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     Storm Water run off involves water not absorbed by the ground when it rains.  Due to the urban expansion, this has become a growing concern as manmade impervious surfaces, such as rooftops, parking lots and roads increase the amount of storm water runoff into our watershed.  The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) now considers this one of the leading causes of water pollution in our streams.

     The EPA has designated Fairmont, like many other cities across the state, as a "Phase II" Storm Water Community.  According to the Clean Water Act, a Phase II designation requires cities to actively manage storm water to the new EPA standards or face significant penalties.  While a number of cities have brought challenges to this un-funded mandate, the Courts have upheld US EPA's ability to impose storm water control requirements.  Accordingly, Fairmont, along with dozens of other communities in West Virginia and thousands nationwide, is moving to implement a reasonable storm water control program.  Otherwise we will violate our federal Clean Water Act permits.

Fairmont's Storm Water Management Plan includes:

• Finding and addressing illegal sanitary sewer discharges to the storm drainage systems.
• Reducing pollutants in storm water discharges to the maximum extent practical
• Maintaining and improving the water quality in the receiving streams
• Promoting public education and outreach on storm water pollution and prevention methods

STORM WATER POLLUTION SOLUTIONS YOU CAN DO AT HOME

- When using fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides, read and follow all the directions carefully.
- Avoid applying pesticides and fertilizers before storms.
- Never apply pesticides or fertilizers near streams and ditches unless instructions allow for such use.

ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY ALTERNATIVES
Leave your grass clippings on the lawn. Grass clippings dramatically reduce the need for chemical fertilizer.
 

 

Storm Water Program Manager Mike DeMary checks pH of storm water runoff.

Here is a pamphlet to help you understand what storm water is and ways you can help to reduce the amount going to our rivers.