What is stormwater and where does it come from?

Stormwater is any precipitation (like rain, snow or hail) that falls from the sky. The water streams along the surface of the ground. Impervious areas such as roads, roof tops, parking areas, and sidewalks prevent infiltration of moisture from rain and snowfall, thus causing stormwater runoff. This runoff can be too much for the existing natural drainage systems to handle. As a result, natural drainage systems are often altered to rapidly collect runoff and convey it away (using curb and gutter, enclosed storm sewers, and lined channels). The stormwater runoff is then discharged untreated to downstream waters such as streams, reservoirs, and ponds and can have many adverse effects on plants, fish, animals and people. Because stormwater is untreated, H2O Jo and Flow are urging everyone to do their part and "Keep it clean, 'cause we're all downstream!"  Read more...

Regulatory History and Background

In 1972, the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) was established as the fundamental regulatory mechanism of the Clean Water Act. Originally the program focused on controlling pollution from industrial and municipal wastewater facilities, which has substantially improved water quality. However, several studies showed that stormwater runoff from urban and agricultural areas, as well as construction sites, is now the leading cause of water pollution.

To address this issue, stormwater discharge regulations have been implemented by a two-phase approach. In 1990, Phase I addressed stormwater discharges from cities with a population greater than 100,000. Phase II incorporates stormwater discharges from cities with a population less than 100,000. Cities regulated under Phase II are required to obtain permit coverage under the Stormwater Discharge General Permit. State and Federal regulations require that Phase II cities must develop, implement, and enforce a Stormwater Management Program designed to reduce the discharge of pollutants. As part of the Stormwater Management Program, Best Management Practices will be established for each of the required six minimum control measures: 

        1.  Public Education and Outreach 
        2.  Public Involvement/Participation 
        3.  Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination 
        4.  Construction Site Stormwater Runoff Control 
        5.  Post-Construction Stormwater Management in New Development and Redevelopment 
        6.  Pollution Prevention/Good Housekeeping for Municipal Operations

For more information regarding the City & County of Broomfield’s Stormwater Management Program, please call 303.464.5648 or email the Stormwater Administrator. For more information regarding the Federal and State Regulations you can click on the links below: 

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 

Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE)

City & County of Broomfield Municipal Code 13-40 - Stormwater

Click here for a link to the General Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit.
Click here for a link is for the Broomfield MS4 Permit Certification.

The Broomfield Program Description Document (PDD) is available for public viewing and commenting.  Please call 303.464.5648 or email the Stormwater Administrator to receive a copy.

A River Runs Through It . . .

Just about an hour past noon on Friday, July 23, 2004, the day quickly turned into night as a huge thunderstorm came rolling in. The clouds literally let loose and it poured rain for 45 minutes. Flooding quickly became an issue around the low-lying areas here in Broomfield. The ponds, ditches, streets and sewers could not handle the amount of rain that fell in such a short time. Community Park quickly turned into "Broomfield River." Public Works and Police personnel were quick to divert traffic from the flooded streets. One unlucky Broomfield resident had quite a bit of flooding on her property at 120th and Lowell. A Highland Park resident reported over 2 inches of rain in her rain gauge.

Thank you for visiting the City & County of Broomfield's Stormwater Management Program. Please come back and visit. 

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