Stormwater that falls on city streets is not treated at any water treatment plant. It is directed straight to area creeks and waterways. Stormwater that runs off parking lots, roofs, and other impervious surfaces often carries with it trash, gas and oil, and other pollutants. Managing stormwater keeps rivers clean and ensures that wastewater treatment plants work efficiently.
In our low, flat part of the world, stormwater can cause serious problems. Rainwater can cause street flooding. Some parts of the region's sewer systems combine stormwater and wastewater. In those combined situations, a heavy storm can flood a wastewater treatment plant and result in discharge of untreated waste to area lakes and rivers. To protect homes from flooding, to protect wastewater treatment resources, and to keep pollutants out of the water supply, stormwater management is critical.
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Municipal stormwater managers are required to take active steps to reduce water pollution caused by rain and snow. TMACOG helps these permit holders satisfy regulations and protect the environment. Training opportunities for water professionals and engineers are offered at low or no cost for TMACOG members. Training materials are available for municipal staff and for public education programs. Support materials are collected and available on the Stormwater Resources page.
About Green Infrastructure
Best stormwater practices manage precipitation close to where it falls. When water drains gradually into soil, waste products are filtered naturally and plants take up nutrients that could otherwise contribute to harmful algae blooms in area lakes. Households and businesses can help manage stormwater on their own property. Consider putting green infrastructure to use. Use rain barrels or install a rain garden. Build a swale in a parking lot to temporarily hold water during a rain event.
A rain garden is one type of green infrastructure that could be incorporated at home or in a commercial space. It is a planted low spot that filters dirty stormwater using plants that are naturally adapted to our local environment. Stormwater that is diverted from roofs and sidewalks to a rain garden will soak into the garden, preventing polluted stormwater from entering streams. Rain gardens can also help with problems like basement flooding and can enhance yards by beautifying the landscape. Rain gardens are not designed to hold water for extended periods of time, just long enough to let the water soak into the ground naturally. Although a rain garden is considered low maintenance, continued upkeep is key to maintaining a beautiful rain garden for many years.
TMACOG has worked with partners to plan for, fund, and install green infrastructure practices in the Toledo area. Here are some projects managed by TMACOG and funded by the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI), a federal program that provides funding and support to protect and restore the Great Lakes including our own Western Basin of Lake Erie.
The purpose of the Stormwater Coalition is to provide a forum for local governments to address drainage, erosion, stormwater pollution, and stormwater management regulations on a cooperative, watershed basis.
The Ohio State University Department of Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering and Summit Soil and Water Conservation District have developed a curriculum based on Ohio maintenance standards and design specifications for Storm water Control Measures. Certification through this course provides with the knowledge to confidently identify the SCM, inspect the facility, develop reports, make recommendations to solve common maintenance issues, and carry out the maintenance. TMACOG hosted this course on May 17-18 2023 to add contractors in our region to the list of certified contractors. The list can be found on Summit Soil and Water’s webpage for the certification.
The current Phase II Stormwater General Permit requires that MS4 communities develop, implement, and enforce a SWMP designed to reduce the discharge of pollutants from MS4s to protect water quality and to satisfy water quality requirements of Ohio Revised Code (ORC) 6111 and the Clean Water Act.
SWC members have developed a common construction site plan submittal process for many jurisdictions in the region. The goal is to simplify the site plan review process while satisfying OEPA Construction General Permit requirements.
TMACOG’s Water Quality department staff is completing work on a series of videos and posters to help workers meet regulations and protect stormwater during shop and maintenance operations. Staff working for municipalities with MS4 (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System) permits are required to have training on good housekeeping. This series of videos satisfies that regulation. They can be used by year-round staff and may also be used to train seasonal employees for specific tasks.
Stormwater Coalition Members developed a guidebook for construction site operators illustrating best management practices (BMPs) for erosion and sediment control on private and public construction projects.
Contact TMACOG to learn about webcasts and training opportunities.
A comprehensive document outlining what we as a community will do to meet the goals of the Clean Water Act with regard to sanitary sewers, wastewater treatment, and stormwater management.
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TMACOG is a council of governments with members across the region, including cities, counties, villages, townships, schools, and special districts.
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