment Control (Empire State Chapter of the Soil and Water Conservation Society, 2004, most current version or its successor, hereafter referred to as the Erosion Control Manual).
B. 
Equivalence to technical standards. Where stormwater management practices are not in accordance with technical standards, the applicant or developer must demonstrate equivalence to the technical standards set forth in this chapter and the SWPPP shall be prepared by a licensed professional.
C. 
Water quality standards. Any land disturbance activity shall not cause an increase in turbidity that will result in substantial visible contrast to natural conditions in surface waters of the State of New York.
A. 
Maintenance and inspection during construction.
(1) 
The applicant or developer of the land disturbance activity shall at all times properly operate and maintain all facilities and systems of treatment and control (and related appurtenances) which are installed or used by the applicant or developer to achieve compliance with the conditions of this chapter. Sediment shall be removed from sediment traps or sediment ponds whenever their design capacity has been reduced by 50%.
(2) 
For land disturbance activities as defined in this chapter and meeting Condition A, B or C in § 242-7, the applicant shall have a qualified professional conduct site inspections and document the effectiveness of all erosion and sediment control practices every seven days and within 24 hours of any storm event producing 0.5 inches of precipitation or more. Soil disturbances five acres or more in size at any one time shall require two site inspections every seven days. Inspection reports shall be maintained in a log book and be kept on site along with the approved SWPPP.
(3) 
A trained contractor shall be on site at all times when construction or grading activity takes place and shall inspect and document the effectiveness of all erosion and sediment control practices.
B. 
Maintenance easement(s). Prior to the issuance of any approval that has a stormwater management facility as one of the requirements, the applicant or developer must execute a maintenance easement agreement that shall be binding on all subsequent landowners served by the stormwater management facility. The easement shall provide for access to the facility at reasonable times for periodic inspection by the City of Saratoga Springs to ensure that the facility is maintained in proper working condition to meet design standards and any other provisions established by this chapter. The easement shall be recorded by the grantor in the office of the County Clerk after approval by the counsel for the City of Saratoga Springs.
C. 
Maintenance after construction. The owner or operator of permanent stormwater management practices installed in accordance with this chapter shall ensure that they are operated and maintained to achieve the goals of this chapter. Proper operation and maintenance also includes, as a minimum, the following:
(1) 
A preventive/corrective maintenance program for all critical facilities and systems of treatment and control (or related appurtenances) which are installed or used by the owner or operator to achieve the goals of this chapter.
(2) 
Written procedures for operation and maintenance and training new maintenance personnel.
(3) 
Discharges from the SMPs shall not exceed design criteria or cause or contribute to water quality standard violations in accordance with this chapter.
D. 
Maintenance agreements. The City of Saratoga Springs shall approve a formal maintenance agreement for stormwater management facilities binding on all subsequent landowners and recorded in the office of the County Clerk as a deed restriction on the property prior to final plan approval. The maintenance agreement shall be consistent with the terms and conditions of Schedule A of this chapter entitled Sample Stormwater Control Facility Maintenance Agreement. The City of Saratoga Springs, in lieu of a maintenance agreement, at its sole discretion may accept dedication of any existing or future stormwater management facility, provided such facility meets all the requirements of this chapter and includes adequate and perpetual access and sufficient area, by easement or otherwise, for inspection and regular maintenance.
A. 
Construction inspection.
(1) 
Erosion and sediment control inspection.
(a) 
The City of Saratoga Springs Stormwater Management Officer may conduct such inspections as necessary to determine compliance with this chapter and may either approve that portion of the work completed or notify the applicant wherein the work fails to comply with the requirements of this chapter and the stormwater pollution prevention plan (SWPPP) as approved. To schedule inspections, the applicant must notify the Stormwater Management Officer at least 48 hours in advance before any of the following as required by the Stormwater Management Officer:
[1] 
Start of construction.
[2] 
Installation of sediment and erosion control measures.
[3] 
Completion of site clearing.
[4] 
Completion of rough grading.
[5] 
Completion of final grading.
[6] 
Close of the construction season.
[7] 
Completion of final landscaping.
[8] 
Successful establishment of landscaping in public areas.
(b) 
If any violations are found, the applicant and developer shall be notified in writing of the nature of the violation and the required corrective actions. No further work shall be conducted except for site stabilization until any violations are corrected and all work previously completed has received approval by the Stormwater Management Officer.
(2) 
Stormwater management practice inspections. The City of Saratoga Springs Stormwater Management Officer is responsible for conducting inspections of stormwater management practices (SMPs) after final construction is completed. All applicants are required to submit "as built" plans for any stormwater management practices located on site. The plan must show the final design specifications for all stormwater management facilities and must be certified by a professional engineer verifying all practices have been constructed in conformance with the SWPPP and are operational.
(3) 
Inspection of stormwater facilities after project completion. Inspection programs shall be established on any reasonable basis, including but not limited to: routine inspections; random inspections; inspections based upon complaints or other notice of possible violations; inspection of drainage basins or areas identified as higher than typical sources of sediment or other contaminants or pollutants; inspections of businesses or industries of a type associated with higher than usual discharges of contaminants or pollutants or with discharges of a type which are more likely than the typical discharge to cause violations of state or federal water or sediment quality standards or the SPDES stormwater permit; and joint inspections with other agencies inspecting under environmental or safety laws. Inspections may include, but are not limited to: reviewing maintenance and repair records; sampling discharges, surface water, groundwater, and material or water in drainage control facilities; and evaluating the condition of drainage control facilities and other stormwater management practices.
(4) 
Submission of reports. The City of Saratoga Springs Stormwater Management Officer may require monitoring and reporting from entities subject to this chapter as are necessary to determine compliance with this chapter.
(5) 
Right-of-entry for inspection. When any new stormwater management facility is installed on private property or when any new connection is made between private property and the public stormwater system, the landowner shall grant to the City of Saratoga Springs the right to enter the property at reasonable times and in a reasonable manner for the purpose of inspection as specified in Subsection A(3).
B. 
Performance guarantee.
(1) 
Construction completion guarantee. In order to ensure the full and faithful completion of all land disturbance activities related to compliance with all conditions set forth by the City of Saratoga Springs in its approval of the stormwater pollution prevention plan, the City of Saratoga Springs may require the applicant or developer to provide, prior to construction, cash escrow, or irrevocable letter of credit from an appropriate financial or surety institution which guarantees satisfactory completion of the project and names the City of Saratoga Springs as the beneficiary. The security shall be in an amount to be determined by City of Saratoga Springs based on submission of final design plans, with reference to actual construction and landscaping costs. The performance guarantee shall remain in force until the surety is released from liability by the City of Saratoga Springs, provided that such period shall not be less than one year from the date of final acceptance or such other certification that the facility(ies) have been constructed in accordance with the approved plans and specifications and that a one-year inspection has been conducted and the facilities have been found to be acceptable to the City of Saratoga Springs. Per-annum interest on cash escrow deposits shall be reinvested in the account until the surety is released from liability.
(2) 
Maintenance guarantee. Where stormwater management and erosion and sediment control facilities are to be operated and maintained by the developer or by a corporation that owns or manages a commercial or industrial facility, the developer, prior to construction, may be required to provide the City of Saratoga Springs with an irrevocable letter of credit from an approved financial institution or surety to ensure proper operation and maintenance of all stormwater management and erosion control facilities both during and after construction, and until the facilities are removed from operation. If the developer or landowner fails to properly operate and maintain stormwater management and erosion and sediment control facilities, the City of Saratoga Springs may draw upon the account to cover the costs of proper operation and maintenance, including engineering and inspection costs.
(3) 
Recordkeeping. The City of Saratoga Springs may require entities subject to this chapter to maintain records demonstrating compliance with this chapter.
C. 
Enforcement and penalties.
(1) 
Notice of violation. When the City of Saratoga Springs determines that a land disturbance activity is not being carried out in accordance with the requirements of this chapter, it may issue a written notice of violation to the landowner. The notice of violation shall contain:
(a) 
The name and address of the landowner, developer or applicant;
(b) 
The address, when available, or a description of the building, structure or land upon which the violation is occurring;
(c) 
A statement specifying the nature of the violation;
(d) 
A description of the remedial measures necessary to bring the land disturbance activity into compliance with this chapter and a time schedule for the completion of such remedial action;
(e) 
A statement of the penalty or penalties that shall or may be assessed against the person to whom the notice of violation is directed;
(f) 
A statement that the determination of violation may be appealed to the municipality by filing a written notice of appeal within 15 days of service of notice of violation.
(2) 
Stop-work orders. The City of Saratoga Springs may issue a stop-work order for violations of this chapter. Persons receiving a stop-work order shall be required to halt all land disturbance activities, except those activities that address the violations leading to the stop-work order. The stop-work order shall be in effect until the City of Saratoga Springs confirms that the land disturbance activity is in compliance and the violation has been satisfactorily addressed. Failure to address a stop-work order in a timely manner may result in civil, criminal, or monetary penalties in accordance with the enforcement measures authorized in this chapter.
(3) 
Violations. Any land disturbance 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.
(4) 
Penalties for offenses.
(a) 
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 $1000 or imprisonment for a period not to exceed six months, or both.
(b) 
However, for the purposes of conferring jurisdiction upon courts and judicial officers generally, violations of this chapter shall be deemed 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.
(5) 
Withholding of certificate of occupancy. If any building or land disturbance activity is installed or conducted in violation of this chapter, the Stormwater Management Officer may prevent the occupancy of said building or land.
(6) 
Restoration of lands. Any violator may be required to restore land to its undisturbed condition. In the event that restoration is not undertaken within a reasonable time after notice, the City of Saratoga Springs may take necessary corrective action, the cost of which shall become a lien upon the property until paid.
D. 
Fees for services. The City of Saratoga Springs may require any person undertaking land disturbance activities regulated by this chapter to pay reasonable costs at prevailing rates for review of SWPPPs, inspections, or SMP maintenance performed by the City of Saratoga Springs or performed by a third party for the City of Saratoga Springs.
The terms used in this chapter or in documents prepared or reviewed under this chapter shall have the meaning as set forth in this section.
AGRICULTURAL ACTIVITY
The activity of an active farm including grazing and watering livestock, irrigating crops, harvesting crops, and using land for growing agricultural products, but shall not include the operation of a dude ranch or similar operation, or the construction of new structures associated with agricultural activities.
APPLICANT
A property owner or agent of a property owner who has filed an application for a land disturbance activity.
BUILDING
Any structure, either temporary or permanent, having walls and a roof, designed for the shelter of any person, animal, or property, and occupying more than 100 square feet of area.
CHANNEL
A natural or artificial watercourse with a definite bed and banks that conducts continuously or periodically flowing water.
CLEARING
Any activity that removes the vegetative surface cover. This can include, but is not limited to, logging equipment operation, the cutting and skidding of trees, stump removal and/or brush root removal.
DEDICATION
The deliberate appropriation of property by its owner for general public use, subject to acceptance by the City.
DEPARTMENT
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
DESIGN MANUAL
The New York State Stormwater Management Design Manual, most recent version including applicable updates that serve as the official guide for stormwater management principles, methods and practices.
DEVELOPER
A person who undertakes land development activities.
EROSION CONTROL MANUAL
The most recent version of the "New York State Standards and Specifications for Erosion and Sediment Control" manual, commonly known as the "Blue Book."
GRADING
Excavation or fill of material, including the resulting conditions thereof.
IMPERVIOUS COVER
Those impermeable surfaces, improvements and structures that cannot effectively infiltrate rainfall, snow melt and water (e.g., building rooftops, pavement, sidewalks, driveways, etc.). This includes, but is not limited to, paved, concrete and gravel surfaces.
INDUSTRIAL STORMWATER PERMIT
A State Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit issued to a commercial industry or group of industries which regulates the pollutant levels associated with industrial stormwater discharges or specifies on-site pollution control strategies.
INFILTRATION
The process of percolating stormwater into the subsoil.
JURISDICTIONAL WETLAND
An area that is inundated or saturated by surface water or groundwater at a frequency and duration sufficient to support a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions, commonly known as hydrophytic vegetation.
LAND DISTURBANCE ACTIVITY
Any activity including clearing, grading, excavating, filling, demolishing or stock piling that results in soil disturbance. Includes land development activity and construction activity.
LANDOWNER
The legal or beneficial owner of land, including those holding the right to purchase or lease the land, or any other person holding proprietary rights in the land.
MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT
A legally recorded document that acts as a property deed restriction, and which provides for long-term maintenance of stormwater management practices.
NON-POINT SOURCE POLLUTION
Pollution from any source other than from any discernible, confined, and discrete conveyances, and shall include, but not be limited to, pollutants from agricultural, silvicultural, mining, construction, subsurface disposal and urban runoff sources.
NONRESIDENTIAL ACTIVITIES
Any activity not included within definition of residential activity (for purposes of establishing SWPPP requirements only).
PHASING
Clearing a parcel of land in distinct pieces or parts, with the stabilization of each piece completed before the clearing of the next.
POLLUTANT OF CONCERN
Sediment or a water quality measurement that addresses sediment (such as total suspended solids, turbidity or siltation) and any other pollutant that has been identified as a cause of impairment of any water body that will receive a discharge from the land disturbance activity.
PROJECT
Land disturbance activity.
RECHARGE
The replenishment of underground water reserves.
RESIDENTIAL ACTIVITY
Activities related to the development of living quarters for single-family or two-family dwelling units (for purposes of establishing SWPPP requirements only).
SEDIMENT CONTROL
Measures that prevent eroded sediment from leaving the site.
SENSITIVE AREAS
Cold water fisheries, shellfish beds, swimming beaches, groundwater recharge areas, water supply reservoirs, habitats for threatened, endangered or special concern species.
SPDES GENERAL PERMIT FOR CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES GP-0-10-001 (as may be amended or revised)
A permit under the New York State Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (SPDES) issued to developers of construction activities to regulate disturbance of one or more acres of land.
SPDES GENERAL PERMIT FOR STORMWATER DISCHARGES FROM MUNICIPAL SEPARATE STORMWATER SEWER SYSTEMS GP-0-10-002 (as may be amended or revised)
A permit under the New York State Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (SPDES) 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.
STABILIZATION
The use of practices that prevent exposed soil from eroding.
STOP-WORK ORDER
An order issued which requires that all construction activity on a site be stopped.
STORMWATER
Rainwater, surface runoff, snowmelt and drainage.
STORMWATER HOTSPOT
A land use or activity that generates higher concentrations of hydrocarbons, trace metals or toxicants than are found in typical stormwater runoff, based on monitoring studies.
STORMWATER MANAGEMENT
The use of structural or nonstructural practices that are designed to reduce stormwater runoff and mitigate its adverse impacts on property, natural resources and the environment.
STORMWATER MANAGEMENT FACILITY
One or a series of stormwater management practices installed, stabilized and operating for the purpose of controlling stormwater runoff.
STORMWATER MANAGEMENT OFFICER
An employee or officer designated by the municipality to accept and review stormwater pollution prevention plans, forward the plans to the applicable municipal board and inspect stormwater management practices.
STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PRACTICES (SMPs)
Measures, either structural or nonstructural, that are determined to be the most effective, practical means of preventing flood damage and preventing or reducing point source or non-point source pollution inputs to stormwater runoff and water bodies.
STORMWATER POLLUTION PREVENTION PLAN (SWPPP)
A plan for controlling stormwater runoff and pollutants from a site during and after construction activities.
STORMWATER RUNOFF
Flow on the surface of the ground, resulting from precipitation
SURFACE WATERS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK
Lakes, bays, sounds, ponds, impounding reservoirs, springs, wells, rivers, streams, creeks, estuaries, marshes, inlets, canals, the Atlantic ocean within the territorial seas of the state of New York and all other bodies of surface water, natural or artificial, inland or coastal, fresh or salt, public or private (except those private waters that do not combine or effect a junction with natural surface or underground waters), which are wholly or partially within or bordering the state or within its jurisdiction. Storm sewers and waste treatment systems, including treatment ponds or lagoons which also meet the criteria of this definition are not waters of the state. This exclusion applies only to man-made bodies of water which neither were originally created in waters of the state (such as a disposal area in wetlands) nor resulted from impoundment of waters of the state.
WATERCOURSE
A permanent or intermittent stream or other body of water, either natural or man-made, which gathers or carries surface water.
WATERWAY
A channel that directs surface runoff to a watercourse or to the public storm drain.