National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
NPDES Phase II
What is the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Stormwater Program?
"Polluted stormwater runoff is a leading cause of impairment to the nearly 40 percent of surveyed U.S. water bodies which do not meet water quality standards. Over land or via storm sewer systems, polluted runoff is discharged, often untreated, directly into local water bodies. When left uncontrolled, this water pollution can result in the destruction of fish, wildlife, and aquatic life habitats; a loss in aesthetic value; and threats to public health due to contaminated food, drinking water supplies, and recreational waterways.
Mandated by Congress under the Clean Water Act, the NPDES Stormwater Program is a comprehensive two-phased national program for addressing the non-agricultural sources of stormwater discharges which adversely affect the quality of our nation's waters. The Program uses the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitting mechanism to require the implementation of controls designed to prevent harmful pollutants from being washed by stormwater runoff into local water bodies." (Quote from NPDES FAQ #1 on Stormwater)
The Village of Lindenhurst must comply with these new regulations under NPDES Phase II and part of that compliance includes public education. Since stormwater run-off impacts our lakes, the Lindenhurst Lakes Commission has been enlisted to assist with informing our Village residents (and their guests as appropriate) about ways they can significantly impact compliance for the positive benefit of our environment.
Commissioners will be available at the Lindenhurst/Lake Villa Chamber of Commerce "Spring Business Festival", Earth/Arbor Day celebration activities and Lindenfest (community-wide summer festival) to share information and answer questions. They will make themselves available educational lectures or discussions with local groups. They will use the Village and Lakes Commission web sites to disseminate practical information.
The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) has published an excellent Lake Notes fact sheet entitled "HOME and YARD", which give many excellent tips on how to minimize stormwater pollution. Below of some of their practical tips:
Avoid the use of pesticides Use Natural Pest Control
Do not allow fertilizers, lawn clippings and debris to go on sidewalks and driveways where they can wash in to street and then into the curb drains and out through the storm drains and into our lakes.
Develop a shoreline buffer strip
Stabilize the shoreline appropriately
Do not dump yard waste along the shoreline
Do not burn near the lake to avoid nutrients flushing into the lake; use an appropriate barrier.
Clean up pet waste
Use sand instead of salt on ice
Aim downspouts away from sidewalks and driveways
Minimize use of toxic or hazardous chemicals. Always dispose of them properly.
Repair vehicles with oil leaks.
Dispose of used motor oil properly
Wash cars with NO-phosphate detergents or just use water.
Do not drain chlorinated pools before neutralizing the chlorine
Properly maintain you septic system
Compost or mulch yard waste or see to its proper disposal.Report violations to a Lakes Commissioner. We would like to have the opportunity to have a friendly informal chat with our neighbors to insure they are knowledgeable about why their actions are detrimental to our waters and environment. Formal action, such as violation notices or citations is the last resort.
Refer to the Lakes Commission website at www.lindenhurstil.org and click on the Lakes Commission link for additional information and routine updates.
View an Under development in Providence Wood
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In the interest of continuing community education the Lindenhurst Lakes Commission is now offering residents the opportunity to schedule and enjoy a private tour of the shoreline of Lake Waterford in the Village boat. Participants can view the impact of our Lake Management Philosophy on the shoreline. Natural and developed buffer strips, introduced and proliferating emerging aquatic plants and shoreline restoration will be viewed and explained by LLC Chairman Bill Roesler. The necessity for storm water management, the locations of street drains and the negative impact of nutrients and contaminants entering our lakes from those drains via lawn, driveway, sidewalk and street flushing on our lakes will also be explained.
To schedule a tour contact Chairman Bill Roesler at 847-356-0156.