Stormwater Management
Stormwater Management
Stormwater Management involves implementing practices to reduce contamination of surface water runoff from rain and snowmelt. In urban and suburban areas, land is often covered by buildings and pavement, which do not allow rainwater and snow melt to enter the ground. Waters instead runoff via storm sewers, culverts, and ditches and enter nearby rivers, lakes and streams. This stormwater runoff can often carry dirt, chemicals, greases and oils, fertilizers, and other contaminants into these water bodies. management is important to protecting the water quality of these natural resources that we all enjoy.
Residents can assist with reducing stormwater pollution by ensuring activities such as home improvement projects, landscaping, car washing, application of salt and sand during winter, and many other activities are undertaken in ways that eliminate or minimize stormwater runoff. For larger activities such as construction sites and developments, there are permit requirements that must be met to help ensure water quality is protected.
This webpage provides information about local permit information, contact information, and educational resources for stormwater management in our local area.
Municipal Separate Stormwater Program (MS4)
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA) administer a stormwater permit process under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) requirements for Small Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems, referred to as MS4 communities. These regulatory requirements involve addressing potential sources of stormwater pollutants within a community.
The goal of the MS4 program is improve the quality of stormwater runoff that enter enters rivers, lakes, and streams by reducing or eliminating pollutants, such as soil erosion, greases and oils, chemicals, and other contaminants.
The Illinois EPA requires that both the City of East Dubuque and Dunleith Township meet the requirements of the MS4 program for areas within their jurisdiction. This webpage provides resources with specific program information for both the City and the Township.
MS4 General Storm Water Permit
The Illinois EPA administers the state-wide General Storm Water Permit for MS4s, which was reissued on February 10, 2016, with an effective date of March 1, 2016. The expiration date is February 28, 2021. Significant changes have been made in the permit based on comments received by the Agency. The MS4 permit is in the process of being renewed by Illinois EPA and until then MS4 communities such as East Dubuque and Dunleith Township continue to operate under the expiring MS4 permit.
More complete information on the MS4 permit program is available on the Illinois EPA website at the following link:
Illinois EPA MS4 General Stormwater Permit
MS4 Permittees must file a Notice of Intent with the Illinois EPA, develop a Stormwater Management Program, and make information available to the public about the program. Links are available below for the specific documents and contact information for each community. Educational information about stormwater management is also available.
City of East Dubuque MS4 Program Documents and Contact Information
East Dubuque Notice of Intent (2022)
East Dubuque Stormwater Management Program Document
East Dubuque Annual Report(2023)
Construction and development projects within the city must comply with City Code, including stormwater management requirements both during and after construction. Please contact the city with any questions about complying with these requirements.
Questions or To Report a Problem:
For any questions about the City’s Stormwater Management Program, to report stormwater or pollution concerns within the city, or to request additional education about stormwater permit requirements or stormwater improvement strategies, please contact City Hall at (815) 747-3416 or comments@cityofeastdubuque.com
Dunleith Township MS4 Program Documents and Contact Information
Dunleith Township Notice of Intent (2022)
Dunleith Township Stormwater Management Program Document
DunleithTownship Annual Report (2023)
Construction and development projects on private property within the Township must comply with the requirements of Jo Daviess County, including stormwater management requirements where appropriate. Please contact Jo Daviess County Planning and Zoning for additional information.
Questions or To Report a Problem:
For any questions about the Township’s Stormwater Management Program, to report stormwater or pollution concerns within the Township, or to request additional education about stormwater permit requirements or stormwater improvement strategies, please contact the Dunleith Township Supervisor
Educational Materials
If you’d like to learn more about stormwater management and what you can do to help, the following resources provide additional details, ideas, and resources.
U.S. EPA Fact Sheet – Protecting Water Quality from Urban Runoff
U.S. EPA Stormwater Pollution Prevention for Small Residential Construction Sites
U.S. EPA After the Storm – A Citizen’s Guide to Understanding Stormwater
U.S. EPA 10 Things You Can Do to Prevent Stormwater Runoff Pollution
U.S. EPA Basic Information about Nonpoint Source (NPS) Pollution
