There are approximately 221 water bodies in Edina that receive stormwater.
This includes streams, ponds, lakes and wetlands. The City is reducing
impervious areas when feasible. During construction projects, water
treatment devices are being installed to reduce pollutants leading to water
bodies. Streets are swept twice per year.
Stormwater
Stormwater is water from rain or melting snow that does not soak into the
ground. It flows from rooftops, over paved areas, bare soil, and through
sloped lawns. As it flows, the runoff collects and transports a wide range
of pollutants. Common pollutants include:
Phosphorus: From tree leaves, grass clippings, soil erosion,
fertilizer, pet and wildlife waste.
Sediment: From exposed soil on construction sites, sparse lawns, and
unprotected garden beds set close to hard surfaces like streets, sidewalks
and driveways.
Bacteria: From pet and wildlife waste, failing septic systems
Toxins: Oil, paint, cleaners, soaps, etc.
You don’t need a heavy rain to send pollutants rushing toward streams,
wetlands and lakes. Even if your house is not on a waterfront, storm drains and sewers
efficiently convey runoff from your neighborhood to the nearest body of
water. Unlike our household wastewater, storm sewers do not carry stormwater
to wastewater treatment plants.
The Stormwater Rules, or Phase II National Pollutant Discharge
Elimination System, were enacted as part of the Clean Water Act and are the
next step in the EPA's effort to preserve, protect and improve the nation's
water resources from polluted stormwater runoff. The Phase II Rules are
directed at Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4s) in urbanized
areas. MS4s with populations of 100,000 or more were covered under the Phase
I Rules.
The City has a
Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) that was approved by the
PCA. The SWPPP provides a plan of action and a series of Best Management
Practices that the City will undertake to assist in obtaining these goals.
Public education, public participation events and employee training are
parts of the City's stormwater program.
Porous Pavement
Concrete and asphalt roads, driveways and walkways prevent groundwater
from soaking into the ground. When you have the choice, consider alternative
materials for walkways, driveways and patios. Avoid paving areas such as patios. Where you need a more
solid surface, consider using a “porous pavement” made from interlocking
blocks that allow spaces for rainwater to soak into the ground. If you
choose to pour concrete or asphalt, keep the paved area as short and
narrow as possible.
Riparian Buffers
Riparian buffers are upland areas adjacent to streams, lakes, wetlands or
other surface water. Leaving a natural, undisturbed strip of land along
water bodies provides a transition zone between the surface water and the
human land use upstream. This transition zone is called a riparian buffer,
or more simply, a buffer.
Buffers along rivers, streams, lakes and wetlands provide for diffuse of
stormwater runoff, maintain bank stability, and remove nitrogen,
phosphorous, and other pollutants from stormwater before it reaches our
waterways. Stream buffers are also complex ecosystems that provide habitat
and
improve the health of the wildlife they shelter, as well as open space for
people to enjoy. For riparian buffers to be most beneficial, they must
remain undisturbed in their natural state. A healthy buffer of native
vegetation is one of the most effective ways to protect our water resources.
Learn More Learn more and follow some tips below for things you can do to help
protect Edina's waters.
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Riparian Buffers
