뉴욕의 환경보전과(Department of Environmental Conservation, DEC)는 뉴욕시의 독립된  빗물 하수시스템(municipal separate storm sewer system, MS4)에서 수질 개선과 빗물의 더 나은 제어를 위한 허가증을 발급했다. 오염물질 배출통제계획(State Pollutant Discharge Elimination System, SPDES)의 허가를 받아 수질 개선과 수질 보호를 돕기위한 포괄적인 통합계획 접근방법의 일환으로 뉴욕 빗물 하수시스템을 통해 폭우수 및 땅 위를 흐르는 빗물의 도시에서의 원천을 관리한다.

DEC는 응용 프로그램의 철저한 검토를 실시하며, 허가 발급 결정을 하기 전에 공공적인 의견을 지원한다. “빗물 배출에 대한 엄격한 통제는 수질 및 공중 보건을 보호하고, 이번 허가를 통해 뉴욕 연안 자원의 질이 향상되고, 거기서 제공되는 많은 기회가 확대될 수 있다”고 DEC의 부국장 Marc Gerstman는 말했다.

Today, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) issued a permit to improve water quality and better control stormwater discharges from New York City's municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4).

The State Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (SPDES) permit for stormwater discharges from New York City's MS4 includes conditions to better manage urban sources of stormwater runoff and help protect and improve water quality as part of a comprehensive, integrated planning approach. DEC conducted a thorough review of the application, supporting materials and public comments before reaching its decision to issue the permit.

"Tighter controls on stormwater discharges will protect water quality and public health. This permit will help improve the quality of New York City's valued coastal resources and expand the vast recreational opportunities they provide," said DEC Acting Commissioner Marc Gerstman. "This permit has both short-term and long-term benefits, including a management plan that will act as a guide for the future. New York City Department of Environmental Protection should be commended for its collaborative work with DEC to achieve our mutual objectives. The permit reflects many of the substantive comments we received regarding this permit."

Stormwater runoff occurs when rain or melting snow does not soak into the ground. The runoff collects and deposits contaminants such as oil, grease, sediment, litter, pesticides, fertilizers, and animal waste into surface waters, impairing water quality. Because of its impact on the environment, stormwater discharges are regulated under the federal Clean Water Act and state Environmental Conservation Law.

This SPDES permit includes controls to address the various sources of pollutants and their means of entry into the MS4. Under the permit, New York City is required to develop a Stormwater Management Program (SWMP) Plan.

Significant benefits that will be achieved under the permit include:

- Public education and outreach to eliminate pollutants at their sources
- An inspection and enforcement program to prevent pollutants from industrial facilities and construction sites
- Best management practices to reduce pollutants from post-construction stormwater runoff
- Improved programs to detect and eliminate illicit discharges and reduce the amount of garbage, litter and other floatables
- Best management practices to eliminate or reduce pollutants from New York City's municipal operations and facilities
- An improved program to assess and monitor stormwater discharges from storm sewers, customized to address specific waterbodies, impairments and pollutant sources.

The development and implementation of the SWMP components, required as part of the SPDES permit, will provide significant and meaningful reduction of pollutants entering storm sewers and being discharged from NYC's MS4 system due to stormwater runoff in urban areas.

 

[출처 = Water World / 2015년 8월 3일]