In the early 1990's the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) adopted regulations to require large municipalities to obtain a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit for storm water discharges directly to creeks and lakes and not to wastewater treatment plants.

In 1999, under "Phase II" of these regulations, USEPA extended the NPDES storm water management permit requirements to small and medium sized communities.  As a result, Mecklenburg County and the Towns of Cornelius, Davidson, Huntersville, Matthews, Mint Hill, and Pineville had to develop a comprehensive storm water program. The goal of the program and Phase II permit is to reduce pollution levels in Mecklenburg County streams and lakes and protect surface water quality. 

To save costs and to ensure a more effective and efficient program, Mecklenburg County, the six Towns, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and Central Piedmont Community College elected to obtain a joint Phase II storm water permit administered by Mecklenburg County Storm Water Services' Water Quality Program (MCWQP) to obtain the Phase II permit, MCWQP was required to develop a storm water management program that includes:

Public education and outreach on storm water impacts

• Public participation in the development, implementation, and review of the storm water management program
• Detection and elimination of illegal discharges into the storm drainage system
• Reduction of pollutants in storm water runoff from construction activities
• Post-construction storm water management for new development and redevelopment
• Pollution prevention at local government facilities.

Overview of the Phase II Storm Water Permit.

1.      Don't pollute.  The only thing that is supposed to go down a storm drain is rain.  However, every cigarette butt, drop of oil or spilled chemical you see on the street, yard, parking lot, etc. will eventually wind up going down a storm drain and into a nearby creek.

2.      Report pollution problems to 311 immediately. If you see, smell or otherwise detect what you think might be a water pollution problem, call 311 immediately.  MCWQP will investigate and ensure that all pollution problems are eliminated.

3.      Volunteer for actions to restore to polluted waters.

• Adopt-A-Stream:  Citizens have the opportunity to adopt one mile sections of streams in Mecklenburg County, for removal of trash at least twice a year and reporting suspected pollution problems.  A sign is placed at the nearest street crossing indicating the name of the stream adoption group. 
• Storm Drain Marking:  Citizens can volunteer to place decals on the hood of storm drains that contain the message "Do Not Dump – Drains To Creek (or Lake)." 
• Creek ReLeaf:  Opportunities are available for volunteers to assist in planting trees along the banks of streams to restore the natural buffer and protect water quality.

4.        Learn about sediment control.  Attend a CMCSI class.  Citizens or contractors who wish to learn more about sediment control on construction sites can attend a workshop put on by Mecklenburg County and the City of Charlotte.  The workshop is designed for contractors, inspectors, or any citizen who wishes to learn more about the rules and regulations regarding sediment and erosion control.

See what CMS is doing to protect water quality