Stormwater & Land Disturbances

The Stormwater Program’s goal is to reduce the negative impacts that can occur with stormwater pollution.

Minimum Control Measures

The current City Phase II Permit requires that six (6) Minimum Control Measures (MCM) be continuously implemented. The City of Eureka must meet these MCM’s in order to report program success to the State. According to the terms of the approved Phase II Permit, the City is required to meet certain MCM deadlines through tasks known as measurable goals. A summary of each MCM is provided below.

MCM  Number 1 - Public Education & Outreach

  1. Distribute educational materials or conduct outreach activities about stormwater discharge impacts on local water bodies.
  2. Inform businesses and the general public about the impacts of illegal discharge and improper waste disposal.

MCM Number 2 - Public Participation/Involvement

Place notices in local newspapers informing the public about the opportunities for the public to participate in program development and implementation.

MCM Number 3 - Illicit Discharge Detection & Elimination

  1. Decrease amount of illegal dumping and other unauthorized discharges from the MS4.
  2. Create outfall system map and plan to detect and remove discharges.
  3. Create a review process and City ordinance for regulation and enforcement.

MCM Number 4 - Construction Site Stormwater Runoff Control

  1. Reduce the amount of stormwater pollution from construction sites (sediment, building materials, oil, etc.).
  2. Create a review process and City ordinance for regulation and enforcement.
  3. Require, review, inspect, and enforce proper management practices and material disposal on construction sites.

MCM Number 5 - Post-Construction Stormwater Management

  1. Decrease the amount of pollutants and peak quantity of stormwater leaving newly developed areas.
  2. Create a review process and City ordinance for regulation and enforcement.
  3. Require, review, inspect, and enforce proper methods for detaining/improving quality of water for sites.

MCM Number 6 - Pollution Prevention/Good Housekeeping for Municipal Operations

  1. Reduce pollutants from municipal parking lots, streets, open spaces, etc., and operations facilities (i.e. salting/sanding/fertilizing).
  2. Inventory all City storm drainage facilities and outfalls.
  3. Develop program to train employees.

Stormwater Facts

  • Applying lawn and garden chemicals sparingly and according to the directions not only saves you money, but helps protect our ditches, reservoirs, lakes and rivers. Over application adds to the nutrient levels in these waterways and is harmful to fish and other animals who depend on clean water for their health.
  • Leaves, grass clippings and other yard wastes cause elevated levels of nutrients in our waterways and is harmful to fish and aquatic organisms. Properly disposing of these materials will prevent them from entering the City’s storm drains. Place them in your compost pile for use next Spring in your vegetable and flower gardens.
  • Pet waste left on the ground contains high concentrations of bacteria and can be carried by stormwater runoff, which is harmful to fish and aquatic organisms. Bag it up and place it in the garbage or flush it.
  • Salt and other chemicals to remove snow and ice is carried by stormwater runoff and increases nutrient levels, which is harmful to fish, aquatic organisms and other animals who depend on clean water for their health.
  • Unlike wastewater, stormwater is not treated at a sewage treatment plant. Anything dumped or placed on the ground is carried away by stormwater runoff and will end up in the City’s storm drains which discharge into our ditches, reservoirs, lakes and rivers.