OUR GEM: How Coeur d’Alene protects our lake
This recent weather pattern of moisture is great for rebuilding groundwater supplies, but it can be tough on local surface waters. Water flows over driveways, parking lots and roads, gathering oil, fertilizer and other pollutants before entering nearby storm drains. Many people assume that from there, stormwater heads to a treatment plant, but it doesn’t. Most storm drains connect directly to our creeks, rivers and Coeur d’Alene Lake without any treatment along the way.
To keep our waters clean, the city of Coeur d’Alene operates under what’s called a Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System, or MS4, permit. It’s part of the federal Clean Water Act and requires communities to take steps that reduce pollution in stormwater runoff. MS4 permits are regulated as large or small systems. Large cities with populations over 100,000 operate under Phase I permits, while smaller cities and urbanized areas, like Coeur d’Alene and Post Falls, are regulated under Phase II. The requirements are similar, but Phase II communities can tailor their programs to fit local needs and resources. The goal is the same: to stop pollution before it reaches the water.
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