Stormwater

Stormwater Compliance Manager
Alan Williamson – [email protected]
Phone: 386-775-5477

Stormwater Field Specialist
Daniel Lugo – [email protected]
Phone: 386-775-5477

Stormwater runoff is generated when precipitation from rain events flows over land or impervious surfaces and does not percolate into the ground. As the runoff flows over the land or impervious surfaces (paved streets, parking lots, and building rooftops), it accumulates debris, chemicals, sediment or other pollutants that could adversely affect water quality if the runoff is discharged untreated. The programs listed below are responsible for the management of stormwater in Florida.

National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)

Water pollution degrades surface waters making them unsafe for drinking, fishing, swimming, and other activities. As authorized by the Clean Water Act, the Florida NPDES program controls water pollution by regulating point sources that discharge pollutants into waters of Florida. Point sources are discrete conveyances such as pipes or man-made ditches. Individual homes that are connected to a municipal system, use a septic system, or do not have a surface discharge do not need an NPDES permit; however, industrial, municipal, and other facilities must obtain permits if their discharges go directly to surface waters.

Nonpoint Source Management Program

The Nonpoint Source Management Program is responsible for the implementation of the State of Florida’s nonpoint source management programs. These programs are implemented cooperatively by the Department of Environmental Protection, Florida’s water management districts, other state agencies (i.e., Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Department of Health), local governments, and by the public. The goal of these programs is to minimize nonpoint source pollution (“Pointless Personal Pollution”) from new land use activities and to reduce pollution from existing activities.

Environmental Resource Permit Program (ERP)

The Environmental Resource Permit Program regulates activities involving the alteration of surface water flows. This includes new activities in uplands that generate stormwater runoff from upland construction, as well as dredging and filling in wetlands and other surface waters. Two wetlands regulatory programs exist at the state level: a dredge and fill (wetland resource) permit program (WRP) within the limits of the Northwest Water Management District and an environmental resource permit (ERP) program throughout the rest of the state. Environmental Resource Permit applications are processed by either the Department or one of the state’s water management districts, in accordance with the division of responsibilities specified in operating agreements between the Department and the water management districts.

Disposing of Hazardous Waster

For County Hazardous Waste drop-off information click here

-Identifying and Reporting Illicit Discharges-

What Is an Illicit Discharge?
Chapter 7 of the City Code defines an illicit discharge as:
” Any direct or indirect non-stormwater discharge to the storm drain system…”

Why do We Need to Identify and Report Illicit Discharges?
The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program was
created in 1972 by the Clean Water Act (CWA) and helps address water pollution by
regulating sources of pollution to waters of the United States. The City of Orange City is
a Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permitted under Phase II of the
NPDES program. In order to comply with our permit, the City must establish regulations
prohibiting illicit discharges into the MS4 and provide sufficient means to monitor and
enforce local discharge regulations. In November 2009, the City adopted Ordinance 406,
which addresses illicit discharge.

What Types of Things Are Not Allowed?
In addition to obvious pollutants such as oils, antifreeze and chemicals, many normal
household activities can cause an illicit discharge. Dumping yard waste, draining
chlorinated swimming pool water and household wastewater from washing machines,
dishwashers or water softening devices into ditches, storm drains and canals are also
classified as illicit discharges. Even sweeping grass clippings into a storm drain is an
illicit discharge. The City’s ditches and pipes eventually make their way to one of the
surrounding water bodies. Even if there is no direct connection to a ditch or pipe,
contaminates discharged on the ground can make their way through the groundwater
and contaminate the receiving water bodies.

What to Do if I see an Illicit Discharge
It is imperative that illicit discharges be detected, reported and corrected as early as
possible to minimize harm to the environment. If you see or suspect illegal dumping or
illicit discharges into the City’s drainage system, please call Mr. Alan Williamson at 386-
775-5477 or email [email protected]. useful information includes: what is
being dumped, the time of the day, the location of the illicit dumping and (if applicable)
a license plate number of the vehicle or trailer involved. If you are reporting an illicit
discharge via email, please use the subject line “POTENTIAL ILLICIT DISCHARGE” and
include the closest address to the observed condition. The City of Orange City will
promptly investigate the matter to determine if an Illicit discharge is occurring and
facilitate corrective action if warranted.

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