POLICY 33

BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES WILL BE USED TO ENSURE THE CONTROL OF STORMWATER RUNOFF AND COMBINED SEWER OVERFLOWS DRAINING INTO COASTAL WATERS.

Explanation of Policy

Best management practices include both structural and non-structural methods of preventing or mitigating pollution caused by the discharge of stormwater runoff and combined sewer overflows. At present, structural approaches to controlling stormwater runoff (e.g., construction of retention basins) and combined sewer overflows (e.g., replacement of combined system with separate sanitary and stormwater collection systems) are not economically feasible. Proposed amendments to the Clean Water Act, however, will authorize funding to address combined sewer overflows in areas where they create severe water quality impacts. Until funding for such projects becomes available, non-structural approaches (e.g., improved street cleaning, reduced use of road salt) will be encouraged.