Storm water pressure raises manhole cover. Please click on the image above to see a larger version in a new window.

Under new federal regulations, communities in designated urbanized areas and municipalities need permits for their storm water systems.

In Pennsylvania, for example, 24 counties and many other municipalities fall under those permit requirements.

The Phase II National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) storm water regulations (40 CFR Part 122.26-37) were finalized late in 1999.

Those permits require development of a storm water management program designed to reduce discharges of pollutants.

The new regulations require worker training, documented management practices and methods to control pollution as well as flooding. Communities will also have to set up procedures to prevent the loss of stored salt and other road materials. Sanitary Sewer Overflows will also be prohibited by the new NPDES regulations.

Buchart-Horn, Inc./BASCO Associates can help municipalities apply for these new permits. Interested parties can contact BH/BA's Environmental Division for a technical paper explaining the new requirements. Call 800-274-2224.