Shelburne Stormwater Permits

Background

The Federal National Pollutant Discharge (NPDES) stormwater permit developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in two phases.

Phase I, promulgated in 1990, addresses the following sources:

- "Large" and "medium" municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4s) located in corporations and counties with populations of 100,000 or more, and

-  Eleven categories of industrial activity, one of which is large construction activity that distrubs acres of land.

Phase II, promulgated in 1999, addresses additional sources including MS4S not regulated and small construction activity disturbing between 1 and 5 acres. In Vermont eight municipalities, including Shelburne, with separate storm sewer systems (MS4) are required to come into compliance with this rule.

In October 2000, EPA authorized the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources Department of Conservation (DEC) to implement the NPDES stormwater permitting program in the State.  NPDES stormwater program regulates point source discharges of stormwater into surfaces and the State of Vermont from certain municipal, industrial and construction activities.  As the NPDC permitting authority, DEC is responsible for promulgating the rules and issuing permits, management and reviewing permit applications, and performing compliance and enforcement activities.

In Vermont eight municipalities with municipal storm sewer systems (MS4) are into compliance with this Phase II rule. These communities are Burlington, Colchester, Essex Junction, Shelburne, South Burlington, Williston and Winooski. Three publicly owned 'non' separate storm sewer systems were also designated.  These systems are owned or operated by the University of Vermont, Burlington International Airport and the Vermont Agency of Transportation.  Regulations apply to areas served by each MS4 that are located either within the Census B or census designated area or watersheds that are principally impaired by stormwater.

In addition to Shelburne's MS4 permit, the town has taken over the permits and responsibility for stormwater systems for subdivisions in non-impaired watersheds.

 Permits