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Stormwater Regulations and Information
WHAT IS STORMWATER POLLUTION?
Water from rain and melting snow that flows over lawns, parking lots and streets is known as stormwater runoff. This water, which travels along gutters, into catch basins and through storm drain pipes and ditches, usually is not treated, but then flows or is discharged into local waterbodies. Along the way, the stormwater picks up trash (fast-food wrappers, cigarette butts, styrofoam cups, etc.) and toxins and other pollutants (gas, motor oil, antifreeze, fertilizers, pesticides and pet droppings). This polluted stormwater can kill fish and other wildlife, destroy wildlife habitat, contaminate drinking water sources, and force the closing of beaches and lakes because of health threats to swimmers.
Human activity is largely responsible for the stormwater pollution. Everything that we put on the ground or into the storm drain can end up in our water. Each of us has a responsibility to make sure these contaminants stay out of our water. Whether we have clean water is up to you.
Please visit these links for more general information:
https://www.cleanwaternj.org/
https://www.nj.gov/dep/stormwater/
https://www.nj.gov/dep/dwq/pdf/Tipbrochure_Stormwater.pdf
GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE IN ELMER
There are several green infrastructure projects that have been installed in the Borough of Elmer to help control storm water runoff. Two rain gardens are located at the front of the Borough Hall, and one is next to the Ambulance building. Perennial plantings were installed along Muddy Run next to the Water Tower. These projects were funded through a grant with Rutgers Cooperative Extension and the South Jersey Land and Water Trust. For more information on green infrastructure visit these links:
https://www.nj.gov/dep/gi/
https://njaes.rutgers.edu/fs1197/
ELMER BOROUGH STORMWATER REGULATIONS
In accordance with our NJDEP Tier B Municipal Storm Water General Permit, the Borough has adopted various Ordinances to be in compliance with the Storm Water Program. Listed below are some of the areas that are covered:
Pet Waste: This Ordinance requires pet owners to pick up and properly dispose of pet waste dropped on public or other people’s property. It prevents fecal contamination from impacting waterways.
Litter Control: This Ordinance states that it is unlawful to throw, drop, discard or otherwise place litter of any nature upon any public or private property, other than in a litter receptacle. The purpose of the Ordinance is to prevent unsightly and unsanitary conditions and prevent litter from impacting waterways.
Improper Disposal of Waste: This Ordinance states that it is illegal to dispose of waste in any place not specifically designated for the purpose of solid waste storage or disposal. The purpose of the Ordinance is to prevent unsanitary condition and groundwater pollution.
Wildlife Feeding: Feeding of water fowl in the Borough of Elmer is prohibited by Ordinance. The Borough enacted the Ordinance as a method to reduce water fowl population in response to health concerns regarding bacteria which is harmful to human and fish populations.
Yard Waste: Yard waste is regulated via Ordinances which establish the current zone collection system and the methods of collecting leaves, brush, and other yard waste. The purpose of the Ordinances is to keep leaves and grass out of the storm sewer system.
Illicit Connections into Municipal Storm Drainage System: This Ordinance makes it unlawful to connect any pipe or device to the municipal storm sewer system that is intended to discard, spill or dump any material other than storm water runoff or groundwater (sump pumps) into the system. The purpose of this Ordinance is to prevent pollution and contamination of waterways which receive discharge from our storm sewers.
The transport of pollutants into local water bodies can result in the destruction of fish, wildlife and habitats; threats to public health; and the loss of recreational and aesthetic value. The above Ordinances have been adopted to protect our environment and to keep pollutants that are commonly conveyed by storm water from adversely impacting our waterways and groundwater supplies. Thank you for your continued cooperation with our environmental protection efforts.
Other Links to the Elmer Borough Online Code for Stormwater Ordinances:
Chapter 23 Storm Water Control
Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan
Stormwater Management Plan
