Requested Action (Identify appropriate Action or Motion, purpose, cost, timeframe, etc.)
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Request approval of a Resolution amending Fulton County Code of Ordinances, Chapter 26 - Environment, Article IV, Stormwater Management, Division 2, to amend various sections to provide for Post Construction Stormwater Management for New Development and Redevelopment pursuant to the requirements of the Georgia Environmental Protection Division’s (EPD) Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit program.
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Requirement for Board Action (Cite specific Board policy, statute or code requirement)
O.C.G.A. § 12-5-20 established the Georgia Rules and Regulations for Water Quality Control providing for municipal, construction, and industrial permitting by which EPD enforces its stormwater rules.
Strategic Priority Area related to this item (If yes, note strategic priority area below)
Infrastructure and Economic Development
Summary & Background (First sentence includes Agency recommendation. Provide an executive summary of the action that gives an overview of the relevant details for the item.)
Scope of Work: Fulton County remains responsible for controlling pollution from stormwater runoff in the unincorporated area through our Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit issued by the Georgia EPD. Under the NPDES MS4 permit program, Fulton County is required to establish a comprehensive stormwater management program (SWMP) and to develop a plan and program to control stormwater pollution discharges to waters of the State to the maximum extent practical and to eliminate non-stormwater discharges from entering the stormwater system. As part of the EPD’s annual review of the Fulton County Stormwater Management Program, they have directed Fulton County to incorporate modifications to our existing stormwater management ordinance in a manner consistent with recently developed statewide guidance focused on improving the water quality of stormwater runoff from developed property.
The proposed modifications to Fulton County’s Stormwater Ordinance are summarized as follows:
1. The incorporation of additional provisions that protect water quality, including storm water pretreatment, stream channel and overbank flood protection.
2. The requirement that the first 1.0 inch of rainfall be retained, to the extent practicable.
3. The requirement that green infrastructure best management practices be considered as a part of stormwater management plans for new development.
4. Removal of the exemption for single family and duplex lots (very few residential properties exist within unincorporated Fulton).
5. More clearly defined requirements for concept plans and stormwater management plans
6. The incorporation of a sequencing plan that defines the timing for installation of stormwater measures during the course of construction.
7. More clearly defined stormwater facility maintenance requirements including post construction stormwater management and associated measures that will be used on a permanent basis to control and treat runoff once construction is complete.
8. Numerous edits that provide consistency in the language, such as citing the Public Works Department as the County department responsible for administration of the ordinance.
Community Impact: The Department of Public Works agrees the requested amendments to its comprehensive Stormwater Management Ordinace will strengthen Fulton County’s protections for containing runoff into waters of the State while remaining compliant with EPD rules and regulations.
Department Recommendation: The Department of Public Works recommends approval of the resolution amending Fulton County Code of Ordinances, Chapter 26 - Environment, Article IV, Stormwater Management.
Project Implications: Modifications to the stormwater management regulations are required by the Georgia EPD relative to the NPDES MS4 permit currently held by Fulton County and are necessary to maintain compliance with EPD rules and regulations.
Community Issues/Concerns: The Department of Public Works is not aware of any issues/concerns raised by the community.
Department Issues/Concerns: Public Works staff does not have any issues or concerns