City of Bloomington, Illinois
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Storm Water
Storm water management is performed by the Engineering Division and the Streets and Sewers Division of the Public Works Department. These divisions work together to manage the urban runoff and maintain the City’s infrastructure in compliance with the Clean Water Act. Effective storm water management includes:
- Keeping lakes and streams clean
- Maintaining waterways to minimize erosion and damage to adjacent property
- Maintaining detention basins to reduce flooding and filter out pollution
- Installing sump pump drain lines at strategic areas
- Inlet maintenance and repairs
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Storm Water Utility
In 2004, Bloomington created a “Storm Water Utility” to operate in similar fashion to other utilities, such as an electric company. With it, the City adopted a rate system for storm water that was based on the need created by the individual customer to manage storm water. Whereas water is metered, the City uses a storm billing method under a principle that storm water fees cannot fairly be based on water consumption. The two have little in common. That need is based on size of a property and the type of construction on the property.
The City’s Storm Water Utility manages urban storm sewers, detention basins, culverts, ravines, ditches, streams, drainage channels and ponds to control flooding, improve water quality and comply with federal clean-water regulations. Urban storm water management becomes necessary because of construction of materials – buildings, roads, parking lots, etc. – that do not absorb water.
Single-family residential storm sewer fees are based on the size of a property. Other parcels also are billed based on the size. However, for large lots, the City measures the amount of “impervious” material covering land on the property – essentially, structures and paved areas -- rather than estimating. These other parcels include property of governmental agencies, apartments, commercial businesses, industry, not-for-profits and churches. None is exempt; storm management runs under a “utility,” and the billing constitutes a “fee,” not a “tax.”
Some property owners and developers take it upon themselves to reduce the stress their property creates on the storm water system through structure and land designs. They qualify for bill reductions – credits – based on those designs.
All parcels, regardless of their location in a watershed, have an impact on our water resources. Pervious surfaces, such as lawns, allow rain to seep into the ground. Impervious surfaces, such as roofs and parking lots, block this absorption, which increases runoff volumes. The City of Bloomington’s storm water management system collects the runoff through a series of gutters, inlets, storm sewers, detention basins, and stream channels. In the older section of the City, the existing sewer systems are mostly “combined” sewers. A combined sewer conveys both domestic sewage and storm water runoff in the same pipe.
All parcels in the City containing developed land shall be charged storm water service charges, except pedestrian/bicycle trails, and streets and highway right-of-ways owned by a Township, McLean County, the City of Bloomington, or the State of Illinois.
The City understands that some parcels may currently be utilizing an approved method of controlling storm water runoff on portions of their parcel. Therefore, the City of Bloomington’s Public Works Department has created the Bloomington Storm Water Credit Manual.
A reduction in the monthly Storm Water Utility fee may be available to either individuals or groups of individuals provided they own AND maintain a detention facility located on their property or within their subdivision. Detention facilities owned and/or maintained by the City of Bloomington do not qualify for credit.
Parcels shall be eligible to receive a storm water service charge credit based upon the requirements of the Bloomington Storm Water Credit Manual.
Any credit allowed against the storm water service charge is conditioned upon continuing compliance with the Bloomington Storm Water Credit Manual.
Please use the Storm Water Credit Application AND follow the guidelines provided in the Storm Water Credit Manual to apply for the Storm Water Credit. If you have specific questions regarding the Storm Water Credit Application, please call 309-434-2225 or email stormwater@cityblm.org.
You have the right to appeal your storm water utility fee. Chapter 37, Section 70 of the Bloomington City Code outlines the criteria for filing the appeal. Please print the Storm Water Fee Appeal Application, fill out the form and submit it to the City of Bloomington Public Works Department for further review. You may also contact the Storm Water Hotline at (309) 434-2423 or email stormwater@cityblm.org to discuss your fee.
If you wish to appeal your Storm Water Utility Fee to the Construction Board of Appeals, you will be required to pay an appeal filing fee of $125. Once all appropriate fees and materials have been received, you will be placed on the Construction Board of Appeals agenda. You will receive a written notification of the date and time when the Construction Board of Appeals will hear your appeal.
Failure to submit all appropriate documentation will result in a delay in your appeal. Submitting false or incorrect information may result in the denial of your appeal and forfeiture of all fees paid.
Storm Water Fee Appeal Application
Frequently Asked Questions
Below is a list of all Frequently Asked Questions lists from the categories related to Storm Water. You can find a specific category by using the drop-down box above the questions. Click each question to show or hide the answer.
Storm Water Billing Questions
- Storm water fees help pay for capital improvements to ensure safe and reliable service from the storm water infrastructure maintained by the City of Bloomington. These capital improvements are outlined in the Stormwater and Sanitary Sewer Master Plans, which is a set of documents that take an in-depth look at existing conditions and needs.
- Storm water fees are included as a separate line item on your utility bill. For more information about your utility bill, click here to visit Utility Billing.
- Please call (309) 434-2225 or email stormwater@cityblm.org to inquire about the Storm Water Utility fee.
- Billing is included with the regular utility bill from the City of Bloomington.
- Billing will be on a monthly basis for all properties and should be on your regular utility bill.
- The Storm Water Utility Fee was considered in public hearings and publicized in the news media when it was passed on April 26, 2004. The Department of Public Works has spoken to officials representing industry, businesses, schools and other affected property owners. More outreach is underway for those who were not previously informed
Storm Water Fees may be split between tenants using the following criteria:
- The fees must be split evenly between all tenants
- House Meter and No Tenant Meters - all fees on House Meter
- House Meter and Tenant Meters:
- Fees evenly split between all meters, including Tenant and House Meter or
- Fees evenly split between all TENANT meters, no fees to HM
- Tenant Meters Only - Fees split evenly to all Tenant Meters
- The Storm Water Utility fee is a part of the monthly Utility Bill. The City Ordinances are written such that all utility fees are paid first, with the remaining funds applied toward the water usage fee. Failure to pay the Storm Water Utility Fee would result in a delinquent utility bill and could result in an interruption of water service to your property.
- If you believe an error has been made in calculating your Storm Water Utility Fee, you should contact the Public Works Department at (309) 434-2225 for an explanation of how the fee was calculated.
If you still disagree with the Storm Water Utility Fee calculations, you will need to provide the Public Works Department with a survey prepared by a registered land surveyor or professional engineer containing information on the total property area, the impervious surface area, and any storm water management features, such as detention ponds or conditions which influence the hydrologic response of the property to rainfall events. The Engineering Division will review all information submitted and determine the appropriate Storm Water Utility fee based upon submitted information. - Bills are generated using the most recent property owner information available. Sometimes information is not the most recent and bills are sent out incorrectly. Also, properties that have two percent or more of their total area as impervious are charged at least 2 IAUs. If you feel that you have received a bill in error please bring a copy of your bill and any additional information you believe will be beneficial to the City of Bloomington Public Works Department, on the third floor at 115 E. Washington St.
Storm Water General Questions
- Water is one of the most basic necessities for all forms of life. Clean water keeps our species alive and healthy, and is also a major factor used to measure the success and overall well-being of a community. Proper management of storm water runoff is an important way that the City of Bloomington can contribute to that well-being. Erosion control during any construction is integral to the process of proper management of storm water runoff. In addition to being environmentally and sanitarily sound, these practices are part of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Phase II requirements issued by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA).
- The NPDES Phase II requirements seek to implement a program to protect the quality of surface waters, like lakes, streams, rivers, and creeks by means of controlling the pollution from storm water discharges. To prevent these precious resources from becoming polluted, the City of Bloomington must enact plans that enhance storm water sewer system maintenance, educate and encourage the public about the risk of a polluted water supply, and create standards for construction that prevent storm water contamination.
This storm water manhole could be a major problem for the cleanliness and transfer of water, and could result in flooding if not properly maintained. Currently, the City of Bloomington Public Works Department maintains the storm water sewers by means of a calculated household fee; see our page on Storm Water Rates for additional information about how the fee is calculated. Without these fees, work on the storm water sewer systems would be unfunded and might not be completed before problems arise.
The City of Bloomington also regulates construction projects in terms of how they control storm water runoff and erosion. Several ordinances have been passed to that end, and the Bloomington Manual of Practice describes in detail how erosion needs to be managed by the builder. The City sends out inspectors to all sites in town to ensure that erosion is being properly managed over the course of the construction. Violations will be issued only after a warning and a second inspection fails to meet the requirements.
Additionally, the City provides a Street Sweeping service to disrupt, minimize, and eliminate the infiltration of pollutants into storm water runoff. Storm water runoff frequently has high levels of sediment, litter, phosphorus, nitrogen, heavy metals, oil, grease, and other materials, all dangerous to public health if left unchecked in the water supply. A study on how effective street sweeping is for the removal of these pollutants found that they indeed contributed a great deal to cleaner runoff. Details on this study can be found here in PDF format.
- Storm water runoff occurs when precipitation or melted snow flows across the ground surface. Impervious surfaces, such as streets and rooftops, prevent water from naturally infiltrating into the ground. As storm water flows across the ground surface, it can take any dirt, debris, or chemicals that are present with it. The pollutants then flow into our storm sewers and can enter into waterways without going through treatment. Please see the Storm Water Pollution Prevention FAQ to learn more.
Storm Water Residential Questions
- Yes. This is an entirely separate fee from water/sewer fees. The Storm Water Utility Fee helps fund drainage improvements, operation and maintenance of the storm water conveyance system and new EPA water quality regulations and does not address sanitary sewers or city water lines.
All of the storm water in my neighborhood drains into a retention pond/basin. Why should I have to pay the Storm Water Utility Fees?
While in the short term, storm water collects in the retention pond/basin, the storage provided is temporary and the City of Bloomington provides an outlet for the basin. Eventually, the storm water collected must drain out. The infrastructure (storm sewers, ditches, culverts) the City of Bloomington operates and maintains still carries the same volume of water; it is just released more slowly.- If a storm drain is damaged or is not working properly and causes water to flood a roadway and adjacent area please call the Public Works department at (309) 434-2225.The problem may not be fixed immediately, but it will be investigated and prioritized.
- The person receiving the utility bill for the property is responsible for paying this fee. However, ultimate responsibility for ensuring this fee is paid rests on the Owner of Record.
- The Storm Water Utility fee should appear on your monthly utility bill, commonly referred to as your water bill. If it is not listed, please contact the Water Billing Division at (309) 434-2495 to report this problem.
- The person receiving the utility bill for the property is responsible for paying this fee. If the landlord says “water is included” in rent, the Storm Water Utility Fee probably also is included. Ultimate responsibility for ensuring the fee is paid rests on the Owner of Record. If the tenant gets billed and doesn’t pay, the fee falls back on the landlord and any dispute becomes a landlord-tenant issue. Refer to your lease to determine if you have otherwise contractually obligated yourself to pay this fee.
- If you think something illegal has been or is currently being dumped into a storm water inlet, please call the Public Works Department at (309) 434-2225. Please indicate where the storm water inlet is located, what day and time the dumping has or is occurring, and, if possible, a description of the property, person and vehicle involved.
Storm Water Technical Questions
- An IAU is an Impervious Area Unit. The IAU is used as the basis for determining the Storm Water Utility Fee to a parcel. One thousand (1,000) square feet of impervious area shall be equal to one (1) IAU. The number of IAUs attributed to a parcel are determined by dividing the total impervious area (in square feet) of the parcel by one thousand (1,000) and rounding the result up to the next integer.
- Infiltration is the process of allowing runoff to penetrate the ground surface and flow through the upper soil surface.
- A combination sewer system is a sewer system that contains both sanitary sewer components and storm sewer components. These are most commonly found in the older areas of the City of Bloomington. The City of Bloomington is striving to reduce the number of combination sewers in an attempt to reduce the work load placed on the Bloomington Normal Water Reclamation District and to prevent damage to individual structures which may occur if this type of sewer system becomes overloaded during a heavy rainfall.
- A storm sewer system is the system of street gutters, street curbs, storm drain inlets and underground piping that are used to collect storm water from within an area and guide it to a drainage ditch or basin. The waters collected in the drainage ditch or basin are then guided to a stream where it is properly discharged.
- A sanitary sewer system is the underground piping that receives any waste products that are flushed down a drain, rinsed out in a sink, or otherwise disposed of in residential or commercial plumbing lines within a structure. This system then guides these waste products to the Bloomington Normal Water Reclamation District where they are properly processed.
- The Storm Water Utility Fee is used to provide for the management, protection, control, regulation, use and enhancement of the storm water systems and to facilities owned or operated by the City of Bloomington. It is also used for implementing the EPA water-quality regulations.
- The Storm Water Utility Fee was created by the City Council on April 26, 2004. The fee is dedicated to improving drainage, controlling flooding, improving water quality and implementing the EPA water quality regulations in Bloomington. The Storm Water Utility Fee is based on how each property affects the drainage system.
City Staff reviewed information from various government entities including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Staff then determined the criteria to be followed on water-quality regulations under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Phase II. The fee structure was created in March 2004 after a rate study was completed by an independent consultant. - When it rains or snow melts, storm water runs off driveways, parking lots, sidewalks and roofs into the storm water drainage system. The drainage system includes storm sewers, ditches, culverts, ravines, streams and roadside swales that carry rainwater away from roads and private property. The more asphalt, rooftops and other hard surfaces the rainwater hits, the more runoff our system has to handle. The fee will pay for projects that improve drainage and reduce water pollution and neighborhood flooding as well as implementing the new EPA water quality regulations.
- The Public Works Department Engineering Division manages the Storm Water Utility.
- Historically, a Sanitary Sewer Fund has paid the operating costs of all the sanitary sewers, combined sewers and storm sewers. Fees on the utility bill were based upon a customer's consumption of drinking water. This was an easy system to administer and understand, but there is no direct relationship between drinking water and storm sewer demand. Rather than increase sewer rates to cover the increasing storm sewer system costs, the City decided to investigate the creation of a Storm Water Utility that would allow storm sewer system costs to be spread among the users in a more equitable manner.
- Historically, a Sanitary Sewer Fund has paid the operating costs of all the sanitary sewers, combined sewers and storm sewers. Fees on the utility bill were based upon a customer's consumption of drinking water. This was an easy system to administer and understand, but there is no direct relationship between drinking water and storm sewer demand. Rather than increase sewer rates to cover the increasing storm sewer system costs, the City decided to investigate the creation of a Storm Water Utility that would allow storm sewer system costs to be spread among the users in a more equitable manner.
- Storm Water Utility Fees are not a tax. Therefore, all entities including churches and nonprofit organizations are required to pay the fee to support and improve storm water systems. The Storm Water Utility Fee is designed so that members of the community fund the program in relation to how their property uses the storm water system.
- Storm water runoff can be directly attributed to impervious area. Asphalt, concrete, rooftops, and other hard surface areas do not allow rain water to soak into the ground. This allows the water to fill up the streams more quickly, and at higher levels. The additional water load on the storm system can cause flooding during heavy rains. The additional usage of the system also increases maintenance to the storm water system.
- Impervious area, as defined by the ordinance, is area that prevents or impedes the infiltration of storm water into the soil. Common impervious areas include, but are not limited to, rooftops, sidewalks, walkways, patio areas, driveways, parking lots, storage areas, compacted aggregate and awnings.
- Alleys, roadways or highways which are on dedicated public right of way aren’t assessed a Storm Water Utility Fee. All other alleys, roadways or highways are assessed a Storm Water Utility Fee based upon their impervious area.
NPDES MS4 Permit
Polluted storm water runoff is often transported to municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4s) and ultimately discharged into local rivers and streams without treatment. EPA’s Stormwater Phase II Rule establishes an MS4 stormwater management program that is intended to improve the Nation’s waterways by reducing the quantity of pollutants that stormwater picks up and carries into storm sewer systems during storm events. Common pollutants include oil and grease from roadways, pesticides from lawns, sediment from construction sites, pet wastes, and carelessly discarded trash, such as cigarette butts, paper wrappers, and plastic bottles. When deposited into nearby waterways through MS4 discharges, these pollutants can impair the waterways, thereby discouraging recreational use of the resource, contaminating drinking water supplies, and interfering with the habitat for fish, other aquatic organisms, and wildlife.
In 1990, EPA promulgated rules establishing Phase I of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) stormwater program. The Phase I program for MS4s requires operators of "medium" and "large" MS4s, that is, those that generally serve populations of 100,000 or greater, to implement a stormwater management program as a means to control polluted discharges from these MS4s. The Stormwater Phase II Rule extends coverage of the NPDES stormwater program to certain "small" MS4s, like Bloomington, but takes a slightly different approach to how the stormwater management program is developed and implemented.
This web page includes links to the documents that are part of the City of Bloomington’s efforts to minimize pollution from storm water runoff, as part of its federal National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Phase II, General Permit No. ILR40.
- General NPDES Permit ILR40
- Notice of Intent for Renewal of General Permit containing Storm Water Managment Program
- MS4 Annual Report 2023-2024
- MS4 Annual Report 2022-2023
- MS4 Annual Report 2021-2022
- MS4 Annual Report 2020-2021
- MS4 Annual Report 2019-2020
- MS4 Annual Report 2018-2019
- MS4 Annual Report 2017-2018
- MS4 Annual Report 2016-2017
- MS4 Annual Report 2015-2016
- MS4 Annual Report 2014-2015
- MS4 Annual Report 2013-2014
- MS4 Annual Report 2012-2013
- MS4 Annual Report 2011-2012
Erosion and Sediment Control
The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Phase II requirements issued by the United States Environmental Protection Agency seek to implement a program to protect the quality of surface waters (such as lakes and streams) by controlling pollution from storm water discharges. What this means for the City of Bloomington, and most other cities, is enhanced storm water sewer system maintenance, and the implementation of new storm water management activities.
These activities include public education programs, public participation in storm water management functions, controls on storm water runoff from new developments both during and after construction, an ongoing search for illicit discharges into the storm sewer system, and municipal pollution prevention programs such as increased frequency of street sweeping.
All parcels, regardless of their location in a watershed, have an impact on our water resources. Pervious surfaces, such as lawns, allow rain to seep into the ground. Impervious surfaces, such as roofs and parking lots, block this absorption, which increases runoff volumes. The City of Bloomington's storm water management system collects the runoff through a series of gutters, inlets, storm sewers, detention basins, and stream channels. In the older section of the City, the existing sewer systems are mostly "combined" sewers. A combined sewer conveys both domestic sewage and storm water runoff in the same pipe.
In the past, storm sewer system planning focused on flood control, utilizing sound practices of sewer system sizing, flood routing, and storm water detention. The growing pressures of urbanization and increased federal regulation have dictated that modern storm water system management must take a total water resources management point of view, considering not only the volume of storm runoff, but also pollution prevention.
Most people think storm water runoff is a relatively harmless, natural occurrence, and do not realize it has the potential to pollute one of our most precious natural resources, our lakes and streams. Storm water frequently has high levels of sediment, litter, phosphorus, nitrogen, heavy metals, oil, grease, and organic materials. Soil erosion annual deposits approximately 4 tons of sediment/silt into our creeks, streams, rivers and lakes in Illinois. It also compromises the effectiveness of our storm sewer system.
The City of Bloomington has chosen to take a socially responsible, proactive approach to systematically manage the storm water discharged by our community. By managing runoff and preventing the pollutants from entering the environment, we are striving to avoid the potentially high costs of flooding, future treatment and increased federal regulation.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency has set forth specific requirements regarding Construction Site Run-off Control and Post Construction Storm Water Management in New Development and Redevelopment. The U. S. EPA has issued permitting authority to the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency thereby tasking them with ensuring all communities required to comply with the Clean Water Act Phase II requirements do so. The following requirements can be found in the December 8, 1999 Federal Register, on pages 68758 and 68759 or in any ILR10 form issued by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency:
- develop, implement, and enforce a program to reduce pollutants in any storm water runoff to your small MS4 from construction activities that result in a land disturbance of greater than or equal to one acre. Reduction of storm water discharges from construction activity disturbing less than one acre must be included in your program if that construction activity is part of a larger common plan of development or sale that would disturb one acre or more or has been designated by the permitting authority.
- An ordinance or other regulatory mechanism to require erosion and sediment controls, as well as sanctions to ensure compliance, to the extent allowable under state or local law;
- Requirements for construction site operators to implement appropriate erosion and sediment control best management practices;
- Requirements for construction site operators to control waste such as discarded building materials, concrete truck washout, chemicals, litter, and sanitary waste at the construction site that may cause adverse impacts to water quality;
- Require all regulated construction sites to have a storm water pollution prevention plan that meets the requirements of Part IV of NPDES permit No. ILR10 including management practices, controls and other provisions at least as protective as the requirements contained in the Illinois Urban Manual, 2002.
- Procedures for site plan review which incorporate consideration of potential water quality impacts and review of individual pre-construction site plans to ensure consistency with local sediment and erosion control requirements;
- Procedures for receipt and consideration of information submitted by the public;
- Procedures for site inspections and enforcement of control measures.
The City must:
- develop, implement, and enforce a program to address storm water runoff from new development and redevelopment projects that disturb greater than or equal to one acre, including projects less than one acre that are part of a larger common plan of development or sale or that have been designated to protect water quality, that discharge into your small MS4. Your program must ensure that controls are in place that would protect water quality and reduce the discharge of pollutants to the maximum extent practicable;
- develop and implement strategies which include a combination of structural and/or nonstructural BMP's appropriate for your community that will reduce the discharge of pollutants to the maximum extent practicable;
- use an ordinance or other regulatory mechanism to address post-construction runoff from new development and redevelopment projects to the extent allowable under state or local law;
- require all regulated construction sites to have post-construction management that meets or exceeds the requirements of Section IV (D)(2)(b) of NPDES permit No. ILR10 including management practices, controls, and other provisions at least as protective as the requirements contained in the Illinois Urban Manual, 2002.
- ensure adequate long-term operation and maintenance of Best Management Practices (BMP's); AND
- define appropriate BMPs for this minimum control measure and measurable goals for each BMP. These measurable goals must ensure the reduction of all of the pollutants of concern in your storm water discharges to the maximum extent practicable.
The City of Bloomington City Council passed amendments to the existing Chapter 24 of the Bloomington City Code on July 25, 2005. The amendments created new regulations regarding Erosion and Sediment Control and amended some existing ordinance language. The amended Ordinance became effective for enforcement on August 8, 2005. Chapter 24 of the Bloomington City Code can be viewed here.
The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency posts a blank copy of its Notice of Termination form on its website https://www2.illinois.gov/epa/topics/forms/water-forms/Pages/storm-water.aspx to download their latest forms.
The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency posts a blank copy of its Notice of Intent for Construction form on its website https://www2.illinois.gov/epa/topics/forms/water-forms/Pages/storm-water.aspx to download their latest forms.
We consider our customers to be a vital part of our organization. It is only through your feedback that we may determine if we are meeting the needs of our residents. Please contact us with any questions or comments you may have regarding this program.
If you have any questions regarding the City’s Storm Water Management Utility, the Bloomington Storm Water Credit Manual or other activities of the Public Works Department, contact us at:
City of Bloomington
Public Works Department
PO BOX 3157
Bloomington, IL 61702-3157
(309) 434-2225
Frequently Asked Questions
Below is a list of all Frequently Asked Questions lists from the categories related to Erosion and Sediment Control. You can find a specific category by using the drop-down box above the questions. Click each question to show or hide the answer.
Erosion and Sediment Control Background Information
- The intent of Phase II of the Clean Water Act is to reduce the amount of erosion, sedimentation, and pollutants that are carried by storm water into our creeks, streams, rivers, lakes, ponds and eventually into the oceans located within or adjacent to the United States and its territories.
The City of Bloomington is under home-rule. Why do we have to comply with the requirements of the Clean Water Act?
The City of Bloomington is a home-rule community. This generally provides it exemption from some laws enacted by the State of Illinois IF the law provides specific exemptions for home-rule communities. However, the Clean Water Act Phase II requirements were established by the Federal Government, not the Illinois State Government. Therefore, the City of Bloomington must comply with the requirements set forth in Phase II of the Clean Water Act.- The City Council approved this ordinance on July 25, 2005. This ordinance will be in effect on August 8, 2005.
Specifically, how will the City deal with lots that have not been started within existing subdivisions?
The owner of the lots contained in a subdivision under construction must contact the Developer of the subdivision to obtain a copy of the Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP). The Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan is an existing requirement of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit. The owner of the lot should review this documentation, determine what requirements are set forth in the SWPPP and implement said requirements onto their lot. The owner must then provide the City with an Erosion Control Plan outlining what Erosion and Sediment Control measures are to be used on their lot. The City reserves the right to require further erosion and sediment control measures on a lot by lot basis.Is the City willing to enforce the old codes for current subdivisions and the new ordinance for additions to any existing subdivision or any new subdivisions that start after the ordinance is passed?
See previous question above for the answer to this question.Are there any more requirements similar to the Erosion and Sediment Control Ordinance planned for the near future?
The City of Bloomington will be working on a new Flood Plain Ordinance and Stream Buffer Ordinance as both will help the City meet other requirements of Phase II of the Clean Water Act.- Best Management Practices (bmps) are defined by the United States Environmental Protection Agency as "A structural or nonstructural device designed to temporarily store or treat urban storm water runoff in order to mitigate flooding, reduce pollution and provide other amenities."
- The City currently has inspectors on site when the subdivision public improvements are installed. If a field tile is found during the installation of these public improvements, the location of the tile is marked on the plat and sent to the Developer's Engineering firm. Also, if a private contractor locates a field tile while performing excavation work, they should inform the City of the location of the field tile to allow the City to document the location of said tile. Both procedures allow the location of field tiles to be placed on the As Built drawings for the subdivision.
Why not use Utility Accounts to send informational flyers to new homeowners regarding City requirements?
The City will periodically provide erosion and sediment control tips and messages in the text box located on the standard water bills. Informational flyers for new homeowners and other special flyers may be developed at a later time.What exactly is meant by "relevant State and Federal permits" as stated in Chapter 24, Section 6.3.7?
The phrase "relevant State and Federal permits" means any State or Federal permits which may be required for the construction of the development. For example, this may include, but is not limited to permits from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, Illinois Historical Society or National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits.- This section is meant to allow any entity which feels aggrieved by the Director of Public Works' decision regarding permit issuance or revocation the right to file an appeal. The appeal will be heard by the Construction Board of Appeals after the appropriate fees and paperwork have been filed. Factors to be considered on review shall include, but need not be limited to, the effects of the proposed development activities on the surface water flow to tributary and downstream lands, any comprehensive watershed management plans, or the use of any retention facilities; possible saturation of fill and unsupported cuts by water, both natural and domestic; runoff surface waters that produce erosion and silting of drainage ways; nature and type of soil or rock which when disturbed by the proposed development activities may create earth movement and produce slopes that cannot be landscaped; and excessive and unnecessary scarring of the natural landscape through grading or removal of vegetation.
- The Public Works Department will provide the necessary personnel to assist the Erosion Control Inspector as it deems necessary.
- The developer should contact the City of Bloomington's Legal Department at (309) 434-2213 to discuss the criteria for allowing the City to resolve parking issues in subdivisions under construction.
What provisions will the City have in place to abate properties not in compliance with the new ordinance?
Chapter 24, Section 6.5.3 addresses this issue. It states:
SEC. 24-6.5.3 Violations and Penalties No person shall construct, enlarge, alter, repair, or maintain any grading, excavation or fill, or cause the same to be done, contrary to or in violation of any terms of this ordinance. Each day during which any violation of any of the provisions of this ordinance is committed, continued, or permitted shall constitute a separate offense. Upon conviction of any such violation, such person, partnership, or corporation shall be punished by a fine of not less than $250 for the first or second offense or $500 for each subsequent offense. In addition to any other penalty authorized by this section, any person, partnership, or corporation convicted of violating any of the provisions of this ordinance shall be required to restore the site to the condition existing prior to commission of the violation, or to bear the expense of such restoration.- The City of Bloomington is required by the Clean Water Act to have inspection procedures in place. Please click here to view the current Adobe Acrobat document which outlines the City's proposed inspection procedures.
What criteria will the City use for handling complaints regarding Erosion and Sediment Control measures?
The City of Bloomington is required by the Clean Water Act to have Complaint procedures in place. Please click here to view the current Adobe Acrobat document which outlines the City's proposed complaint procedures.- The latest edition of the Illinois Urban Manual is available online at:
http://www.aiswcd.org/illinois-urban-manual/
Erosion and Sediment Control Measures
What are the minimum Erosion and Sediment Control measures that can be installed on a lot within Bloomington and still be deemed in compliance with the new ordinance?
The minimum erosion and sediment control measures that must be installed on a lot within Bloomington will vary from lot to lot due to changing contours. The minimum erosion and sediment control measures required can be determined by reviewing the grading plan for a given job site, then choosing the appropriate erosion and sediment control measures which will prevent sediment from reaching the storm sewer system (which includes streets, creeks, streams, waterways or storm sewer inlets or pipes.). The stabilized construction entrance is a required minimum erosion and sediment control measure and must be included on all construction projects subject to the Erosion and Sediment Control Ordinance.What are the additional costs associated with installing the erosion and sediment control measures associated with the new Erosion and Sediment Control Ordinance?
The additional costs associated with installing the necessary erosion and sediment control measures associated with the new Erosion and Sediment Control Ordinance will vary from site to site and are dependent upon the contour of the site. The total cost will also vary depending upon which erosion and sediment control measures are chosen and the amount of maintenance required to keep these items functioning properly. Currently, the cost associated with installation of the minimum control measures ranges from $2,194.70 to $4,891.10 . The costs of temporary and permanent seeding should not be used when attempting to determine the total cost of complying with the new code requirements as these items are both required by existing City codes. Click here for more information regarding how this expense was calculated.Why does the City use Percent Grades instead of Velocities when determining types of erosion control materials to be used on a lot?
The average person is capable of determining percent grades with minimal materials where as the calculation of velocities often requires the use of specific manuals or access to mathematical formulas not readily available to the average person. Therefore, the City has decided to use Percent Grades as the means of determining the types of erosion control materials that may be used on a given lot.A common engineering practice involves the use of detention basins as sediment traps when the area around the detention basin inlet is over dug. Will the City continue to allow this practice to be used?
The City will continue to allow the use of detention basins as sediment traps provided the area around the detention basin inlet is properly designed for such use.- Installation of the Curb Cut is at the contractor's discretion. The Curb Cut may be made at the time the stabilized construction entrance is installed or prior to completing the finished driveway.
What are the distance requirements, from the curb, for installing erosion and sediment control measures in front yard areas?
The City currently does not specify distance requirements for installing erosion and sediment control measures. However, the City does recommend the erosion and sediment control measures be installed in a manner which will prevent sediment from getting to the street and subsequently into the storm sewer system.- The City will allow silt fencing to be installed in any manner approved by the silt fencing material manufacturer PROVIDED it maintains the intended functionality of the silt fencing.
What recommendations is the City willing to provide in instances where the silt fencing must be installed near an existing regular fence?
The entity installing the erosion and sediment control measures should be careful to avoid damage to the existing regular fence while using the proper installation techniques for the erosion and sediment control measure to be installed.How many days will the City allow the silt fencing to be down PRIOR to the installation of sod on a lot?
The City currently will only allow the silt fencing to be down for 4 days prior to the installation of sod on a lot.How long can the silt fencing be left down to allow the dirt to dry for final grading of a job site?
Silt fencing may be left down for not more than 4 days to allow dirt to dry prior to final grading of a job site.How does the City propose silt fencing or other erosion and sediment control measures to be installed during the winter?
The City recommends the person choosing the erosion and sediment control measures to consider the time frame and weather conditions during which they will be installed. This will allow for the proper installation of the erosion and sediment control measures for given weather conditions.- The City will not make specific recommendations for erosion and sediment control measures. The City does, however, recommend the person choosing the erosion and sediment control measures to consider the time frame and weather conditions during which they will be installed. This will allow for the proper installation of the erosion and sediment control measures for given weather conditions.
- Section 13.05 of the City of Bloomington Manual of Practice for the Design of Public Improvements currently states:
"All disturbed areas including lots not anticipating further construction within twenty-one (21) days shall have ground surface seeded within seven (7) days, weather and soil conditions permitting in accordance with Illinois Urban Manual Practice Standard 965."
The proposed changes to this particular section of the manual of practices would reduce the time frame before temporary seeding is required from twenty-one (21) days to fourteen (14) days. This change is being made to align the Manual of Practice with the current requirements of Illinois Environmental Protection Agency NPDES Form ILR10. - Section 13.06 of the City of Bloomington Manual of Practice for the Design of Public Improvements currently states:
"Within seven (7) days after completion of construction and soil conditions are suitable, and before final inspection, the development must have permanent seeding or other ground cover planted or installed. Public improvements will not be accepted until all public right-of-ways have permanent ground surface cover and all other areas (not under construction) have at least temporary seeding unless ground and weather conditions prevent establishment of the permanent ground cover. If such conditions exist, then a tentative acceptance may be made subject to completion of permanent ground cover when conditions permit.
Final plat public improvement payment, performance or workmanship bonds will not be released except in accordance with Section 24-3.9 of the City Code until all public right-of-ways have permanent ground surface cover and all areas (not under construction) have at least temporary seeding in place."
The proposed changes to this particular section of the Manual of Practices would result in this section reading as follows:
"Within seven (7) days after completion of construction and soil conditions are suitable, and before final inspection, the development must have permanent seeding or other ground cover planted or installed. Public improvements will not be accepted until all public right-of-ways and all other areas (not under construction) have permanent seeding established.
Final plat public improvement payment, performance or workmanship bonds will not be released except in accordance with Section 24-3.9 of the City Code until all public right-of-ways and all areas (not under construction) have permanent seeding established." - Concrete/cement truck washout areas should be designed in such a manner as to prevent any sediment from the washout of concrete or cement delivery vehicles from entering the storm sewer system. The washout areas should be periodically emptied to prevent them from becoming overfilled. The City strongly encourages developers and builders within a subdivision to determine the best method for containing concrete/cement vehicle washout sediment.
- A. Place silt fencing along the curb;
B. Stock pile dirt near curb;
C. Install temporary drive and remaining measures after backfill of foundation has occurred.
A. The City will require the appropriate erosion and sediment control measures to be installed on areas of the job site where the contours of the land and grading dictate the necessity for them, but prior to the start of any excavation or grading.
B. The City requires "any soil storage pile containing more than 10 cubic yards of material shall not be located with a downslope drainage length of less than 15 feet to a roadway or drainage channel."
C. The stabilized construction entrance must be installed prior to any grading or excavation work being performed. Developers or builders performing work at construction activities where the sewer and/or water services must be installed under the permanent drive may request permission to install the stabilized construction entrance AFTER the sewer and/or water services are installed. Permission may be granted by the Director of Public Works or their appointee on a case by case basis. - Erosion and sediment control measures are required on all job sites within the City of Bloomington, regardless of their slope. However, additional erosion and sediment control measures are required for storm water conveyance channels, including ditches, swales, and diversions of any slope. Slopes greater than 25% are required to be stabilized with sod, mat, or blanket in combination with seeding, or equivalent.
Does the City realize that most dirt gets hauled out through the backyard via adjacent streets? If so how does the City propose the developer get this done when this ordinance goes into effect?
The City does realize that some contractors haul dirt and other materials through the backyard to adjacent streets. This practice may continue provided dust is kept under control during periods of dry weather and all streets are cleaned at the end of each work day. The City strongly encourages all contractors to review their current business practices to determine if other methods of dirt removal and hauling will provide less impact on the local environment.Is the City going to require the erosion and sediment control measures to be installed immediately prior to performing any grading or excavating activities?
It is the City's intent that appropriate Erosion and Sediment Control Measures are in place prior to any excavating work being performed within a subdivision or on a lot of record. This currently includes the installation of the stabilized construction entrance which must be installed prior to any grading or excavation work being performed. Developers or builders performing work at construction activities where the sewer and/or water services must be installed under the permanent drive may request permission to install the stabilized construction entrance AFTER the sewer and/or water services are installed. Permission may be granted by the Director of Public Works or their appointee on a case-by-case basis.Will the City allow the stabilized construction entrance to be installed after the foundation is back filled?
The stabilized construction must be installed prior to any grading or excavation work being performed. Developers or builders performing work at construction activities where the sewer and/or water services must be installed under the permanent drive may request permission to install the stabilized construction entrance AFTER the sewer and/or water services are installed. Permission may be granted by the Director of Public Works or their appointee on a case-by-case basis.Will the City consider having anyone subject to the provisions of this proposed Ordinance provide the City with a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan prior to issuing any permits for work on the property in question?
No. The Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan is required by the Environmental Protection Agency to be in place prior to a NPDES permit being issued for a construction activity on a property greater than or equal to one acre in size.
However, the Ordinance has been modified to require any construction activity equal to or greater than one (1) acre in size to provide both the Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan AND their NPDES permit number prior to the City issuing any permits for work on the property. The NPDES permit number may be provided to the City after Permit issuance if there is a delay in receiving the NPDES permit number from the Environmental Protection Agency.- A Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan identifies potential sources of pollution that may affect the quality of storm water discharges at your business. The plan also describes and ensures the implementation of best management practices (BMP), which reduce the pollutants in your storm water discharges. The five major steps in developing a SWPP Plan include the following:
- Planning and organization
- Source assessment
- BMP selection
- SWPP Plan implementation
- SWPP Plan evaluation
A SWPPP Must Include the Following:
Site description identifying potential sources of pollution that may affect the quality of storm water discharges;
Appropriate best management practices (BMP), including erosion, sediment, and storm water management controls to minimize the discharge of pollutants from the site;
Description of steps taken to prevent and control pollutants in storm water discharge from the site, including inspection of all disturbed, unstabilized areas and maintenance of all controls to ensure their effective operation. - The United States Environmental Protection Agency has created a guide entitled "Storm Water Management for Construction Activities: Developing Pollution Prevention Plans and Best Management Practices." It is available by going to http://www.epa.gov/npdes/pubs/owm0307.pdf
The United States Environmental Protection Agency has created a guide entitled "Storm Water Management for Construction Activities: Developing Pollution Prevention Plans and Best Management Practices." It is available by going to http://www.epa.gov/npdes/pubs/owm0307.pdf Back to top
What are the requirements for temporary seeding?
The City of Bloomington's Manual of Practice addresses Temporary Seeding in Section 13.05, which reads as follows:
13.05 TEMPORARY SEEDING All disturbed areas including lots not anticipating further construction within fourteen (14) days shall have ground surface seeded within seven (7) days, weather and soil conditions permitting in accordance with Illinois Urban Manual Practice Standard 965. Where the initiation of stabilization measures by the 14th day after construction activity temporarily cease is precluded by snow cover, stabilization measures shall be initiated as soon as possible.
Per the Illinois Urban Manual Practice Standard 965, Table 1, the following seed mixes are considered acceptable as Temporary Seeding:
Species Lbs per Acre Lbs per 1,000 sq ft Seeding Dates Oats 90 2 Early Spring - July 1 Cereal Rye 90 2 Early Spring - Sept. 30 Wheat 90 2 Early Spring - Sept. 30 Perennial Ryegrass 25 0.6 Early Spring - Sept. 30 - The City of Bloomington's Manual of Practice addresses Temporary Seeding in Section 13.06, which reads as follows:
13.06 PERMANENT SEEDING Within seven (7) days after completion of construction and soil conditions are suitable, and before final inspection, the development must have permanent seeding or other ground cover planted or installed. Where the initiation of stabilization measures by the 7th day after construction activity temporarily cease is precluded by snow cover, stabilization measures shall be initiated as soon as possible. Public improvements will not be accepted until all public right-of-ways and all other areas (not under construction) have permanent seeding established.
Final plat public improvement payment, performance and workmanship bonds will not be released except in accordance with Section 24-3.9 of the City Code until all public right-of-ways and all other areas (not under construction) have permanent seeding established.
Permanent seeding shall be in accordance with Illinois Urban Manual Practice Standard 880.
Seed mixtures shall be as follows:
Seeding RateSeed Mixture lbs/ac lbs/1000 sq ft Use Kentucky blue grass 110-130 2.5 - 3.0 adjacent to residential properties (use at least 3 varieties) Kentucky blue grass 110 2.5 ditches and nonresidential areas Red fescue 44 1.0 ditches and nonresidential areas
Erosion and Sediment Control Street Cleaning
Why should the builders/developers be expected to pay for this? Why is the City not willing to provide street sweeping free of charge to builders/developers as the City ultimately benefits from the increased tax moneys generated from the new homes?
The City is not willing to incur the cost of cleaning streets that have become muddied due to the practices of entities engaged in the development of land. The City firmly believes this is a cost that should be paid by the entities contributing to the problem.What is the City's policy for street cleaning and why does it not apply to subdivisions under development?'
The City of Bloomington's current policy for street cleaning does not apply to subdivisions under construction. Contact the Public Works Department at (309) 434-2225 for more information regarding this matter.- The City is allowed to assess penalties against entities found in violation of a Code or Ordinance provided the Code or Ordinance contains provisions for the penalties
- The proposed Ordinance provides for this in Section 24-6.5.3.
The proposed ordinance requires street cleaning at the end of each work day. Will the City allow the developers or builders to clean the streets once a week or when they deem it necessary to clean the streets?'
No. The City firmly believes the requirements for cleaning the street at the end of the work day or immediately if a driving hazard is present is fair to both the general public and to the entities responsible for cleaning the streets.Should the developer be responsible for mud in the streets or will the individual contractors be held responsible for the mud they get in the streets?'
The developer is ultimately responsible for ensuring compliance with the Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan. They are required to have as a condition of their NPDES permit for the subdivision or job site over 1 acre in size. The City will make a reasonable effort to determine the origins of mud on streets and will contact the owner of the lot where the mud appears to have originated. However, the Developer should remain diligent in informing the people performing work within their subdivision of their responsibilities in keeping mud off the streets and City requirements for removal of the mud.
Draining a Swimming Pool
While it is an integral part of keeping pool water sanitary during use, chlorine is a dangerous chemical that is harmful to the environment. Without proper ways to dispose of it, water contaminated with chlorine has the potential to harm both human property and native plant and animal life. Such discharges are toxic to animal and plant life of all kinds, and can cause erosion or sediment problems if improperly done. To that end, the City of Bloomington has created a policy to regulate and enforce the proper discharge of pool and spa water.
The City of Bloomington approves of two methods for the disposal of waste pool or spa water.
1. Discharge to Sanitary Sewer
- The City prefers that owners of swimming pools or spas route their discharges into the public sanitary sewer. Discharging to the sanitary sewer system has no limitations on chlorine content or pH levels within standard residential pool use limits. It is also acceptable to discharge to the sanitary sewer system if the water is cloudy, discolored, or contains algae.
- Before discharging chlorinated water, pool owners should contact the Public Works Department for approval. Discharge should be performed during low-use hours of the sanitary sewer systems, such as early afternoons or the later hours of the evening or night.
2. Discharge over land
- If sanitary sewer discharge is unavailable, then pool owners may discharge water over land under the following conditions:
- The water is discharged to a point at least 15 feet away from any property line, and over a grassy area to allow for absorption, filtration, and aeration of the water.
- The chlorine content must be less than 1 part per million and free of other chemicals.
- The pH level of the pool or spa water must be tested and must fall within a range of 6 to 9 standard units.
- The pool water must not be cloudy or discolored and must be free of algae and other contaminants.
- Solids on the pool's bottom should not be disturbed and are best cleaned out manually.
Wastewater should never be discharged directly into a body of water in the City of Bloomington. This means that water may not be discharged into lakes, streams, creeks, or the storm water sewer lines in the City of Bloomington. Discharging of water without following the above guidelines is a violation of the Clean Water Act in accordance with EPA regulations.
Any person or persons, partnership, or corporation participating in inappropriately discharging, draining, or otherwise disposing of swimming pool, spa, or similar wastewater will be fined no less than one hundred dollars ($100) and no more than five hundred dollars ($500).