1. Home > 
  2. Government >
  3. Public Works >
  4. Divisions > 
  5. Engineering > 
  6. Stormwater Management
  1. Trees Icon

    What is Stormwater Management?

In developed areas such as Blaine, impervious surfaces such as pavement, rooftops, and yards prevent rain and snow melt from naturally soaking into the ground. Instead, this water, known as stormwater runoff, runs into the storm drains, ditches, and eventually the Mississippi River.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines Stormwater Management as the effort to improve water quality and reduce the amount of runoff into streets, lawns, and other sites.

The City of Blaine has a stormwater management system that not only improves water quality and reduces the amount of runoff, but also provides flood control for the city.

Stormwater Management History

A 1987 amendment to the Clean Water Act required implementation of a two-phase comprehensive national program to address polluted stormwater runoff.

Phase I, which regulated large construction sites, 10 categories of industrial facilities, and cities with a population of over 100,000 people was implemented in the early 1990s.

Phase II was implemented in 2003 to include construction sites between one and five acres as well as cities between 10,000 and 100,000 people. The City of Blaine was also required to obtain permits for stormwater management and separate the stormwater and sanitary sewer system.

United States Environmental Protection Agency Logo