This page is designed to be a clearinghouse of information and resources to those who are affiliated with stormwater.

Resources

• Unincorporated Chatham County Stormwater Management Plan (SWMP) – 2019 Pending Approval
• Georgia Stormwater Management Manual (GSMM, Vol 1 & 2)
• Pollution Prevention Guidebook (GSMM, Vol 3)
• Coastal Stormwater Supplement (CSS)
• Georgia’s Nonpoint Source Management
• A Beginner’s Guide to Septic Systems, produced by University of Georgia
• Riparian Buffer Brochure, produced by GA DNR, NOAA, and MPC
• Stormwater System Sea-Level Rise Vulnerability Assessment
• Burnside Island Causeway Project: A Gray/Green Approach to Protect Infrastructure Degradation due to Sea Level Rise

Rules, Regulations, and Best Management Practices (BMPs) address ways in which water quality can be protected or minimally impacted. The following documents provide rules, regulations, or BMPs for specific activities that have potential to impact water quality:

• Lawn care and Landscape Industry
• Veterinarian and Kennels Facilities
• Water-Smart Landscape, produced by EPA
• Xeriscaping: 7 Steps to Water Wise Landscaping, produced by University of Georgia
• Manual for On-site Sewage Management Systems, produced by Department of Public Health
• Environmental Guide for Dry Cleaners, produced by Georgia EPD
• Swimming Pools, Spas, and Recreational Water Parks Rules & Regulation, by Chatham County Department of Public Health
• How to Conserve Natural Resources on Construction Sites, produced by the Georgia Forestry Commission
• Minimizing Nonpoint Source Pollution after a Drought, produced by GA EPD

Site Maintenance and Good Housekeeping

• Keep outdoor processing and storage areas clean by performing regular maintenance and sweeping. Do not hose down areas to the storm drain. Do not hose down areas to the storm drain.
• Contain and store materials in a way that if a spill occurs, it will not enter the storm drain system. Use secondary containment such as drip pans and/or absorbent materials.
• Keep materials, equipment, trash cans, and potential contaminants covered to reduce the chance of pollutants entering the storm drain system.
• Store and maintain appropriate spill cleanup materials in a location known to all employees, and near storage and other areas where a spill may occur.

Vehicle and Equipment Use and Maintenance

• Regularly inspect vehicles and equipment for leaks, and repair immediately.
• Perform all vehicle fluid removal and changing indoors or in a covered area to prevent contact with rainwater.
• Check incoming equipment (including leased equipment and employee vehicles) for leaking fluids. Do not allow leaking vehicles or equipment onsite.
• Always use secondary containment to catch spills when removing or changing fluids.
• Immediately drain all fluids from wrecked vehicles.
• Store wrecked or damaged equipment under cover to avoid contact with stormwater.
• Use absorbent materials for spill cleanup, and promptly and properly dispose of materials.
• Promptly transfer used fluids to the proper waste or recycling drums. Do not leave full drip pans or other open containers lying around site.
• Disposing of oil filters in trashcans or dumpsters causes leaks and contamination. Store used oil filters in a closed container; recycle filters as soon as possible.
• Store used batteries in a secondary container; recycle batteries as soon as possible.

External Stormwater Links:

• National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) was created in 1972 under the Clean Water Act. The NPDES permit program authorizes states, like Georgia, to grant permits and enforce the water pollution prevention program. To learn more about NPDES, visit https://www.epa.gov/npdes.
• Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Environmental Protection Division (EPD) is the state agency that implements the NPDES Stormwater program for all Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4). Unincorporated Chatham County operates under a Phase I Medium MS4 permit. Information on this type of permit is located on EPD’s Stormwater webpage, located at https://epd.georgia.gov/storm-water.
• Savannah Area Geographic Information System (SAGIS)
• Chatham County Stormwater Management Ordinance