MS4 Community and Stormwater Pond Information
Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System Information
Stormwater
The Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit was created by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) in order to comply with the Clean Water Act and reduce pollution from stormwater to surface waters and groundwater. Eagle Lake is classified as a Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) city, and subject to requirements of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit process. The City holds its required annual storm water meeting the 1st Monday of June each year at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall which allows for public input. Contact City Hall at 507-257-3218 with any questions.
Storm Water Drains – Keep Them Free of Pollutants!
Residential Construction Erosion and Sediment Control and Stormwater Packet
Do I need a permit? https://www.pca.state.mn.us/water/permit-application-faqs
Grass Clippings are Stormwater Pollutants
Scoop the Poop – What’s So Bad About Dog Waste?
Housekeeping and Pollution Prevention Tips
City Code: Chapter 18-Storm Water Drainage Utility
Hazardous Waste: Dispose of paint, oil, stain, and other hazardous waste at the Blue Earth County Hazardous Waste Facility. Call (507) 304-4242 for more information.
ATTENTION RESIDENTS WITH BACKYARD POOLS: PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE DRAINING YOUR POOL THIS SUMMER! For pools greater than 1,000 gallons in maximum capacity, water shall sit untreated and uncovered (exposed to sunlight) for a minimum of seven (7) consecutive days without the addition of chlorine to allow for chlorine to evaporate before discharge.
Stormwater Ponds
Basic Facts about Stormwater Ponds: Stormwater ponds are used in an area where land is altered, and additional runoff is generated due to a reduction in permeable surface. Ponds that are in neighborhoods or backyards generally serve a larger area than just the adjacent properties, by means of collecting street runoff with underground pipes and directing all the runoff from a development or neighborhood to one location. The ponds help to treat stormwater and water quality (pollutants within the water).This is based on federal, state, and local regulations. The overall goal of these regulations is to help protect our natural resources and to prevent downstream impacts. The main purpose of ponds is to help control and treat stormwater. They are not intended for aesthetics but can serve this purpose as an added benefit.
Ponds are inspected on a regular basis (every 5 years, or as needed) to ensure functionality. The inlets, outlets, depth, and other attributes are reviewed to confirm that they are working properly.
Property owners that are directly adjacent to these ponds are asked to leave a 10’ buffer around the pond, to serve as a pretreatment to the pond. This buffer helps to slow down water, catching sediment, fertilizer, and other types of runoff/contaminants. Dumping of yard waste materials in, on, or around any stormwater pond is prohibited. Chemical treatment of stormwater ponds is not allowed unless authorized by the city.
Stormwater ponds are not intended for recreational use. The contaminants collected in these areas are not suited for swimming.
Working together and understanding the purpose for stormwater ponds helps protect the environment and benefits neighborhoods.
The City of Eagle Lake is required to obtain a permit from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency that mandates stormwater management. A schedule of stormwater related structures has been developed by the public works department and the City’s consulting engineer to ensure that structures are working properly and necessary repairs are made promptly.
