Stormwater and MS4

The purpose of storm water management control is to reduce the pollutants from storm water runoff that originates from construction and post construction activities. The Town of Lowell is required to have procedures for plan review of construction plans that consider potential water quality impacts.

The Town of Lowell requires construction site operators to develop a storm water pollution prevention plan, or SWPPP, for their storm water discharges. An SWPPP is broader in scope than an erosion and sediment control plan or site plan.

The SWPPP requires post-construction storm water control measures to be submitted and approved as part of the site review construction plans. Post-Construction Narratives are required before completion of the project. The narrative describes the maintenance guidelines for all post-construction storm water quality measures to facilitate their proper long-term function.

Examples of improper physical connection to the storm sewer system include a floor drain or household grey-water drain (laundry or sink drain) that is connected to a storm drain or a septic tank discharge pipe that is connected to a storm drain or drains directly into a waterway or an improper connection between a storm sewer and sanitary sewer.

Improving Storm Water Quality

Residents can help alleviate storm water pollution in several ways:

  • Practice dry cleanup methods when cleaning your driveway or sidewalk. Use cat litter to soak up leaked oil, which can then be thrown away in the trash once dry.

  • Use phosphorus-free lawn fertilizers. Phosphorous runoff from lawns encourages algae growth in our lake.

  • Clean up immediately after your pets and throw the waste into the trash or in the toilet.

  • Dispose of lawn waste in compost piles and use a mulching mower.

  • Increase the amount of vegetated area in your yard. Consider directing downspouts away from paved surfaces to reduce polluted runoff.

Do not wash cars, RVs, or boats at home because the detergent laden water runs into storm drains and then into our waterways. Use a full or self service car wash when practical

For information regarding application requirements, please contact the MS4 Coordinator at 219-696-7794.

Illicit Discharge and Elimination

Illicit discharges are generally any discharge into a storm drain system that is not composed entirely of storm water. Illicit discharges are a problem because storm water generally flows to waterways without any additional treatment.