Public Health and Environment
SWPPP: Stormwater Water Pollution Prevention Program
The second phase of the federal Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. 1251) requires states to implement plans to reduce and prevent non-point source water pollution to navigable waters of the United States. In accordance with this act, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has designated a number of cities, counties, watershed districts and large institutions as managers of Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4's). As a designated MS4, Washington County is required to develop, implement and enforce a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Program (SWPPP). The purpose of the SWPPP is to reduce the amount of pollution created by stormwater runoff in order to protect water quality in the county.
SWPPP for Washington County (PDF)
The SWPPP is divided into six Minimum Control Measures (MCM's). They are as follows:
1) Public education and outreach on stormwater impacts.
Washington County is a member of the East Metro Water Resource Education Program.
Click here to view the EMWREP Education Plan (PDF).
As part of its public education and outreach efforts, the county supports the
Blue Thumb – Planting for Clean Water program,
a targeted effort, coordinated with local cost-share programs, to help homeowners stabilize shoreline with native plants, build raingardens, and plant native gardens. In addition, EMWREP publishes regular articles in local newspapers, city publications and the Washington County newsletter "Staying in Touch," and hosts workshops and special events.
2) Public participation and involvement.
The Blue Thumb – Planting for Clean Water program involves citizens to actively prevent water pollution by constructing native gardens, raingardens and shoreline plantings. The county also welcomes input from citizens on the adequacy of its SWPPP at an annual public meeting.
3) Illicit discharge detection and elimination.
An illicit discharge includes any non-stormwater discharge to a storm sewer system. Washington County is currently mapping all county owned storm sewer conveyances 24" or greater and will amend county ordinances to manage illicit discharges to these conveyances.
Click here to view the county's Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination Plan (PDF).
To report an illicit discharge, please contact Pete Young at 651-275-1136, Extension 21.
4) Construction site stormwater runoff control.
The county will be updating relevant ordinances to control stormwater runoff from county highway and building projects and township subdivision proposals. They will also be working with the Washington Conservation District to inspect county construction projects and implement erosion and sediment control practices.
5) Post-construction stormwater management in new development and redevelopment.
Washington County will pursue opportunities to retrofit stormwater management practices into existing county facilities to reduce pollutant loadings and protect receiving water quality. These sites will be used to educate the public and provide demonstrations of innovative approaches. The county will also manage post-construction stormwater pollution through revision of relevant ordinances and training of county staff.
6) Pollution prevention / good housekeeping for municipal operations.
Washington County will implement an inspection and maintenance program for its municipal operations and will evaluate its current street sweeping practices to reduce stormwater pollution.
Links for Stormwater Professionals
Minnesota Erosion Control Association
Metro Watershed Partners
Water Resource Coordinators Group
Center for Watershed Protection
St. Croix River Basin Team
Minnesota Water - Let's Keep it Clean
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