Stormwater

Stormwater regulations apply to construction sites, industrial facilities and municipalities such as the City of El Mirage. The City operates under a Phase II Municipal Stormwater Permit issued by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality. This permit requires the City to develop a Storm Water Management Plan (SWMP) identifying various best management practices (BMPs) to be implemented to reduce stormwater pollutants.

VIEW LATEST STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PLAN

WHAT IS STORMWATER RUNOFF? 

It is generated when rain and/or snowmelt flows over land and surfaces such as concrete driveways, sidewalks, streets, parking lots and rooftops, and does not percolate into the ground.

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WHY IS STORMWATER RUNOFF AN ISSUE?

It is one of the leading causes of water pollution in the United States. As it flows, stormwater runoff picks up dirt, trash, oil, grease, chemicals, and other pollutants. Stormwater runoff is not treated so those pollutants are carried to waterways, canals, parks, community lakes, retention basins, and drywells. Polluted stormwater runoff can have negative impacts to aquatic ecosystems, the environment and our drinking water sources.

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HOW IS A STORM SEWER DIFFERENT FROM THE SANITARY SEWER?

Storm sewers are designed to prevent flooding and transport rainwater that falls in communities via the storm drain system, called a Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (or MS4 for short) which includes streets, curbing, gutters, catch basins, underground piping, channels, washes, etc. Stormwater is redirected to canals, parks, community lakes, retention basins, and drywells without treatment.

Sanitary sewers take wastewater (from household and commercial uses i.e. sinks, toilets, washers, etc.) and carry it through an underground separate sewer pipe to a wastewater treatment plant where pollutants are removed.

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WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP?

You probably pass by a storm drain each day, but just don’t think much about them.  Find out how you can help us protect our water by using these simple pollution prevention tips and ideas:

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The City of El Mirage is a proud member of AZ STORM

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                      LEARN MORE ABOUT PREVENTING STORMWATER POLLUTION





Performing Construction in the City of El Mirage?

Any construction that disturbs over 1 acre(includes staging areas on unpaved land) is required to submit an NOI to ADEQ and obtain a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan(SWPPP). See the City of El Mirage's SWPPP Guidance Document for more information. Construction projects of any size still must comply with City Code and prevent materials from entering the storm drain system. Please contact the Engineering Department with any questions.

SWPPP GUIDANCE DOCUMENT

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Own or Operate an Industrial Facility in the City of El Mirage?

Industrial facilities my be required to obtain a Multi Sector General Permit(MSGP) form ADEQ depending on the activities performed at the facility. The City is required to evaluate industrial facilities when a new facility is built, ownership changes, or there is a change in primary operation. Complete the Industrial Stormwater Survey to see if one is required.

INDUSTRIAL STORMWATER SURVEY