Stormwater runoff is generated from rain and snowmelt events that flow over land or impervious surfaces, such as paved streets, parking lots, and building rooftops, and does not soak into the ground. The runoff picks up pollutants like trash, chemicals, oils, and dirt/sediment that can harm our rivers, streams, lakes, and coastal waters. To protect these resources, communities use stormwater controls, known as best management practices (BMPs). These BMPs filter out pollutants and/or prevent pollution by controlling it at its source.
The Town of Tyrone is a Phase II Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS-4) that regulates and implements these BMPs through its National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit with oversight from the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (GAEPD).
The following are the different categories of BMPs that the Town implements in its permit:
- Public Education and Outreach
- Public Involvement and Participation
- Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination
- Construction Site Storm Water Runoff Control
- Post-Construction Storm Water Management in New Development and Redevelopment Pollution Prevention
- Good Housekeeping for Municipal Operations
As part of a 16-county area, Tyrone must also comply with the Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District (MNGWPD) requirements for watershed management. An audit is conducted once every five years by the GAEPD to ensure the Town is fulfilling these requirements, most of which mirror that of the MS-4 permit. The Town uses the Georgia Stormwater Management Manual as a guide to implement the State and District requirements.
For more information about stormwater NPDES permits, visit https://epd.georgia.gov/storm-water and for more information about the MNGWPD, visit http://northgeorgiawater.org/.
If you have any questions, concerns, and/or comments regarding the Town of Tyrone's Stormwater Program, please do not hesitate to call us at (770) 487-4038 ext. 103 or email the Stormwater Specialist.