EPA New England Topics

Storm Water

When it rains or snow melts, the resulting "storm water" may be absorbed into the ground or it may "runoff" the land surface into a nearby lake, stream, or estuary. Storm water runoff from natural (vegetated) land is typically low since most rain or snow melt infiltrates into the ground or is lost to evaporation. Storm water runoff increases as the percentage of impervious surface cover (e.g., streets, parking lots, rooftops) increases since the land's ability to absorb water is restricted . In addition to washing pollutants (e.g., hydrocarbons, nutrients, bacteria) into our surface waters, improperly managed storm water runoff can result in soil erosion and flooding.

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EPA New England

NPDES Storm Water Permit Program EPA and State NPDES Permit Storm Water Contacts Storm Water Virtual Tradeshow: Center for Environmental Industry & Technology

National EPA

NPDES Storm Water Permit Program National Menu of Best Management Practices for Storm Water Phase II National Stormwater BMP Database Green Infrastructure Green infrastructure is a cost effective and environmentally friendly approach to reduce stormwater and other excess flows entering combined or separate sewer systems Low Impact Development

General

Stormwater Manager's Resource Center Construction Industry Compliance Assistance Center