Stormwater Management

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Stormwater Management Program

To address polluted stormwater, the EPA has developed the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). The NPDES attempts to reduce polluted stormwater runoff by requiring operators of municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4s) to implement best management practices to prevent contaminants from reaching our streams via stormwater runoff. The East Salem Service District and areas near the Salem Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) are considered small MS4s, meaning Marion County must comply with the NPDES Phase II General Permit. Under the Phase II permit, the County must develop and execute programs designed to decrease stormwater pollution, under these areas:

Public Education & Outreach
Public Involvement & Participation
Illicit Discharge Detection & Elimination
Construction Site Runoff Control
Post-Construction Site Runoff for New Development & Redevelopment
Pollution Prevention & Good Housekeeping for Municipal Operations

Our goal at Marion County is to develop a cost-effective, environmentally sound, and well-engineered Stormwater Management Plan that is accepted by DEQ, the public, our Board of Commissioners, and county staff.

This Plan must comply with requirements of the NPDES Phase II General Permit regulations and be compatible with surrounding jurisdictions. In addition to the MS4 permit, the county complies with Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) requirements.

Click here to view the interactive Stormwater Management Area map in full-screen.

Stormwater Maintenance Fee

In 2015, the stormwater maintenance fee was approved and implemented to enhance stormwater management services, which include maintaining and improving drainage, preventing illegal dumping, enforcing stormwater and erosion standards, and maintaining and repairing catch basins, and pipes. An annual fee is charged to property owners through property taxes to pay for these services. For more information about the Stormwater Fee, click here.

Stormwater Policies, Programs, & Permitting

Marion County Construction Erosion & Sediment Control Code Chapter 15.10 (Ordinance 1307)

Marion County Stormwater Discharge Quality Control Code Chapter 15.15 (Ordinance 1311)

Marion County Post-Construction Runoff Control Code Chapter 15.20 (Ordinance 1324)

DEQ National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System MS4 Phase II General Permit

Willamette Basin Total Maximum Daily Load Program

Endangered Species Act

Clean Water Act