How the City of Burlington, VT Reimagined Stormwater Management

In 2009, the City of Burlington established a dedicated stormwater management program to address required state and federal stormwater permits.

What is a Stormwater Management Program?

The EPA’s page for Stormwater Discharges from Municipal Sources notes that certain operators like the City of Burlington are required to obtain National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits and develop stormwater management programs (SWMPs)to prevent harmful pollutants from being washed or dumped into municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4s). The SWMP describes the stormwater control practices that will be implemented consistent with permit requirements to minimize the discharge of pollutants from the sewer system.

According to Burlington’s Stormwater FAQ page, the city needs to manage stormwater to protect people’s homes and properties, the environment, and water bodies including Lake Champlain. If stormwater is not managed properly, it will cause flooding, pooling, erosion, and water pollution. Heavy rains that flood streets and yards can cause extensive property damage. Stormwater runoff also picks up pollutants and debris from streets, parking lots, yards and carries them into nearby water bodies.

The City’s Department of Public Works for Water encourages resident awareness, involvement around stormwater management, and other water-related concerns like hydrant flushing, annual water quality report, drains, and more. Burlington’s stormwater management program requires that property owners pay a fee for stormwater use to help fund compliance efforts while maintaining and updating existing infrastructure.

Since launching SeeClickFix in 2012, residents and staff have created and tracked more than 580 issues related to water, drainage, sewer and stormwater within Burlington. That’s 580 opportunities for:

• Residents and staff being part of the solution, pointing out areas of concern and areas for improvement
• Staff and resident communication around important issues

Crowdsourced data that can be used in conjunction with other data sources to make better decisions around water management in the city

Why does involvement from residents and businesses matter?

Aside from our basic need for safe and clean water, resident education and involvement is not only important, it is required. Under the MS4 Program, the following six elements are requirements of stormwater management programs:

• Public education and outreach

Public involvement and participation

• Illicit discharge detection and elimination
• Construction site runoff control
• Post-construction stormwater management in new development and redevelopment
• Pollution prevention and good housekeeping for municipal operations and maintenance

Whether or not your community is included in the EPA’s Stormwater Phase I or II Rule for MS4, your community is expected to adhere to the Clean Water Act, and the Safe Drinking Water Act.

Many residents are unaware or don’t understand the systems, regulations and fees associated with sewer and stormwater management and their own role in upholding the quality of water in their communities. Imagine the consequences that result from a lack in public understanding, unsafe practices, or unintentional challenges to your efforts to provide clean and safe water in your community.

There is something you can do. You can encourage resident awareness and increase public understanding and involvement in your water management initiatives. An engaged community expands and accelerates your efforts to maintain and improve the quality of water in your community.

To learn more about SeeClickFix 311 CRM software, click here to speak with a member of our team.