The Town was required to pass two new ordinances to address
stormwater. These ordinances prohibit illicit discharges to the
Town’s sewer system and establish the stormwater requirements
for new construction projects within the Town.
Soil that enters streams and lakes as sediment reduces water
clarity and covers fish spawning beds, leading to a decline in
numbers of fish and other aquatic creatures. Large amounts of
sediment can lead to streams jumping their banks and causing
flooding. Rainwater that runs off pavement and lawns also picks
up pollutants such as phosphorus and nitrogen, which when
introduced to lakes cause outbreaks of dense aquatic plant growth
and algae or “pond scum”. The water can also carry oil, trash, pesticides, and other chemicals, as well
as bacteria or disease pathogens, to streams and lakes. The addition of rooftops and paved or concrete
surfaces to an area also causes less rainwater to filter naturally into the ground. This means that more
water runs directly off the surface into the nearest body of water, often causing flooding.
The Stormwater Management and Erosion and Sediment Control Local Law requires anyone who is
developing land, and will be excavating or moving earth totaling more than half an acre, to obtain a permit
from the Town. The laws are intended to reduce the movement of sediment from construction sites to bodies
of water by rainfall. As a condition of the new permit that developers must obtain, they must install special
structures and abide by certain “best management practices” to ensure that soil is not washed off the site.
On many sites, including all commercial and multi-family housing construction projects over half an acre as
well as single-family housing sites greater than five acres, the installation of permanent ponds, basins, and
other features is required to improve water quality. These ponds also provide storage of excess rainwater
during heavy storms or snowmelts to prevent flooding. These structures must be designed to certain
standards designated by the State of New York. The Planning Board will review all development proposals to
determine whether or not they comply with the law. The Town's Code Enforcement Officer will inspect sites
that have, or need, permits.
from entering storm drains and bodies of water. This means that introducing sewage, septic system drainage,
floor drainage from auto shops, restaurants, and industries, and any source of flow other than rainwater or
snowmelt is illegal. Dumping of chemicals into drainage manholes or catchbasins in streets or yards is
likewise prohibited. A number of exceptions can be made to this rule as long as they do not contain obvious
contamination. These include:
STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) is overseeing a federally mandated
program to control stormwater runoff and protect waterways. Permits are required for stormwater discharges
from Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4s) in urbanized areas and for construction activities
disturbing one or more acres. The Town of Marcellus has been automatically designated as a regulated MS4.
As such, the Town is required to develop a comprehensive stormwater management program.
Water from rain or melting snow runs off land, carrying litter, soil,
bacteria and other pollutants into our waters. Large amounts of
stormwater rushing off paved surfaces can flood yards, streets and
basements. The goal of the NYSDEC’s stormwater program is to
correct these problems; which in turn will protect and restore our
valuable environmental resources.
The Town has designated the Code Enforcement Officer as their
designated stormwater contact. For more information on the
stormwater requirements please contact the Code Enforcement
Officer at: 315-673-3269 x4.
The Town Code Enforcement Office should be contacted for
construction related stormwater questions or if you
see any sources of stormwater pollution.
What you can do to help prevent stormwater runoff pollution?
Town of Marcellus, 24 East Main Street, Marcellus, NY 13108
Town of Marcellus Code Enforcement Office
landscape irrigation or watering,
uncontaminated groundwater or spring flows,
drinking water from wells, foundation and footing drains,
air conditioning condensation,
sump pump flows,
individual residential car washing without detergents,
dechlorinated swimming pool water,
fire-fighting activities,
water line flushing,
street washing.
The Town Code Enforcement Officer will enforce the new law and work with residents to resolve issues on a
case-by-case business.
Links to the new Town laws and additional informational links:
Local Law #6, 2007 Stormwater Erosion Control
Local Law #5, 2007 Illicit Discharges, Activities and Connections to Separate Storm Sewer System
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation: http://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/8468.html
NYSDEC Stormwater Construction Information: http://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/8694.html
Central New York Regional Planning and Development Board: http://www.cnyrpdb.org/stormwater-phase2/
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: http://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/home.cfm?program_id=6
Properly dispose of all paints, used motor oil and other hazardous waste
Sweep up driveways, sidewalks and walkways
Use fertilizers and pesticides sparingly
Pick up after your pet and dispose waste in the toilet or trash.
Check you vehicles for any leaking fluids
Wash your vehicles at a car wash. If washing at home, use a low-phosphate detergent.
Have your septic tank pumped and inspected at least once every two years.
