STORM WATER MEANDERS INTO STREAMS AND LAKES UNTREATED

Storm water is an important facet of our environment.  Storm water meanders into local streams and rivers in the storm water drainage system. Unlike sewer waters, storm waters are not treated. Runoff from land modified by human activities can harm surface water resources in several ways including, but not limited to: changing natural hydrologic patterns,  elevating pollutant concentrations and heating stream temperatures. Storm water runoff may contain or mobilize high levels of contaminants, such as sediment, suspended solids, nutrients, heavy metals, pathogens, toxins, oxygen demanding substances, and floatables.

CMS VOLUNTARILY JOINS WITH COUNTY AND MUNICIPALITIES FOR STORM WATER PERMIT ACTION

Recognizing the importance of storm water management, CMS has joined with Mecklenburg County and the Towns of Cornelius, Davidson, Huntersville, Matthews, Mint Hill, and Pineville in the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) joint permit .  The NPDES joint permit covers storm water discharge directly to creeks and lakes.  CMS is teaming to protect our region's surface waters though joint permit activities.

CMS staff receives storm water training assisting in both operations and management controls; participates in inspecting and labeling storm water drains; implements storm water pollution prevention plans (SW3P) including spill response procedures, manages storm water runoff at construction sites,  is working with Mecklenburg County Storm Water Services to distribute storm water related information through schools and is working to develop volunteer opportunities.

For more information on how you can assist with protecting surface waters click on the  STORM WATER SERVICES link on the left side of this page.