Stormwater Management Plan

What is a Stormwater Management Plan? 

During the construction phase of a project, sites that will disturb an acre or more are required to implement a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP). SWPPP requirements end when the project is stabilized, but who will manage stormwater once construction is finished? The answer to this question is a Stormwater Management Plan (SWMA), a long-term plan designed to manage and maintain certain stormwater features implemented on the property. 

Why is this important? 

The Clean Water Act (CWA) is the principal law governing pollution control and water quality of the nation's waterways. The law is necessary because urbanization has increased the volume of pollution and runoff that reach waterways. Runoff rates and volumes that were previously reduced by natural processes before development, now runs off roads, driveways and roofs carrying everything that collect on these impervious surfaces directly to our waterways in increased rates and volumes resulting in damage to the environment. The regulation governs new development drainage system designs that reduce these impacts from urban runoff. Ultimately, good maintenance helps manage and contain polluted runoff, improving the quality of life in our communities where we live and visit.

Who designed the template? 

The Utah Department of Environmental Quality, Division of Water Quality has the responsibility to enforce the CWA in Utah resulting in the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System Permit (MS4) for municipalities. The Utah Stormwater Advisory Committee (USWAC) which is made up of all the Utah municipalities was formed to support the Utah DEQ in developing practical MS4 programs that protect our water resources and foster better uniformity across the State. USWAC developed the Stormwater System Operations and Maintenance Plan program to help property owners understand how their property can impact water resources and provide a common template for Operations and Maintenance procedures necessary to manage their properties impacts.

Permitting Process (New Development)

If the proposed project has stormwater features requiring a SWMA, the Certificate of Occupancy will not be issued until the agreement is completed, signed, and recorded at the SLCO Recorder's office along with a Stormwater Maintenance Agreement. 

Discussion of the requirements will be addressed during the Grading Review phase by the Grading Reviewer.