City of Binghamton New York
Home MenuGovernment » Departments » Engineering
Stormwater Management Program Plan
For Compliance With NYS GP 0-24-001
The City of Binghamton is a member of the Broome-Tioga Stormwater Coalition
Description of Coverage
City of Binghamton is covered for Municipal Separate Storm Sewer discharges under the NY State SPDES permit program. MS4s are regulated by GP-0-24-001 and are required to prepare a stormwater management plan and program to meet the requirements and benchmarks of this permit.
If you cannot download PDF files, the MS4 Notice of intent acknowledgement letter is available in the city of Binghamton engineering office located on the 3rd floor of 38 Hawley Street.
Receiving Waters
City of Binghamton MS4 system discharges to:
Receiving Waterbody Name | Receiving Waterbody Segment ID | Pollutant(s) of Concern |
---|
Susquehanna River | 0601-0182 | sediment and nutrients |
Chenango River | 0602-0033 | sediment and nutrients |
Pollutants of Concern
Stormwater runoff from impervious and developed surfaces carries large amounts of various pollutants to the surface waters of the United States. Among these pollutants are nutrients, silt and sediment, pathogens, oil/grease, metals, and debris/litter. Phosphorus, nitrogen, and pathogens are of particularly high concern to the water bodies in the Binghamton Urbanized Area.
Nutrients: Phosphorus and Nitrogen
Phosphorus is the primary nutrient of concern locally. High phosphorus levels lead to excess weed and algae growth in lakes and streams. This growth clogs waterways and blocks sunlight. When algae die, they sink to the bottom and decompose in a process that removes oxygen from the water. Most fish and other aquatic life are unable to survive in water containing low dissolved oxygen levels. Sources of nutrients include fertilizer, human and animal waste, and detergents. Leaves, grass clippings, and other plant materials that fall or are deposited on urban land also carry nutrients that are released during decomposition.
Silt and Sediment
Silt and sediment are a result of soil erosion from construction sites, lawns, agriculture, and landscaping activities. Heavy deposits of silt in sensitive areas such as wetlands and streams can damage aquatic habitat and cause turbidity. Sediment also can carry toxic chemicals that deplete oxygen in water bodies and can clog water infrastructure.
Pathogens (bacteria, viruses)
Bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms include infectious agents and disease producing organisms normally associated with human and animal (both pet and wildlife) wastes, leakage from sewers and seepage from septic tanks. These organisms can cause disease in humans and animals when present in drinking water and water bodies. Because pathogens can harm aquatic and human health, their presence can render lakes and streams unsafe for drinking, swimming, fishing, and other forms of water recreation. Biological contaminants originate from organic matter, animal waste and litter. They may enter the stormwater drainage system through illicit discharges and cross-connections or sanitary and combined sewer overflows.
Metals (e.g. arsenic, lead, mercury, copper, cadmium, zinc)
Metals in water can be toxic to aquatic life, humans and animals. Metals generally originate from vehicle exhaust, weathered paint, metal plating, tires, discarded auto parts, and motor oil. Heavy metals bioaccumulate, meaning that they become more concentrated and toxic the higher in the food chain they progress.
Thermal Stress (sunlight)
Direct exposure of urban streams to sunlight (such as in areas where shade is lacking) may elevate stream temperatures. These temperatures can exceed fish tolerance limits, reducing survival and lowering resistance to disease. Thermal energy also originates from street, parking lot and roof surfaces that have been heated by sunlight. This energy is conveyed through the drainage system to streams by surface flow during storm events, resulting in similar stress to aquatic life.
Floatable/Litter
Floating trash in water may be contaminated with toxic chemicals and bacteria, and can cause death to aquatic animals and birds. Aesthetics are also negatively impacted. Floatables are the result of overproducing single use items and an increase in packaging as well as winds and careless handling of materials.
Oxygen Demanding Organics.
Natural or synthetic organic materials (including human and animal waste, decaying plants and animals, discarded litter, and food waste) can enter surface waters either dissolved or suspended in stormwater runoff. Natural decomposition of the material can deplete dissolved oxygen supplies in the waters. When dissolved oxygen is reduced below a critical threshold level, fish and other aquatic organisms can perish.
Chlorides
Large quantities of deicing or anti-skid compounds are applied by municipalities and transportation departments during the winter months; commonly these substances consist of chloride salts (although sand may also be used). These chemicals are washed into storm drains and streams during snowmelt; they are toxic in large quantities and can contaminate drinking water.
Other Toxic Substances
Toxic substances may enter surface waters either dissolved in runoff or attached to sediment or organic materials. The principal concerns in surface water are their entry into the food chain, toxic effect on fish, wildlife and microorganisms, habitat degradation, and potential degradation of public water supplies. Oil and grease in storm drains can be toxic even in small amounts; they can generally be traced to automotive leaks and spills or improper disposal of used oil and automotive products into storm drains. Residential sources of toxic substances include vehicle fluids (oil, gasoline and antifreeze), paint, pesticides, solvents, batteries, hazardous wastes, street litter, soap from car washing, and swimming pool discharges. Activities of commercial businesses may generate soap from equipment washing, waste process water and hazardous liquids that are either directly discharged to the storm sewer system or enter via surface runoff. Toxic substances can also originate from construction sites and may include wash water from concrete mixers, used oil and solvents, and vehicle fuels and pesticides.
Description of Local Laws
The City of Binghamton has the following local laws in effect related to Stormwater Discharges and are on the city website.
Chapter 227, EROSION CONTROL [HISTORY: Adopted by the City Council of the City of Binghamton as indicated. Amendments noted where applicable.] GENERAL REFERENCES Flood damage prevention—See Ch. 240. Subdivision of land—See Ch. 360. Zoning—See Ch. 410. Part 1, Filling, Grading and Terracing
Chapter 227.A, PROHIBITION OF ILLICIT DISCHARGES, ACTIVITIES AND CONNECTIONS TO SEPARATE STORM SEWER SYSTEMS [HISTORY: Adopted by the City Council of the City of Binghamton as L.L. No. 07-5 on 7-2-2007] GENERAL REFERENCES Erosion Control—See Ch. 227 § 227-A.1. Purpose/intent. [Amended 3-17-10 by Local Law 1-2010]
Personnel
The Stormwater Program Coordinator is:
Name: | Shane Dutton |
Title: | Assistant Engineer |
Contact Information: | (607) 772-7007 |
Duties and responsibilities to implement components of the stormwater program are not limited to the Stormwater Program Officer, they require the contribution and expertise of many municipal staff across departments.
Department | Title | Contact Information | Role in Stormwater Program |
---|
Dan Turan | Senior Engineer | (607) 772-7007 | Catch basins, Manholes, Streets and Utilities |
Kurt Brown | Sanitary and Storm Sewer Supervisor | (607) 772-7210 | Wastewater Collection Bureau Chief |
Nicholas Ballard | Parks Dept | (607) 772-2017/2018 | Superintendent of Parks |
- The City's Sewer Superintendent will ensure that 100% outfalls are being inspected within 5 years; the inspections are documented and will alert the City's Stormwater Management Officer of any changes.
- The City will provide updated information to the base outfall map whenever existing undocumented outfalls are uncovered, new outfalls are constructed, or new information is obtained relating to changing conditions at existing outfalls. Since outfall mapping is managed by the Southern Tier 8 Regional Board and the Broome County GIS Department, information collected on outfalls will periodically be transmitted to the Broome County GIS Manager.
- The City's Stormwater Management Officer will review the ordinance annually and adjust as necessary to maintain compliance with NYS standards and requirements.
- The City's Stormwater Management Officer will investigate and confirm the source of pollutants of 100% of water quality issues that arise due to public complaints or by scheduled inspection of outfalls and implement enforcement actions per the Local Law to prohibit illicit discharges, activities and connections to the separate storm sewer system. This goal will be aided through utilization of a GIS application.
- The City's Stormwater Management Officer will annually update the non-stormwater discharge list as necessary, such that no exempt stormwater discharge is a substantial contributor of pollutants.
- Waterline flushing
- Landscape irrigation.
- Diverted stream flows.
- Rising ground waters
- Uncontaminated ground water infiltration
- Uncontaminated pumped ground water
- Discharges from potable water sources
- Foundation and footing drains
- Air conditioning condensate
- Irrigation water
- Springs
- Water from crawl space and basement sump pumps
- Lawn watering runoff
- Water from individual residential car washing.
- Flows from riparian habitats and wetlands
- Dechlorinated swimming pool and water reservoir discharges
- Residual street wash water
- Discharges or flows from firefighting activities.
- Any SPDES permitted discharge.
- The city will inspect and clean 20% of catch basins each year. Repairs will be made as necessary.
Additional organizations that assist with implementing the Stormwater Program include:
A MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT among municipal corporations of the County of Broome, 60 Hawley St, Binghamton NY 13902 and the County of Tioga, 56 Main Street, Owego NY 13827, hereinafter referred to as "Counties" and the City of Binghamton, 38 Hawley Street, Binghamton NY 13901, hereinafter referred to as the "City" and the Town of Binghamton, 279 Park Avenue, Binghamton NY 13903, the Town of Chenango, Chenango Town Hall, 1529 State Rt. 12, Binghamton NY 13901, the Town of Conklin, PO Box 182, 1271 Conklin Rd, Conklin NY 13748, the Town of Dickinson, 531 Old Front Street #4, Binghamton NY 13905, the Town of Fenton, 44 Park Street, Port Crane NY 13833, the Town of Kirkwood, 70 Crescent Drive, Kirkwood NY 13795, the Town of Owego, 2354 State Route 434, Apalachin, NY 13732, the Town of Union, 3111 E Main Street, Endwell NY 13760, the Town of Vestal, 605 Vestal Parkway W, Vestal NY 13850, hereinafter referred to as "Towns", and the Village of Endicott, 1009 E Main Street, Endicott NY 13760, the Village of Johnson City, 243 Main Street, Johnson City NY 13790, and the Village of Port Dickinson, 786 Chenango Street, Binghamton NY 13901, hereinafter referred to as "Villages".
The Broome-Tioga Stormwater Coalition (The Coalition) exists through the enactment of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOU) between 15 MS4s in the Binghamton Urbanized Area as listed above. The Coalition manages MCM 1 Education and outreach activities for coalition members, assists with MCM 2, and maintains the GIS inventory of stormwater assets. The MOU agreement can be found on either the BTSC website or in the engineering office at 38 Hawley St Binghamton NY, 13901.
Public Education and Outreach on Stormwater Impacts
The Broome Tioga Stormwater Coalition manages the Minimum Control Measure 1 activities on behalf of all 15 municipalities. Refer to the BTSC MCM 1 SWMP which can be found on broometiogastormwater.com.
These elements are covered in the BTSC/City of Binghamton MS4 Annual Stormwater reports. Records on training sessions are on file in the City of Binghamton Engineering Department.
Public Involvement and Participation1
Pertaining to opportunities to involve the public in the development, review, and implementation of the SWMP.
- The public will have an opportunity to get involved in developing, reviewing, and/or implementing the SWMP through The BTSC Final Annual report, which remains on the specified websites for the entire reporting year for public inspection. When a new one is finalized for the next reporting year, previous annual reports are archived on the BTSC website, and the annual report gets replaced on the City of Binghamton website within one week of the report being released.
- The BTSC will continue to hold a public meeting to solicit comment on the annual report and provide sufficient notice. The city will report annually to City Council.
- The City of Binghamton will keep all MCM 1 educational material posted on the City's website.
- The City of Binghamton will continue to post Public Stormwater Contact and Stormwater Program Manager Contact information on the City's website and update this information within one week of staff turnover.
- The City of Binghamton will annually hold a coordination meeting involving co-permittees, members of BTSC, regulatory agencies, and interested stakeholders to discuss the progress of the Stormwater Management Program and the next year's activities.
- The following staff person will serve as point of contact for public concerns regarding stormwater management and compliance issues. This contact information has been published by the City of Binghamton and the Broome-Tioga Stormwater Coalition to comply with the State Open Meetings Law when planning annual report presentation public meetings. The meeting notice is distributed as a press release within the required timeframe and is also posted along with the annual report on both the City's and Broome-Tioga Stormwater Coalition's website.
Table 1
Stormwater Issues Public Contact
Name: | Shane Dutton |
Title: | Assistant Engineer |
Phone: | (607) 772-7007 |
Email: | swdutton@cityofbinghamton.gov |
Public comments received on the SWMP plan and intended responses will be documented, annually, in an appendix to this plan. When public input is received, the City of Binghamton will update the SWMP plan, when appropriate, within thirty (30) days.
Pertaining to opportunities to involve the public in the development and review of the Annual Report.
The annual report will be posted for public review and comment online at broometiogastormwater.com and www.Binghamton-ny.gov. Copies of the report will also be available for public review at the Southern Tier 8 Regional Board: 49 Court Street, Suite 222, Binghamton NY 13901 and City Hall Engineering Office.
Presentation of the draft annual report will be given during the quarterly Broome Tioga Stormwater Coalition meeting where the public will have the ability to ask questions and make comments on the draft annual report.
1 Part VI
Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination2
Pertaining to the development, implementation and enforcement of a program that systematically detects, tracks down and eliminates illicit discharges to the MS4 and ensure pollutants are not being conveyed to waterways.
- Illicit Discharge Detection:
- Methodology for Compliance with Permit Requirements
- In May 2007 the City of Binghamton enacted a Local Law to prohibit illicit discharges, activities and connections to separate storms sewer systems.
- All storm sewer outfalls have been mapped by the city and can be found on the Broome-Tioga Stormwater Coalition web mapper.
- A dry weather inspection schedule is followed for inspection of all stormwater outfalls.
The Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination minimum control measure consists of Best Management Practices (BMPs) that focus on the detection and elimination of illicit discharges into the MS4. The BMPs describe outfall mapping and updating procedures; the legal authority mechanism that will be used to effectively prohibit illicit discharges; enforcement procedures and actions to ensure that the regulatory mechanism is implemented; the dry weather screening program and procedures for tracing and locating the source of an illicit discharge; procedures for locating priority areas; and procedures for removing the source of the illicit discharge.
Past accomplishments:
Enforcement Response Plan
- Verbal warnings
- Written notices
- Citations (and associated fines)
- Stop work orders
- Withholding of plan approvals or other authorizations affecting the ability to discharge to the MS4, and
- Additional measures, supported in local legal authorities, such as collecting against a projects bond or directly billing the responsible party to pay for the time and materials to correct violations.
Public Reporting
The public can report instances of suspected illicit discharge to the Engineering office (607) 772-7007 reports will be documented in the SWMP. Each report must be completed within 30 days of the instance.
Table 2
Documentation of Illicit Discharge Reports from the Public
Date of Report | Location of Illicit Discharge | Nature of Illicit Discharge | Follow up Action Taken, Including Time Taken to Respond | Outcomes and Enforcement Actions Taken |
---|
5/06/24 | 3 Dwight St | Grease spilling on sidewalk | Reported to code and they made contact | Letter from city sent to Nanu's chicken on June 10, 2024 |
Monitoring Location Inventory and Prioritization:
By January 3rd, 2027, the City of Binghamton will develop and maintain an inventory and prioritization of monitoring locations.
Monitoring Locations Inspection and Sampling Program:
By January 3rd, 2026, the City of Binghamton will document procedures for inspecting and sampling monitoring locations.
Training:
All staff performing inspection and sampling procedures as prescribed by the Inspection and Sampling Program Plan must be trained on procedures prior to undertaking those duties and every 5 years after. If the operation and procedures are changed at any point, staff must be trained before implementing new procedures. The City of Binghamton is developing a monitoring, inspection, and sampling program and will train appropriate staff by January 3rd, 2026, and update the table below accordingly.
Table 3
Documentation of Staff Completing Inspection and Sampling Procedure Training
Name | Title | Contact | Date Completed |
---|
Illicit Discharge Track-down:
Procedures for inspecting and sampling monitoring locations will be completed and documented in this SWMP by January 3rd, 2026.
Training:
All staff performing illicit discharge track-down procedures as prescribed by the Illicit Discharge track down Plan must be trained in procedures prior to undertaking those duties and every 5 years after. If the operation and procedures are changed at any point, staff must be trained before implementing new procedures. The following staff have been trained, and this list is updated annually and/or as needed:
Table 4
Documentation of Staff Completing Illicit Discharge Track Down Procedure Training
Name | Title | Contact | Date Completed |
---|
Shane Dutton | Assistant Engineer | (607) 772-7007 | May 2024 |
Ron Lake | City Engineer | (607) 772-7007 | May 2024 |
Illicit Discharge Elimination:
Procedures for inspecting and sampling monitoring locations will be completed and documented in this SWMP by January 3rd, 2026.
Training:
All staff performing illicit discharge elimination procedures as prescribed by the Illicit Discharge track down program must be trained in procedures prior to undertaking those duties and every 5 years after. If the operation and procedures are changed at any point, staff must be trained before implementing new procedures. The following staff have been trained, and this list is updated annually and/or as needed.
Table 5
Documentation of Staff Completing Illicit Discharge Track Down Procedure Training
Name | Title | Contact | Date Completed |
---|
Ron Lake | City Engineer | (607) 772-7007 | 5/13/24 |
Shane Dutton | Assistant Engineer | (607) 772-7007 | 5/13/24 |
2 Part V.I.C
Construction Site Stormwater Runoff Control3
Pertaining to development, implementation, and enforcement of a program to ensure construction sites are controlled. This is designed to prevent construction related pollutants from entering waterways and promote proper planning and implementation of stormwater management practices.
The stormwater runoff control program must address stormwater runoff to the MS4 from sites with construction activities that either result in a total land disturbance of greater than or equal to one acre or disturb less than one acre if part of a larger development.
Public Complaints
City of Binghamton has established the following phone or email contact for members of the public to report stormwater-related complaints from construction sites. Each complaint will be documented and appropriately investigated. For each complaint received, a report must be made and retained. This form is included as Attachment 1.
Table 6
Public Stormwater Construction Complaint Contact Information
Name: | Shane Dutton |
Title: | Assistant Engineer |
Phone: | (607) 772-7007 |
Email: | swdutton@cityofbinghamton.gov |
Construction Oversight Program4
Within 1 year, the city of Binghamton will develop construction oversight procedures and document them in this plan.
The MS4 Operator will develop a Construction Oversight Program that documents:
- When the construction site stormwater control program applies
- What types of construction activity require a SWPPP
- The procedures for submission of SWPPPs
- SWPPP review requirements
- Pre-construction oversight requirements
- Construction site inspection requirements and documentation procedures
- Construction site close-out requirements
- Enforcement process/expectations for compliance
- Other procedures associated with the control of stormwater runoff from applicable construction activities
- Implementation
Table 7
Documentation of Construction Site Inspections
Date | Site | Inspector | Violations | Enforcement Action | Follow-Up |
---|
Staff responsible for implementing this plan must be trained before beginning work and every 5 years thereafter. Table 7 records staff who have received this training.
Table 8
Documentation of Staff Who completed Construction Oversight Training
Name | Title | Contact | Date Completed |
---|
Ron Lake | City Engineer | (607) 772-7007 | PE |
Shane Dutton | Assistant Engineer | (607) 772-7007 | 5/21/24 |
Preliminarily, the City of Binghamton's Construction Oversight Program will:
- Address stormwater runoff from construction activities that result in a land disturbance of greater than or equal to one acre, and those construction activities that are part of a larger common plan of development or sale that would disturb one acre or more.
- Include a law/ordinance to require a SWPPP for each applicable land disturbing activity that includes erosion and sediment controls that meet the State's most current technical standards.
- Have procedures for site plan review of SWPPPs that consider potential water quality impacts and consistency with State and local sediment and erosion control requirements. The MS4 must also have trained individuals performing the reviews, (all sites of one acre or greater must be reviewed) and an MS4 Acceptance Form must be completed.
- Have procedures for site inspection and enforcement of control measures.
- Have sanctions to ensure compliance (established in ordinance or other regulatory mechanism).
- Establish procedures for the receipt and consideration of information submitted by the public (i.e. Complaints).
- Describe procedures for site inspections and enforcement of erosion and sediment control measures including steps to identify priority sites for inspection and enforcement based on the nature of construction activity, topography, and the characteristics of the receiving waters.
- Educate construction site owner/operators, design engineers, municipal staff and other individuals to whom these regulations apply about the municipality's stormwater construction requirements.
- Ensure that construction site operators have received erosion and sediment control training before they do work within the MS4 and maintain records of that training.
- Establish and maintain an inventory of active construction sites, including the location of the site, owner/operator contact information.
- Develop, record, periodically assess and modify as needed measurable goals.
- Determine the appropriate BMPs and measurable goals for this minimum control measure to ensure the reduction of all Pollutants of Concern (POCs) in stormwater discharges to the Maximum Extent Practicable. Suggested BMPs (i.e. the program actions/activities) and measurable goals are presented below.
Construction Site Inventory and Inspection Tracking
As part of maintaining proper oversight of projects, the City of Binghamton maintains an inventory of applicable construction projects. This inventory will be maintained throughout the year and be updated in the SWMP document annually. The inventory includes the following information (See Attachment 3 for inventory table):
- Location of the Construction site
- Owner/operator contact information
- Receiving watery body name and class
- Receiving waterbody WI/PWL segment ID
- Prioritization
- Construction Project SPDES ID number
- SWPPP approval date
- Inspection history, dates, and ratings
Construction Site Prioritization
Within one year of the EDC, the MS4 Operator must prioritize all construction sites which are included in the construction site inventory. Within 30 days of becoming active, MS4 operators must prioritize the construction site and update the construction site prioritization in the inventory annually and document it in the SWMP. Prioritizations are listed in the inventory, Attachment 3.
SWPPP Review
Table 9
Documentation of Staff Who completed Construction Oversight Training
Name | Title | Contact | Date Completed |
---|
Ron Lake | City Engineer | (607) 772-7007 | April 30, 2024 |
Shane Dutton | Assistant Engineer | (607) 772-7007 | May 21, 2024 |
Construction Inspection
Pre-Construction Meeting
The City of Binghamton will ensure a pre-construction meeting is conducted prior to the commencement of construction activities. The City of Binghamton will review the MS4's construction oversight program and expectations for compliance with the constructor.
Refer to Attachment 2 for the pre-construction meeting worksheet.
Construction Site Inspections
The City of Binghamton will ensure individuals responsible for construction site inspections receive 4 hours of Department-endorsed training in proper erosion and sediment control principles within 3 years of the EDC and every 3 years thereafter.
Table 10
Staff Who Have Completed DEC Approved 4 hr. Course & Perform Construction Site Inspections
Name | Title | Contact | Date Completed |
---|
Shane Dutton | Assistant Engineer | (607) 772-7007 | 2023 |
Ed Egan | Senior Engineer | (607) 772-7007 | 2023 |
Dan Turan | Senior Engineer | (607) 772-7007 | 2022 |
The City of Binghamton will annually inspect all sites with construction activity identified in the inventory, during active construction after the pre-construction meeting, or sooner if deficiencies are noted that require attention. If corrective actions are taken, the City of Binghamton will perform follow-up construction site inspections to confirm within the timeframes established by the CGP and the City of Binghamton's ERP.
The City of Binghamton will document all inspections using the Construction Site Inspection Form found in Appendix D of the General Permit.
Construction Site Close-out
The City of Binghamton will ensure a final construction site inspection is conducted and documented in the SWMP Plan, using the Construction Site Inspection Report Form (Appendix D). The Notice of Termination will be signed by the City of Binghamton to indicate project completion.
3 Part VI.D
4 Part VI.D.3 pg 30
Post Construction Stormwater Management5
Pertaining to development, implementation, and enforcement of a program to ensure proper operation and maintenance of post construction stormwater practices for new or redeveloped sites.
The City of Binghamton SMP program addresses stormwater runoff to the MS4 from a publicly owned/operated and privately owned/operated post-construction SMP that either is a post-construction SMP that has been installed as part of any CGP covered construction site or individual SPDES permit (since March 10, 2003) and/or all new post-construction SMPs constructed as part of the construction site stormwater runoff control program.
Table 11
Documentation of SMP Training
Name | Title | Contact | Date Completed |
---|
Ron Lake | City Engineer | (607) 772-7007 | May 28, 2024 |
Shane Dutton | Assistant Engineer | (607) 772-7007 | May 28, 2024 |
Post- Construction SMP Inventory and Inspection Tracking:
The City of Binghamton will maintain the inventory from previous iterations of the SPDES general permit for post-construction SMPs installed after March 10, 2003, and develop the inventory for post-construction SMPs installed after March 10, 2003, as they are approved or discovered, and/or after the owner/operator for the construction activity has filled out the Notice of Termination and update the inventory annually.
Within 5 years of the EDC, the MS4 Operator will provide the inventory spreadsheet on post-construction SMPs (Attachment 4).
Post Construction Inspection and Maintenance Program:
By January 2nd, 2025, a post construction SMP inspection and maintenance program must be developed and documented following the criteria on page 37-38 of GP-0-24-001.
Post-construction stormwater management in areas undergoing new development or redevelopment is necessary because runoff from these areas has been shown to significantly affect receiving waterbodies. Many studies indicate that prior planning and design for the minimization of pollutants in post-construction stormwater discharges is the most cost-effective approach to stormwater quality management.
There are generally two forms of substantial impacts of post-construction stormwater runoff. The first is caused by an increase in the type and quantity of pollutants in stormwater runoff. As runoff flows over areas altered by development it picks up harmful sediment and chemicals such as oil, grease, pesticides, heavy metals, and nutrients. These pollutants often become suspended in runoff and are carried to receiving waters, such as lakes, ponds and streams. Once deposited, these pollutants can enter the food chain through small aquatic life, eventually entering the tissues of fish and humans. The second kind of post-construction runoff impact occurs by increasing the quantity of water delivered to the receiving waterbodies during storms. Increased impervious surfaces (i.e. Parking lots, driveways, and rooftops) interrupt the natural cycle of gradual percolation of water through vegetation and soil. Instead, water is collected from surfaces such as asphalt and concrete and routed to drainage systems where large volumes of runoff quickly flow to the nearest receiving water. The effects of this process include streambank erosion and downstream flooding, which often lead to a loss of aquatic life and damage to property.
- Description of Minimum Control Measure
- General Permit Requirements
- Provide equivalent protection to the NYS SPDES General Permit for Stormwater Dischargers from Construction Activities.
- Address post-construction runoff to their MS4 from new development and redevelopment projects that result in the disturbance of one acre or more of land are part of a larger common plan of development.
- Have an ordinance or other regulatory mechanism requiring the implementation of post-construction runoff controls to the extent allowable under State, or Local law and meets the State's most current technical standards.
- Develop and implement strategies which include a combination of structural and/or non-structural best management practices; this includes considering Low Impact Development (LID), Better Site Design (BSD) and other Green Infrastructure practices, as well as smart growth principles, natural resource protection, impervious area reduction, riparian buffers or set back distances for protection of environmentally sensitive areas such as streams, wetlands and erodible soils when developing watershed plans, municipal comprehensive plans, land use regulations.
- Ensure adequate long-term operation and maintenance of post-construction stormwater management practices within the covered entities jurisdiction. Inventory to include location of practice, type of practice, maintenance needs of practice, dates and type of maintenance performed.
- Provide adequate resources for a program to inspect development and re-development sites by trained staff and to enforce and penalize violators.
- Record, annually assess and modify as needed measurable goals.
- Determine the appropriate best management practices and measurable goals for this minimum control measure.
- Methodology for Compliance with Permit Requirements
- Each member of the BTSC has adopted a Stormwater Management and Erosion and Sediment Control ordinance. This ordinance establishes minimum stormwater management requirements and controls. The ordinance addresses issues relating to the following:
- Permanent Erosion & Sediment Controls.
- Stormwater Management Design Requirements; and
- Fee Structure for municipal services relating to SWPPP reviews, inspections and maintenance.
- Goals
- Train inspection personnel on post-construction runoff regulations and final inspection procedures on a yearly basis.
- Issue enforcement measures to 100% of owners and/or operators of local development projects that are in violation of stormwater regulations.
- Continue to develop internal tracking procedures to keep track of development projects that are under construction, those that have been completed and any corrective/enforcement measures that were taken.
- Continue to develop and maintain an inventory of post-construction stormwater management practices/facilities within the MS4 jurisdiction.
- Continue to implement a procedure for inspection, maintenance, and tracking activities related to post construction control practices.
- Continue to develop an inventory of post construction control practices.
- Minimum Required Reporting
- Number of SWPPPS reviewed.
- Number and Type of Enforcement Actions
- Number and Type of Post Construction Stormwater Management Practices inventoried
- Number and Type of Post Construction Stormwater Management Practices inspected
- Number and Type of Post Construction Stormwater Management Practices maintained
- Regulatory mechanism status—certification that the regulatory mechanism is equivalent to one of the "NYSDEC Sample Local Laws for Stormwater Management and Erosion and Sediment Control" and;
- Report on effectiveness of program, BMP and Measurable Goal Assessment
The Post Construction Stormwater Management MCM consists of goals that focus on the prevention or minimization of water quality impacts from both new and re-development projects that disturb one acre or more. This includes projects of less than one acre that are part of a larger common plan of development, or sale that discharge into the MS4. The BMPs describe structural and/or nonstructural practices, the legal authority mechanism that will be used to address post construction runoff from new development and redevelopment projects, and procedures to ensure long term operation and maintenance of BMPs.
The Phase II Final Rule requires an operator of a regulated small MS4 to develop, implement, and enforce a program to reduce pollutants in stormwater runoff to their MS4. The MS4 operator is required at a minimum to:
All participating MS4s in the BTSC have adopted the NYS Sample Local Law for Stormwater Management and Erosion & Sediment Control, which includes provisions to enforce a program that reduces polluted runoff from both newly developed and re-developed sites. Each MS4 will be responsible for inspecting the sites for proper operation and maintenance, and enforcing the permit requirements for properties that are not in compliance. In this manner, the MS4 can ensure adequate long-term management practices for both public and private facilities.
Previous Permit Accomplishments
Amend on an annual basis, the stormwater ordinance as necessary to maintain the NYS stormwater standards and requirements as defined by the current or any future permits pertaining to stormwater management activities.
Inspection Program for Newly Developed and Re-Developed Sites:
Post Construction Control Practices
At a minimum, the permittee shall report on the items below:
These elements are covered under the BTSC/City of Binghamton MS4 Annual Stormwater Report.
5 Part VI.E
Pollution Prevention and Good Housekeeping6
Municipality Facilities
By January 2nd, 2027, BMPs must be incorporated into the municipal facility program and municipal operations this should be completed according to the BMPs described on pages 39-43 of GP-0-24-001. The Facility program must specify the facility procedures and training procedures.
By January 2nd, 2026, an inventory of all municipal facilities must be completed including information listed on pg. 44 of GP-0-24-001. See Attachment 5 for the related table to fulfill this requirement.
By January 2nd, 2029, a facility specific SWPP must be complete for each high priority facility. This is described on page 45-48 of GP-0-24-001.
Municipal Operations
Training of municipal staff will include the following.
- Provide annual training to 100% of the members of the municipality whose work may potentially impact stormwater. This includes the Highway, Parks, and Water departments.
- The City of Binghamton will continue to develop and implement a training program that meets permit requirements.
- The City of Binghamton Stormwater Manager will continue to develop a Municipal Training Program Documentation Form to document training of employees.
- Annually, the Broome-Tioga Stormwater Coalition provides a Winter Training Series on relevant stormwater management topics and practices, as well as site visits to local stormwater management sites. The City of Binghamton staff will attend these training sessions and document in the SWMP.
Program Development
Identification of municipal operations and facilities that will be considered for inclusion in the program.
- Description of Pollution Prevention/Good Housekeeping program priorities.
- Description of management practices and policies to be developed.
- Identification of staff and equipment available.
- Description of employee Pollution Prevention/good housekeeping training program, begin training, report on number of staff trained.
- Description of development management practices.
Program Implementation
- Commence implementation reporting after three-year development period.
- Indicate the municipal operations and facilities that the pollution prevention and good housekeeping program assessed.
- Describe the management practices, policies, and procedures that have been developed and report the following items:
- Acres of parking lot swept.
- Miles of street swept.
- Number of catch basins inspected and cleaned.
- Post-construction stormwater management practices inspected and cleaned.
- Pounds of phosphorus applied in chemical fertilizer.
- Pounds of nitrogen applied in chemical fertilizer.
- Acres of pesticide/herbicide applied.
- Staff training events and number of staff trained.
- Report on effectiveness of program.
The names and contact details of staff who have received training in municipal operations procedures is documented in the following table. This will be updated annually.
Table 12
Documentation of Staff Completing Municipal Operations Procedures Training
Name | Title | Contact | Topic | Date Completed |
---|
Ron Lake | City Engineer | (607) 772-7007 | SWPPP Prep and Review, NYSDEC MS4 permit—Strategies for success | 4/30/24, 5/14/24 |
Shane Dutton | Assistant Engineer | (607) 772-7007 | Flood Patroller Levee Training, NYSDEC MS4 permit—Strategies for success | 4/16/24,5/14/24 |
Franco Incitti | Assistant City Engineer | (607) 772-7007 | Flood Patroller Levee Training | April 16, 2024 |
Nick Ballard | Supervisor of Parks | (607) 772-7017/7018 | Flood Patroller Levee Training | April 16, 2023 |
Josh Paludi | Superintendent of Streets | (607) 772-2021/2022 |
References:
For any mapping of storm water please refer to the Broome-Tioga storm coalition website.
Refer to city of Binghamton website for definition of illicit discharge and sediment erosion laws.
6 Part VI.F
Street Cleaning
The City of Binghamton commits to sweeping and/or cleaning municipal streets, bridges, parking lots, and right of ways that are owned/operated by the City of Binghamton. The City of Binghamton will ensure that all roads, bridges, parking lots, and right of ways will be swept and/or cleaned once every five (5) years in the spring. The City of Binghamton sweeps streets weekly an average of 2000 miles per year. To ensure that all roads, bridges, parking lots, and right of ways are swept or cleaned once every five years the City of Binghamton follows this schedule:
- Sweeping roads throughout the MS4 weekly throughout the summer, tracking the locations of the street sweeper to identify any un-swept roads, bridges, or right of ways.
The City of Binghamton will Start on one side of town and continue daily (Monday–Friday) until that side of town is completed. After a side of town is completed sweeping will move to the next side of town until we complete each side of town, then start over again.
The City of Binghamton will ensure to sweep each municipally owned parking lot each spring. The City of Binghamton tracks municipally owned property and schedules days for street sweeping that are specifically for these parking lots.
In addition to the requirements above, the City of Binghamton will sweep all roads in business and commercial areas from April 1 through October 31st. The City of Binghamton has a comprehensive zoning map and understands where the business and commercial areas in the city are (See current zoning map).
For any questions on sweeping of streets, bridges, parking lots, and right-of-ways, please call City of Binghamton DPW at (607) 772-7021/7022.
Documents
- Attachment 1 - Construction Site Complaint Documentation Items (MCM 4)
- Attachment 2 - Pre-Construction Meeting Worksheet
- Attachment 3 - Construction Site Inventory
- Attachment 4 - Post Construction SMP Spreadsheet
- Attachment 5 - Municipal Facility Inventory
Free viewers are required for some of the attached documents.
They can be downloaded by clicking on the icons below.