Stormwater Management

Stormwater Pollution

When rain falls on land and impervious areas, such as paved streets, parking lots, and building rooftops, it can wash away:

• Chemicals
• Grease
• Litter
• Metals
• Nutrients
• Oil
• Pathogens
• Sediments

Left unmanaged, these pollutants enter our lakes and streams via the storm sewer system, significantly contributing to the degradation of these important resources. Another source of water pollution is the phosphorus from lawn fertilizer. This nutrient turns lakes and rivers green with algae.

Grass Clippings

Sweep up clippings that fall onto streets, driveways and other paved areas. They can easily wash into storm sewers and into our waterways. 

Environmental Utility Fee

The Maplewood City Council has established protection and enhancement of the environmental features as a high priority. In particular, management of the surface water features of the city is viewed as a critical endeavor that requires a renewed focus. One way of achieving this is through the city’s environmental utility fee (EUF) which finances a portion of the city’s storm water facilities to manage and treat runoff.

Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP)

Maplewood’s stormwater permit requires that the city develop a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has established 6 minimum control measures the plan must address:

• Construction Site Storm Water Runoff Control
• Illicit Discharge, Detection and Elimination
• Pollution Prevention and Good Housekeeping
• Post-Construction Storm Water Management
• Public Education and Outreach
• Public Participation and Involvement

Annual SWPPP 

The City of Maplewood is required to prepare an annual SWPPP report detailing the progress made in the previous year toward satisfying the permit requirements. The report for 2021 is available at 2021 Annual SWPPP (PDF).