Pollutants of Concern

The most effective stormwater management programs are tailored to protect the community's assets while solving its problems and meeting its particular needs. Designing our stormwater management program to fit our specific circumstances required gathering information about existing stormwater problems and potential sources, as well as identifying natural resources, watersheds, and geographic areas that are valuable and potentially vulnerable to impacts from stormwater.

The following non-stormwater discharges are typically exempt from the need for SPDES permit coverage. However, the State has determined the following types of discharges to be substantial contributors of pollutants to this particular MS4. As such, the identified discharges are considered illicit and must be addressed by following the illicit discharge minimum control measure ("MCM") requirements.

Even if these non-stormwater discharges are determined not to be substantial contributors of pollutants, the MS4 has elected to address the following types of discharges in their stormwater management program ("SWMP").

In the broadest sense, how the Oneida County DPW will address pollutants of concern and specific areas of concern is accomplished through the Stormwater Management Program Plan as outlined within this website. More specifically, to address these issues it is necessary for the DPW to undertake several critical stormwater management tasks such as, but not limited to: defining goals for stormwater management practices; tailoring bid and construction policies to meet stormwater management goals and objectives; supporting site planning and decision making to accomplish the best methods for managing stormwater in developed or developing areas; providing for employee and contractor education, public participation, and managing public works operations in a way to reduce pollutants in stormwater.

To assist regulated communities in accomplishing all necessary tasks associated with stormwater management, New York State has required MS4s to meet specific components within six Minimum Measures. For each Minimum Measure, the MS4 must set goals and select specific activities that will reduce pollutants of concern to the maximum extent practicable. Specific elements associated with these six Minimum Control Measures are described further in the website under the headings of: