Johnson County Stormwater Management Program

NPDES Regulations

The U.S. Clean Water Act (CWA) requires water quality standards to be established and enforced by federal and state law. The CWA prohibits the discharge of pollutants from identifiable sources – such as a storm drain – into surface waters without a special permit.

The permit is called National Pollutant Discharge Elimination system (NPDES) and was issued by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) to multiple cities and Johnson County in 2004. All permit holders are required to prepare a Stormwater Management Plan describing how they will address required program elements for the Years 2005-2009, including best management practices, a schedule of activities and the entity responsible for implementation.

Model Stormwater Management Program Plan
To assist cities and the county with complying with NPDES regulations, Johnson County Stormwater Management Program has developed a model stormwater management plan. The public can obtain a copy of the model plan by visiting Johnson County Infrastructure and Transportation Offices at 1800 West 56 Highway, Olathe, Kansas, during regular business hours or can request a copy by calling 913-715-8333.

The plan outlines activities that the Stormwater Management Program will perform on behalf of Johnson County NPDES Stormwater permit holders. Each permitted city has been provided this model plan.

The purpose of the plan is to reduce water quality impacts from stormwater runoff to the maximum extent practicable by addressing six minimum control measures.

Minimum Control Measures:

Public Education and Outreach
Public education and outreach ensures greater support and compliance for the program. This measure relies on forming partnerships, using educational materials and strategies and reaching diverse audiences.
Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination
This measure focuses on decreasing pollutant levels from illicit discharges – illegal pollution – that can significantly degrade water quality and threaten aquatic, wildlife and human health. The measure includes locating problem areas, finding the sources, removing/correcting illegal connections to the storm drainage system and documenting actions taken.
Post-Construction Runoff Control
Runoff from areas undergoing development/redevelopment has been shown to significantly affect bodies of water. This measure will help prevent damage to aquatic life and property while using the most cost-effective approach to stormwater quality management.
Public Participation/Involvement
An active and involved community is vital to the success of a stormwater management program. Public input is needed in the development and implementation of the program.
Construction Site Runoff Control
Polluted stormwater runoff from construction sites often flows to the storm sewer system and ultimately is discharged into local rivers and streams. The introduction of silt and pollutants from construction sites can harm the physical, chemical and biological components of a community's water ways.
Pollution Prevention/Good Housekeeping
Municipalities conduct many activities that can pose a threat to water quality if practices and procedures are not in place to prevent pollutants from entering the stormwater system.

For fact sheets about each of the six minimum control measures, visit the EPA Web site at http://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/stormwater/phase2.cfm.

JOHNSON COUNTY STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
1800 W. 56 Highway
Olathe, KS 66061
Phone: (913) 715-8333
Fax: (913) 715-2453