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Stormwater Permit Basics

 
 

In 1990, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) adopted federal regulations requiring cities with more than 100,000 population to obtain a “Phase I” stormwater permit. The purpose of the permit was to address pollutants in large urban areas that enter local streams, ponds, lakes, wetlands and rivers. The Phase I regulations also addressed 11 categories of “industrial activities” including construction that disturbs more than five (5) acres of land.

In 1999, EPA adopted “Phase II” stormwater regulations that required smaller cities, mostly having “Urbanized Area,” along with other cities designated by the permitting authority, to obtain a Phase II stormwater permit. The 1999 regulations also addressed construction between one (1) and five (5) acres.  A list and map of all municipal permittees in Oklahoma can be found on the Permittees in Oklahoma page.

In Oklahoma, the two Phase I cities (Tulsa and Oklahoma City) both have individual permits, while all Phase II cities and counties have General Permits under the State’s “General Permit (OKR04) Phase II Small Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System.” The permitting authority in Oklahoma is the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ). EPA Region VI has delegated permitting authority to ODEQ, but maintains final authority over the program.

For permit compliance, each permittee must address the following six “Minimum Control Measures”:

  1. Public Education and Outreach
  2. Public Participation and Involvement
  3. Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination
  4. Construction Site Runoff Control
  5. Post-Construction Runoff Control
  6. Pollution Prevention and Good Housekeeping

Urban pollution is better characterized as “non-point source” pollution, that is, emanating from a diffuse variety of sources not easily recognized or controlled. However, the Federal and State stormwater regulations have been placed within 40 CFR Part 122, the regulations for point source discharges such as wastewater treatment plants.  This incongruity creates a special challenge to permittees to control urban non-point source pollution within the permitting framework for point source discharges.

Another challenge facing municipal permittees is developing strategies to identify and control pollutants from sources that are difficult to manage, such as wildlife, residential properties, automobiles, and careless or irresponsible disposal of wastes directly into storm drains or creeks. The stormwater program relies heavily upon public education to encourage change of behavior to reduce urban pollution. 

Citizens, businesses, industries, schools – everyone in our community – can make a difference in controlling urban pollution. Each small act of responsibility helps to protect our precious resources and enhances our enjoyment of Oklahoma’s great outdoors. This, in effect, is the philosophy behind the stormwater program.

Rev. January 17, 2007