Education, Outreach and Enforcement
The Cartersville Stormwater Division has implemented a program designed to reduce pollution that flows into local storm drains and streams. City staff walk local streams to locate pipes that discharge flow during dry weather. The discharges from those pipes are tested to determine if it contains pollution. If pollution is present, staff will identify the source of the pollution and then work with residents, business owners, developers, etc. to eliminate the problem. City staff or consultants inspect local businesses, such as car repair shops, restaurants and construction projects to identify potential sources of pollution (such as used oil, grease, and muddy runoff). All problems are documented and educational materials are distributed to promote improved operations and maintenance procedures. The goal and effort is to find and eliminate sources of water pollution and educate owners and operators on how they can maintain compliance with local laws to prevent polluted stormwater runoff. While education and outreach is the focus of this program, punitive measures can be taken to ensure compliance if necessary.
An illicit discharge is a discharge to the municipal separate sewer system (MS4) that is not composed entirely of stormwater runoff and contributes to increased amount of nonpoint source pollution and degradation of receiving waters. The focus of the illicit discharge detection and elimination program is to detect and eliminate illicit discharges, including spills and illegal dumping. In addition, the City of Cartersville must identify and address significant contributors of pollutants to the MS4, implement appropriate enforcement procedures and actions, and develop a storm sewer system inventory and overall map showing all outfalls and associated conveyances. The final program goal is to inform and educate employees, businesses, and the general public of hazards associated with illegal discharges and improper disposal of waste.
For information on illicit discharges from the EPA, you can click the following link:
For information on the City of Cartersville’s MS4 Program, you can click the following link:
For more information, or to report illegal dumping, a suspicious discharge and/or inadequate erosion and sediment control, please contact Stormwater Coordinator, Lynn Gayton, CFM at (770) 607-1185.
