Implementing storm water development regulations – experiences in Gwinnett County, Georgia

Gwinnett County, Georgia received a National Pollutant Discharge System (NPDES) Phase I Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) storm water discharge permit in 1994. Over the last 10 years, Gwinnett has learned several lessons on what has worked for us and what has not worked. As municipalities strive to implement the storm water management programs, it is important that we share this kind of information among ourselves. Gwinnett implemented new Post-Construction storm water management regulations similar to the four storm water management design criteria found in the Georgia Storm Water Management Manual in November of 1999. The keys to a smooth implementation are public participation, training, and having procedures and checklist ready before the regulations are effective. Based on our experience the most important storm water management (SWM) best management practices (BMPs) are plan review, construction site inspections, erosion control, channel protection and as-built inspections.Sponsored by: Georgia Environmental Protection Division U.S. Geological Survey, Georgia Water Science Center U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia Water Resources Institute The University of Georgia, Water Resources Facult