Stormwater
What is Stormwater?
Stormwater runoff is rainwater or melted snow that runs off streets, lawns and other surfaces. Stormwater runoff soaks into the ground through infiltration or discharges into lakes, rivers and streams. This water picks up pollutants such as bacteria, pesticides, fertilizers, oils, salt, trash and other pollutants. Stormwater pollution can cause damage to our natural water resources such as wetlands, lakes, rivers, and streams.
Why Manage Stormwater?
Clean water is necessary for drinking, swimming, fishing and protecting wildlife. Keeping stormwater clean is not only a benefit to our community, but it benefits the entire network of water bodies and land which make up our watershed.
Resources
A Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan outlines the activities that the City undertakes as part of this permit.
If you have questions on the City's MS4 permit, please reach out to mfarrell@daytonmn.gov
City of Dayton MS4 Permit Application
Spills that must be reported:
- gasoline, oil, paint, grease and other hazardous material
- leaks and overflows from sanitary sewer lines
- grass clippings, leaves and other yard waste that are swept or dumped
- waste from car washing, carpet cleaning, etc.
- wastewater from manufacturing or other industrial processes that is not properly treated
Erosion and sediment control is essential to preventing pollutants and soil from leaving the site and entering into the storm system or waterbodies. Our inspection staff oversees construction site erosion and sediment control practices throughout the City. As outlined in City Code 1001.33 Construction Site Runoff Control the City prohibits uncontrolled land disturbing activity at construction sites.
Examples of typical erosion and sediment control violations
- Missing stabilization on sites inactive for more than 7 days
- Knocked down or missing silt fence around perimeter of exposed soils
- Stockpiles of material with no perimeter control
- Sediment tracking or washout into street
- Missing inlet protection
If you suspect that a site may not be covered by a permit or erosion control measures are failing or not implemented. Please contact the Public Works Director by calling (763)427-3224 or email mfarrell@daytonmn.gov
Sign-up to adopt a storm drain in their neighborhood and keep it clear of leaves, grass clippings, trash, and debris. This improves water quality. It takes approximately 15 minutes, twice a month. “Natural” debris— grass clippings, leaves, and pet waste—become pollution when they hit our water. They feed algae, causing water to become green and soupy. This harms water quality, harms beneficial vegetation and wildlife, and harms recreation opportunities.
Storm drains flow directly to local lakes, rivers, and wetlands, acting as a conduit for trash and organic pollutants. Adopt-a-Drain asks residents to adopt a storm drain in their neighborhood and keep it clear of leaves, trash, and other debris to reduce water pollution.
Adopt A Drain
Smart Salt
City Clean Up Event - First weekend in May.
The City partners with multiple local agencies such as the Elm Creek Watershed and the West Metro Watershed Alliance. Additional resources and volunteer opportunities can be found through our partners websites. Reach out to mfarrell@daytonmn.gov for local volunteer opportunities such as clean up events.