Shelburne and Stormwater

What is Stormwater?

Stormwater is water that runs off impervious surfaces such as rooftops, paved streets, driveways, highways, parking lots, packed gravel roads, and hard surfaces like athletic fields.  All properties with impervious surface generate stormwater runoff.

Stormwater runoff carries a high amount of sediment and surface pollutants such as:

- petroleum products from automobiles, trash, and

- phosphorus and nitrogen from pet waste, over-fertilization of lawns, and soaps.

Stormwater is washed down storm drains. Most stormwater is not treated before it empties into streams, rivers, and lakes. The sediment and pollutants are carried downstream and eventually make their way into Lake Champlain.

Negative Effects of Stormwater

Unmanaged stormwater is causing water pollution, erosion, flooding and unstable streambanks in areas of South Burlington.  The volume and force of stormwater runoff can scour tributary channels, creating significant erosion.

Stormwater runoff and its contained pollutants affect the health of our streams and Lake Champlain, compromising public resources that many of us cherish.

Stormwater runoff causes

- increased economic costs to residents,

- negative effect on human health and well-being, and

- loss of species diversity in the watershed.

Illicit Discharges

Illicit discharges are any direct or indirect discharge to the storm drain system that are not composed entirely of stormwater, except as examples by Shelburne's stormwater ordinance. To report an illicit discharge click here.

How Can I Get Involved?

To learn more about Stormwater issues in Shelburne, please contact Bernie Gagnon, Shelburne's Director of Public Works, by phone (316-1320) or e-mail: bgagnon@shelburnevt.org