STORMWATER MANAGEMENT   What is Stormwater? Stormwater is the result of precipitation from rain, snowmelt, and other weather events that eventually makes its way into our surface waters, including the water we drink.  As it flows across impervious surfaces such as roads, sidewalks, parking lots, and driveways, stormwater runoff eventually makes its way into the Village's stormwater system. Since the inlets to the stormwater system are located all around the Village, stormwater runoff can sometimes pick up substances such as:  Fertilizers, pesticides, and lawn chemicals  Gasoline, Oil and other hydrocarbons  Trash and debris  Sediment from construction sites  Micro-organisms and bacteria Why is polluted stormwater runoff an issue? Untreated runoff can contain harmful substances that could adversely affect our water quality and the ecosystems located in and around our surface waters. Potential impacts of untreated runoff can include: Habitat destruction and aquatic ecosystem damage Water contamination, leading to reduced water quality Erosion and increased sedimentation in water bodies Below are some things you can do to help keep our waters clean. If you are a homeowner: Lawn Care Minimize use of pesticides and lawn chemicals  Click here for more information on Lawn Care Programs Deicing Practices Do not over salt and salt before it snows Click here for more information on deicing    Household Chemicals Make sure you dispose of your trash properly and use alternatives to hazardous household chemicals Click here for more information on household chemical disposal and alternatives  Car Maintenance Wash your car on the lawn, rather than the driveway, or take it to the car wash Keep your car in a state of good repair Click here for more information on car maintenance Water Conservation and Water Quality Landscaping Garden with native and drought-resistant plants Click here for more Information on native plants Plant more trees and shrubs and avoid removal of existing plants and vegetation whenever possible Click here for more Information on water quality landscaping  Clean up after pet waste Click here for more information on pet waste Educational brochures on tips for homeowners Healthy Household Habits for Clean Water Step by Step: Your Guide to Cleaner Water Westchester County Fact Sheets on Non-Point Source Pollution   MS4 Phase II Program What is an MS4? The acronym MS4 stands for Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System. This system is made up of ditches, curbs, gutters, storm sewers, and similar means of collecting or conveying runoff collected from impervious surfaces. The Village of Ossining's MS4 is subject to the EPA's regulations for Phase II Small MS4s and is permitted through the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC). The Village is responsible for the maintenance of the MS4 as well as ensuring that all development taking place within the Village complies with NYSDEC regulations. The MS4 does not connect with a wastewater collection system or treatment plant eventually, the stormwater is discharged directly into surface waters, which include streams, rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Stormwater Program regulates stormwater discharges from three potential sources: municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4s), construction activities, and industrial activities.  A federal regulation, commonly known as Stormwater Phase II, requires permits for stormwater discharges from Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4s) in urbanized areas and for construction activities. To implement the law, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has issued two general permits, one for MS4s in urbanized areas and one for construction activities. Under Phase II, operators of regulated small municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4s) are required to develop and implement a stormwater management program which includes the six minimum control measures: Public Education & Outreach Public Participation/Involvement   Illicit Discharge Detection & Elimination   Construction Site Run-off Control Post Construction Run-off Pollution Prevention/Good Housekeeping Each MS4 municipality is also required to submit a stormwater management plan and an annual stormwater report.  Below is the latest stormwater plan and report. Village of Ossining Updated Stormwater Management Plan VIllage of Ossining 2013 Stormwater Report Village of Ossining 2012 Stormwater Report Village of Ossining 2011 Stormwater Report Village of Ossining 2010 Stormwater Report Village of Ossining 2009 Stormwater Report Each MS4 is required to map all of their storm sewer drainage systems and to have a map of the storm sewershed.  The map of the storm sewershed is below.  All storm sewer drianage mapping or data is available through the Department of Public Works at 914-941-4660 or at the Planning Department at 914-762-6232.   Village of Ossining Storm Sewershed Map As of January 2008 all MS4 municipalities were to have a Stormwater Management and Erosion and Sediment Control local Law adopted. Please see below: Village of Ossining Stormwater Management and Erosion and Sediment Control Local Law If you are a contractor: Contractors must implement a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) if the project meets the thresholds defined in Chapter 227 Stormwater Management and Erosion and Sediment Control Local Law of the Village Code. See the links below for further information on the development of a SWPPP and the implementation of BMPs for construction sites. To report a suspected Stormwater Violation: Please contact the Village Department of Public Works at (914)941-4660 Stormwater Management Resources County Government Resources   Stormwater Management State Government Resources NYS DEC Stormwater Management State Stormwater Manuals Federal Government Resources EPA Stormwater Program Developing your Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan: A Guide for Construction Sites

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