Town of Exeter, New Hampshire Stormwater Management

Exeter receives grant (6/07) to address local water quality concerns due to Pet Waste.

March 2003, Exeter was required to apply to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for a permit to discharge stormwater. In order to meet the requirements of the permit, Exeter must reduce pollutants in stormwater discharges to the "Maximum Extent Practicable." The permit required development of a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) to address how we would reduce stormwater pollution. We continue to look for input from the public.

STORMWATER RUNOFF: Not Just Rain and Snow

Rain and snowmelt (Stormwater) that falls on buildings, streets, parking lots, and other impervious surfaces cannot soak into the ground. As stormwater moves across these hard surfaces it collects dirt, debris, and chemicals and carries them directly to our rivers and streams.

STORMWATER REGULATIONS: What You Need to Know

The day to day operation of a home or business involves many different activities, many of which have hidden environmental consequences. Whether using more pesticides than needed or improperly disposing of cleaning byproducts, many of us contribute pollutants that find their way into the stormwater and into our streams. Protection of our drinking and recreational water resources is everyone's responsibility.

RESIDENTS:

Keep common pollutants like pet waste, grass clippings, and auto fluids off the ground and out of stormwater
Apply fertilizers and pesticides at the correct rate and time.
Properly maintain septic systems.
Wash vehicles on grassed areas or take to local car wash facility.
Swimming pool water must be free of chlorine before discharging.
Report illegal discharges and dumping!

BUSINESSES:

Clean parking lots before dirt, oil and debris are carried into local streams.
Keep dumpsters and other containers securely closed.
Never clean equipment outdoors unless washwater can be collected and disposed of properly.
Never dump cleaning water or other debris outside.
Ensure spills and leaks are cleaned up promptly and disposed of properly.
Never wash or rinse paved surfaces that flow to street.
Do not wash vehicles on paved surfaces unless all washwater goes to an oil/water separator and then to the sanitary sewer.
Mobile Cleaning companies must properly dispose of washwater.

CONSTRUCTION:

The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Stormwater Program requires operators of construction sites one acre or larger (including smaller sites that are part of a larger development) to obtain authorization to discharge stormwater from the EPA under a NPDES Construction General Permit.
Operators must submit a copy of their SWPPP to the town.
The town must receive a copy of the Maintenance Plan for post construction stormwater structures.
The town must receive a Maintenance Agreement between the owner and the town to ensure stormwater structures remain operational.
All construction projects in Exeter must ensure no sediment, gravel, or polluted stormwater enters the town's drainage system.

INDUSTRIAL:

Operators of Industrial facilities or sites with activities included in one or more of the 11 categories must obtain coverage under the NPDES Industrial Stormwater Permit, unless conditionally excluded.

Jennifer R. Perry, P.E., DPW Director
Paul Vlasich, P.E., Town Engineer
Jay Perkins, Sr., Highway Superintendent
Kevin Smart, Maintenance Superintendent
Grace Rogers, Office Manager