Kingston Stormwater Management - MS-4

What is Stormwater, and why do we care?

Stormwater is water from rain or melting snow that does not soak into the ground. As it runs from roofs, gutters, yards and streets on its way to culverts and storm drains, it can pick up a wide range of pollutants, such as fertilizers, mechanical oil and gas, animal waste and pesticides. Ultimately, the runoff reaches ponds, lakes and rivers, affecting the water we swim in and the water we drink.  Stormwater is not filtered in any way, so if there are lawn chemicals on lawns, they will end up in our water. Because of this, stormwater affects everyone, and part of the Town’s mission is to educate and include residents to be part of the solution.

Stormwater is regulated by the EPA under the Clean Water Act. The Town of Kingston participates in the MS4 (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System) General Permit, which authorizes municipalities to discharge stormwater under the Clean Water Act and the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System. The Permit covers a regulated area within the Town; regulated areas are generally based on population.

With the technical guidance of GeoInsight, our environmental engineering consultants, Kingston is working with two main components of the Permit. These are the Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) and Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination (IDDE). Within these two broad headings may be found many specific requirements and tasks that Kingston is committed to fulfilling and making a permanent part of our rules and routines going forward.

Residents are encouraged to follow the links on this page, to read the Permit and to consider the common sense guidance provided in the various educational pamphlets. By working together, we will not only satisfy the EPA's requirements, but more importantly, we will safeguard the precious water resources of Kingston and beyond.