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Stormwater

Mark Lemen

Public Works Director (Water/Wastewater/Stormwater)

Phone: (320) 864-6954

Email: [email protected]

City of Glencoe’s Groundwater Connection Video Glencoe Inflow and Infiltration (Video)

What is MS4??

A municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) is a conveyance or system of conveyances (roads with drainage systems, municipal streets, catch basins, curbs, gutters, ditches, man-made channels, storm drains, etc.) that is also:

  • owned or operated by a public entity (which can include cities, townships, counties, military bases, hospitals, prison complexes, highway departments, universities, sewer districts, etc.).
  • designed or used for collecting or conveying storm water.
  • not a combined sewer.
  • not part of a publicly owned treatment works.

MS4s in Minnesota must satisfy the requirements of the MS4 general permit.

MS4 Public Education Flyer

What is SWPPP??

Surface water resources such as lakes, wetlands, and creeks are an important component of the quality of life for Glencoe residents. Common substances can pollute Plymouth’s lakes, streams and wetlands. When it rains, runoff carries pollutants into these water resources through the city’s storm sewer system.  The City of Glencoe Storm Water Pollution Prevention Program (SWPPP) promotes citizen involvement and provides a strategy for dealing with the quantity and quality of the water resources in Glencoe. The City of Glencoe has developed and implemented its SWPPP to reduce the discharge of pollutants from its drainage system to the maximum extent practicable to protect water quality and to satisfy the appropriate water quality requirements of the Clean Water Act. The City is committed to sustainable management of its natural resources and minimum control measures, which assist the City in attaining its goals.

Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination (IDDE)

The City of Glencoe operates separate systems for storm water and sanitary sewer. Illicit discharges into the City’s storm water system are prohibited – see City of Glencoe Ordinance, Section 316.046, for more information.

Ordinance-Section 316.046.01 – Illicit Discharge and Connection

All individuals who live or work in the city can help to prevent and identify illicit discharges when they happen. The storm sewer system is designed to convey surface water runoff from natural precipitation. Any material entering into the storm sewer other than storm water is considered an illicit discharge and is prohibited from entering the system.  Grass clippings and pet waste are two of the most common contributors to algae growth in lakes and wetlands. Both harm water quality. Not all discharges into the storm sewer system are considered illicit discharges; however, it is important that any suspected illicit discharges are reported right away, as time is of the essence when it comes to protecting water quality from harmful chemicals, sewage or other illicit discharges.  Refer to “Illicit Discharge Examples & Reporting” below.

  • Illicit Discharge Examples
    Oil, grease or paint that is dumped or flows into a storm drain
    Concrete washed into a storm drain
    Yard waste intentionally dumped into a storm drain
    Sanitary sewer pipes that are connected to the storm drain system
    Concrete Washout, Vehicle Accidents, Garbage and Recycling, Solid & Hazardous Waste, Sanitary Sewer Blockage or Overflows, Yard Waste, Leaves and Grass Clippings, Dumping materials into Storm Drains and Drainage Ways
  • Reporting an Illicit Discharge
    If you see any substance other than rain entering into a storm drain, or you suspect the substance to be illicit, please notify Glencoe Public Works Office, 320-510-0366, or 24-Hour Hotline for reporting Illicit Discharges (WWTP) 320-510-0368 and include the following information:

    • Email Form
    • Location (address, if known)
    • Date and Time of day (when was spill observed)
    • Severity and quantity (if known)
    • Contact information

MS4 Program Information:
2021 MPCA MS4 Annual Report
STORMWATER MANAGEMENT DESIGN STANDARDS 2022
MS4 SWPPP Application – Reauthorization
Smart Salting Tips That Protect MN Waters

MS4 Program Resources
**24-Hour Call In Hotline for reporting Illicit Discharges, Construction Site Violations, etc.:  (WWTP) (320) 510-0368

MN Pollution Control Agency’s Watershed pages  
StreamStats MN
MN Dept. of Natural Resources’ Watershed Health Assessment Framework
DNR Natural Resources Healthy Rivers:  A Water Course
Erosion Control

Healthy Lawn Tips: Grass height is root depth. No grass clippings on road/street. 1 lb. phosphorus can grow 500 lbs. of plants.

Additional Stormwater Resources
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA)
United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA)
MN Stormwater Manual
Crow River Organization of Water
Buffalo Creek Watershed District
McLeod County Soil and Water
Center for Watershed Protection
Minnesota Cities Stormwater Collation (MCSC)


The Scoop on Pet Waste

If left uncollected, pet waste gets washed into Glencoe’s wetlands, ponds, and streams. Pet waste contains bacteria, and other parasites and pollutants, that can affect water quality, pet and human health and recreation, and aquatic habitat and life.

The City of Glencoe requires proper pet waste management, as described in Chapter 7 of the City’s Code of Ordinances (615). Owners of pets must immediately pick up pet waste deposited on any public property and immediately dispose of properly. Proper disposal includes bagging waste and placing it in a waste receptacle.

Be prepared! Carry bags for waste with you when outdoors with your pets.

MS4 Pet Waste Fact Sheet

 

 

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1107 11th Street East, Glencoe, MN 55336 | City Phone: (320) 864-5586

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