National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System

Pollutants accumulate in water over time and can degrade the quality of our lakes, rivers, streams and wetlands. The end result can be waters impaired for recreational use, contaminated drinking water supplies and/or loss of habitat, fish and wildlife.

To improve water quality throughout the country, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) to guide local governments. This program focuses on reducing the amount of urban pollutants.

Burnsville’s Objectives

In accordance with the EPA’s storm water management program, Burnsville is committed to the following six objectives for improving water quality:

1. Public Education and Outreach

The City will distribute educational materials and perform outreach activities to inform residents about the impacts that polluted storm water can have on water quality.

2. Public Participation/Involvement

The City will provide opportunities for residents to participate in program development and implementation by publicizing public hearings and/or encouraging them to comment on the Storm Water Pollution Prevention Program.

3. Illegal Discharge Detection and Elimination

The City will implement a plan to detect and eliminate illegal discharges to the storm sewer system. A system map has been created and the hazards associated with improper disposal of waste will be publicized.

4. Construction Site Runoff Control

The City will continue to implement and enforce an erosion and sediment control program for construction activities. Typical controls include silt fences and temporary or permanent sediment ponds.

5. Post Construction Runoff Control

The City will continue to implement and enforce a program that addresses post-construction storm water runoff. This program includes preventative actions such as protecting sensitive areas (e.g., lakes, wetlands, Black Dog Preserve) through ordinances and/or the use of sediment traps such as treatment ponds, grassed swales or infiltration practices.

6. Pollution Prevention/Good Housekeeping

The City will implement a program to prevent or reduce pollutants in runoff from City operations. The program includes staff training on pollution prevention measures and techniques (e.g., regular street sweeping, reduction in the use of pesticides or street salt, frequent catch-basin cleaning, a pond clean out program).

Public Hearing

The annual Storm Water Pollution Prevention Program (SWPPP) Public Hearing was held by the Parks and Natural Resources Commission on June 6, 2022 – 6:30 PM.

The public hearing included a presentation that summarized the City’s annual report and highlighted some of the required activities completed during the past year. Residents were given an opportunity to provide written and oral comments on the City’s SWPPP and 2021 Annual Report. The City will consider comments and make reasonable adjustments to the SWPPP. The 2021 annual report was submitted to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency on April 27, 2022.

Comment Form