Definition of Storm water
Storm water is the discharge of water due to runoff from precipitation. Storm water runoff occurs
when precipitation from rain or snowmelt flows over impervious surfaces. Impervious surfaces are areas that impede the infiltration of water into the soil. Concrete,
asphalt, rooftops and even severely compacted areas of soil are
considered impervious.
Storm water can pick up debris, chemicals, dirt, and other pollutants. These substances are then carried into storm sewer systems or directly to a waterway. This discharge can destroy aquatic habitat, lessen aesthetic value, and threaten public
health with contaminated food, drinking water supplies, and recreational
waterways. For more information on preventing waterways pollution go to Project Clean Rivers.
Storm water Pollution
The following are guidelines for preventing storm water pollution:
- Compost or mulch yard waste. Don't leave it in the street or sweep into storm drains or streams.
- Use lawn care products (ie: fertilizer, herbicides, and pesticides) sparingly.
- Plant trees and vegetation. The root system stabilized the ground and thus slowing runoff and erosion.
- Properly dispose of
household hazardous waste (ie: engine oils, paints, pesticides, etc),
yard waste, pet waste, and kitchen grease.
- Never dump anything into storm drains and sewers (it is illegal).
- Keep drainage ditch and swales free of debris, litter, and obstructions.
- Wash cars at a commercial wash or over areas of gravel or grass.
- Sweep debris from sidewalks and driveways rather than washing debris away.
- Report hazardous spills, illegal dumping, blockages, and unusual odors.
Gahanna Woods Detention Basin
The Gahanna Woods Detention Basin is located off of Taylor Station Rd just south of Havens Corners Rd. The basin is part of the Gahanna Woods Park and is adjacent to the Gahanna Woods Nature Preserve. It was built in 2012 to detain peak storm water flows and improve water quality in the stream. Click here for more details.
Rain Gardens
Rain gardens are an
alternative way to alleviate storm water runoff. Native plants in a rain
garden slow the flow of storm water from impervious surfaces. This
allows the storm water to infiltrate the ground. This prevents erosion
and pollution distribution. More information regarding the City's rain garden initiative can be found here.
Rain Barrels
A rain barrel is a
drum barrel that is used as a cistern to collect and store rainwater
from your roof. This rainwater would otherwise be lost as runoff and
flow into a storm drain. Rain barrels are placed under a gutter
downspout. The water collected can then be used to water your lawn,
water flowers, wash your car, top off a swimming pool, and other such
activities. One advantage of rain barrels is that they save homeowners
money while conserving water and protecting the environment. Gahanna
was recently added to GreenSpot's Rain Barrel Program. Click here to learn more.
NPDES Phase II Program
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency enforce urban storm water regulations. These regulations are associated with a program known as the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). This program requires local governments to develop plans to reduce storm water pollution in order to protect and improve waterways.
The program is comprised of six control measures that will reduce pollutant discharge. These include the following:
- Public Education and Outreach - newsletters, websites, and workshops relating storm water issues
- Public Participation and Involvement - programs and events that involve people in storm water management (ie: the rain garden initiative and stream cleanup days)
- Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination - ensures that only rain goes down the drain
- Construction Site Runoff Control - review construction project's site plans to certify sediment, excessive runoff, and pollution will not enter streams or waterways
- Post-Construction Runoff Control - verify that runoff and pollution control structures are maintained
- Pollution Prevention and Good Housekeeping - measures taken by the City to protect waterways (ie: street sweeping and catch basin maintenance)
The City is required to submit a small municipal separate storm system (MS4) report every year to the Ohio EPA. Click here to review the annual NPDES report submitted to the Ohio EPA.
Reporting Requirements
The City is required to submit a storm water management plan to the Ohio EPA during the first term of the permit cycle. The report outlines the City's compliance status with permit regulations, an evaluation of management procedures, and analysis of progress goals. The 2012 Storm Water Management Plan can be found by clicking here.
Public Comment for Storm water Management Plan
The City welcomes comments on the storm water management plan. If you are interested in submitting comments, click here.
Additional Resources
Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District, FSWCD:
Ohio Department of Natural Resources, ODNR:
Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, OhioEPA:
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