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Stormwater Pollution
Stormwater Management Program
Mandated by federal law under the Clean Water Act (CWA), the City of Danville's Stormwater Management Program is a comprehensive program designed to protect properties and aquatic resources from damage caused by increased volume, frequency, and peak rate of stormwater runoff. It is the City of Danville's goal to protect these resources from non-point source pollution and illicit discharges.
- Print a flyer on the City of Danville's Municipal Separate Storm Sewer (MS4) Program Plan (PDF)
The City of Danville recognizes that regulation alone will not solve the problem. Education and public participation are crucial to the success of the program. Safe and clean water is the goal for everyone.
What is Stormwater Management?
Stormwater Management is the process of controlling the runoff that comes primarily from impervious surfaces like parking lots, driveways, and rooftops. Rural areas are typically comprised of pervious areas, such as pastures and woodlands. These areas absorb and infiltrate the rainfall and generate a small volume of runoff. Developed urban areas contain a higher percentage of impervious surfaces, such as pavement and rooftops. The quantity of runoff from these areas quickly overwhelms natural channels and streams causing channel erosion, localized flooding, and property damage.
Stormwater can transport pollutants, such as motor oil and household cleaners, from these impervious surfaces. This water flows directly from the streets into our creeks and rivers with little or no treatment. In the City of Danville, storm sewers are not part of the sanitary sewer system.
Why Worry about Stormwater Pollution?
Pollution spoils our water. Stormwater picks up any debris, chemicals, dirt, and other pollutants in its path. These pollutants then enter the storm sewers and go directly to our lakes, streams, and rivers, not to a water treatment plant. Trash and debris can kill aquatic life, such as ducks, fish, turtles, and birds. Sediment clouds the water destroying aquatic habitats. Human sewage and animal waste add harmful bacteria and viruses that pollute the water. Chemicals from household wastes like paint solvents, used motor oil, and other motor fluids can poison aquatic life, and so can excess nutrients from fertilizers and pesticides. Land animals and people can become sick or die from eating diseased fish and shellfish or drinking these waters.