Storm Water Pollution Prevention

Victoria's Storm Water Pollution Prevention Program

Lakes, rivers, streams and wetlands are among the most important natural resources for Minnesotans and we all have an interest in ensuring their quality for future generations.  But when rain falls on impervious surfaces such as paved streets, parking lots and rooftops, it can collect materials that pollute our water resources.  Polluted runoff containing pesticides, sediment, nutrients, oil, chemicals, and litter is often transported through municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4s) to our lakes, rivers, streams and wetlands without treatment.  Research has shown that this runoff is a leading source of water pollution.  the City of Victoria and municipalities across the United States are now addressing this water quality issue.

As mandated by the Federal Clean Water Act, municipalities across the United States, including the City of Victori aare required to address water qulity issues through a storm water permit.  The City's storm water permit is adminsitered by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) and is referred to as the National Pollutant Discharg eElimination System (NPDES) permit.  The permit addresses how the City will improve water quality by reducing or eliminating pollutants from storm water runoff before it reaches nearby surface waters.

The city has been subject to following the MPCA"s NPDES permit requirements since 2002.  This permit is the document that the City is following to be in compliance with the Federal Clean Water Act.  The storm water permit is on the City's website and you are encouraged to review it and ask questions.  Also, to maintain compliance with the permit on an annual basis, Victoria is requried to file a report and conduct a public hearing onthe permit before June 30th of each year.

The City of Victoria's nearby lakes, rivers, streams, and wetlands are one of our community's most valuable resources and proteching them to the greatest extent possible is very improtant for maintianing our quality of life.