Stormwater
MS4 Permit
This is the Maryland Department of the Environment: Water and Science Administration
Basis for Final Determination to Issue the General Permit for Discharges from Small Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System
Construction Site Stormwater Runoff Control
The Maryland Environment Article statute and the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) regulate construction activity that disturbs five thousand (5,000) square feet or more of earth. The City of Aberdeen administers its own Stormwater Management Program as a delegated erosion and sediment control enforcement authority.
Chapter 465 of the City of Aberdeen ordinance provides minimum requirements and procedures that control the impacts associated with stormwater runoff. The City reviews and approves stormwater management plans and conducts inspections during construction. Every 2 years the Maryland Department of the Environment reviews the City's performance to reauthorize their delegation.
Illicit Discharge Detection & Elimination
What is IDDE:
Anything unlawfully discharged into the storm sewer system that isn't stormwater is considered an illicit discharge. The NPDES Permit requires the City to develop a program to identify and eliminate thest discharges.
Illicit Discharge Investigations
The City inspects its stormwater system annually for illegal connections and non-stormwater discharges. Any illicit connections or discharges are investigated, monitored, and reported. The City can issue Notices of Violation and fines to offenders. Ordinance 18-O-04 prohibits Illicit discharges into the MS4.
Report Illicit Discharges
If you suspect or witness illegal dumping or notice any water pollution in our streams or stormwater inlets call 410-272-1600 or email dpw@aberdeenmd.gov.
Best Management Practices
The City of Aberdeen administers its own Stormwater Management Program that follows the Maryland Environment Article statute and the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR). The City conducts triennial inspections of all Best Management Practices (BMP's) to ensure proper function and maintenance.
BMPs are designed to control water quantity and quality. BMP types include ponds, infiltration/filtering such as grass swales and bioretention, and hydrodynamic structures such as underground storage.
Pollution Prevention
Operations and maintenance programs within the City must include ways to prevent and reduce polluted runoff. This includes measures for its streets and facilities, and maintenance of vehicles and grounds.
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Street Sweeping The City maintains a street sweeping schedule during spring, summer and fall. |
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Leaf Removal The City maintains a fall leaf removal schedule. |
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Recycling The City has implemented a single-stream recycling program.. |
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Snow and Ice Program The City of Aberdeen is responsible for effectively and efficient removing snow and ice from several miles of roadway. We strive to minimize the amount of salt applied, and we keep all salt stored under a roof to prevent runoff. |
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Public Works Facility Inspection & Monitoring The Public Works Maintenance Shop has a NPDES industrial permit to discharge stormwater. Multiple inspections and monitoring are required to ensure the Stormwater Management Plan is reducing polluted runoff.
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MS4 Inspection and Maintenance The stormwater system is routinely inspected and maintained to prevent flooding and to reduce pollutants to our waterways. |
How Can I Help?
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Pick up Pet Waste Stormwater runoff can pick up harmful bacteria from pet waste left on the ground or in the street. This enters our waterways and can cause human health issues and kill fish. |
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Lawn and Garden Excess use of pesticides, fertilizers, and herbicides washes off of your proprerty and into the storm drain contaminating streams, lakes, and bays. Get a soil test before you apply fertilizer and use native plants that have less water requirements and are adapted to our region. |
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Vehicle Maintenance Vehicles are a source of pollution when they leak toxic fluids that are eventually washed into the nearest storm drain. Check your vehicle for leaks and fix them promptly. Never dump used fluid into gutters or sinks. |
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Household Hazardous Waste Never dump cleaning chemicals, oil, or paint down the storm drain. Dispose of these items at your local collection facility. Not only is it harmful to the environment, it's against the law. |
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Washing Your Vehicle Dirty vehicle wash water contains oils, grease, and heavy metals. All of these are unhealthy for people and wildlife. In addition, soap, which contains phosphate, can cause algae blooms. So, be careful to keep this water out of the storm sewer system or take your car to the car wash. |
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