Residential efforts in the sensitive coastal areas of Chatham County can contribute to rainwater management. Reasons include: Rainwater is a long-term water solution for landscape water use, is better for plants, can be used in the winter time as supplemental water without changing one's wastewater average, is cleaner water than surface water free of pollutants, contaminates and soil/debris, can be self-sufficient, conserves energy from potable water processes, fosters an appreciation for this essential and precious resource, and prevents erosion by capturing the rainfall.
How to Conserve Natural Resources on Construction Sites
Stormwater discharges are generated by run-off from land and impervious areas such as paved streets, parking lots, and building rooftops during rainfall and snow events that often contain pollutants in quantities that could adversely affect water quality. Most stormwater discharges are considered point sources and require coverage by a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit. The primary method to control stormwater discharges is through the use of best management practices (BMPs).
Under the NPDES stormwater program, operators of large, medium and regulated small municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4s) require authorization to discharge pollutants under an NPDES permit. Chatham County and all of the municipalities within those boundaries fall under these guidelines for medium and large MS4 operators and are required to submit comprehensive permit applications and are issued individual permits.
The most significant portion of the application is the operator or municipal stormwater management program that would meet the standard of "reducing pollutants to the Maximum Extent Practicable (MEP)." Stormwater management programs for medium and large MS4s include measures to:
- Identify major outfalls and pollutant loadings;
- Detect and eliminate non-stormwater discharges to the system;
- Reduce pollutants in runoff from industrial, commercial, and residential areas; and
- Control stormwater discharges from new development and redevelopment areas.
More information on the permit application requirements and stormwater management programs for medium and large MS4s can be found from the following link: Storm Water Permit
Chatham County and all of the municipalities within are required to submit an annual update on the stormwater management program for that jurisdiction. A copy of the Annual NPDES report for stormwater discharges can be found here:NPDES Stormwater Annual Report
Brief Summary of the Coastal Stormwater Supplement to the Georgia Stormwater Management Manual
The Coastal Stormwater Supplement (CSS) adds to the multitude of information found in the Georgia Stormwater Management Manual (GSMM) http://www.georgiastormwater.com/ by providing specific guidance for Georgia's coastal communities. Georgia's coastal areas have high water tables and a large tidal range with unique terrestrial and marine habitats that are addressed within the new Coastal Supplement. The Coastal Stormwater Supplement can be used to shift the focus of Coastal Georgia’s post-construction stormwater management efforts onto the prevention, rather than the mitigation of the negative impacts of the land development process. Runoff reduction strategies are detailed as an approach to manage stormwater. Coastal High Priority Plant and Animal Species and Habitat Areas are provided and integrated from the State's Comprehensive Wildlife Action Strategy, http://georgiawildlife.dnr.state.ga.us/
statewildlifeactionplan_conservation.aspx and Coastal Rainfall Analysis, a Coastal Stormwater BMP Monitoring Protocol, and a model local government ordinance for Coastal Georgia are attached to the Supplement. The project also included guidance for coastal local governments on establishing a stormwater financing mechanism developed by the University of Georgia. Additionally, a user-friendly excel worksheet is also provided as a tool to ensure a project's consistency with the Coastal Stormwater Supplement. The CSS provides Georgia’s coastal communities with comprehensive guidance on an integrated, green infrastructure-based approach to natural resource protection, stormwater management and site design that can be used to advance protection of coastal Georgia’s unique and vital natural resources as the region grows and develops.
CONTACT Water Resource Planners
Jackie Jackson Teel
Natural Resources Administrator
Chatham-Savannah MPC
Telephone 912-651-1454
Main Office 912-651-1440
e-mail jacksonj@thempc.org
Bethany Jewell, LEED AP
Water Resources Planner
email bjewell@thempc.org
Phone 912-651-1456
Fax 912-651-1480
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