2015-2016 Stormwater Phase II MS4 Annual Report
The City of Tuscaloosa has submitted the required Stormwater Phase II MS4 Annual Report for the reporting period 2015-2016 to the Alabama Department of Environmental Management. This report highlights how the City of Tuscaloosa is addressing the six minimum control measures, as required, for the stormwater program. Please click here to view the report. Any comments or feedback on the annual report can be sent to jdyates@tuscaloosa.com.
Nationally-recognized stormwater management program
The City of Tuscaloosa’s Stormwater Management Program was recently awarded a “Silver Level” designation for Innovation and Program Management by the Water Environment Federation (WEF) at the annual WEFTEC conference in Chicago. The City of Tuscaloosa was honored for its outstanding Stormwater Management Program and commitment to installing green infrastructure. Developed through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the award recognizes high-performing regulated Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4s) and inspires them to exceed requirements through innovative and cost-effective approaches.
Applications were reviewed and winners selected by a diverse steering committee that included members and volunteers from WEF’s stormwater and watershed national committees, as well as representatives from each of the following organizations: the Association of Clean Water Administrators, American Rivers, the American Society of Civil Engineers, the American Society of Landscape Architects, the National Association of Clean Water Agencies, the National Association of Flood and Stormwater Management Agencies and the Water Environment Research Foundation.
Click here to see the letter announcing the award along with the award certificate.
What is stormwater pollution?
Think of a single rain drop falling from the sky. It lands on your roof, flows down into the gutter, across your lawn and down your driveway. Along the way it picks up pesticides, fertilizer, oil and grease, pet waste and many other chemicals and trash. Next, it reaches the road where it can pick up sediment, cigarette butts and more. Then, it flows into a drain, stream, river or network of pipes that flow into your favorite fishing hole. Now, imagine an entire storm, millions of raindrops, catching all these pollutants and flowing into our water bodies. This is stormwater pollution, and it occurs every time it rains.
Why is stormwater pollution a problem?
Stormwater pollution can result in dirty lakes and streams, fewer and less healthy fish and wildlife, limits on recreational use of Lake Tuscaloosa, and increased water and sewer treatment costs.
How can you prevent stormwater pollution?
1. Report spills or erosion problems immediately.
2. Establish grass on bare areas to prevent erosion.
3. Wash your car on the lawn instead of the driveway.
4. Recycle used oil and antifreeze.
5. Sweep your driveway instead of pressure washing.
6. Maintain septic tanks properly.
