Storm Water Management Program

Storm water pollution prevention is everyone’s responsibility. To report a concern about storm water pollution, call the hotline at 417-286-8162 or use the reporting form. 

Ways to Prevent Storm Water Pollution 

1. Don’t Litter. Put litter in a trash can and recycle when possible. 
2. Clean Up Pet Waste. Pick it up, double bag it, and put it in the garbage. 
3. Properly Manage Yard Waste. Grass clippings, leaves, garden debris, and other yard waste should be reused as mulch or put in a compost pile. Throughout the year, these materials can also be taken to the City's Self-Help Centers, located 6660 N. Industrial Road and 3879 W. Lincoln Avenue, for proper management. Between mid-October and mid-November, leaves and garden debris can be placed along the curb for City pick-up. 
4. Properly Use Fertilizers & Other Lawn Chemicals. Apply fertilizers and other lawn chemicals in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations or use a natural alternative.
5. Minimize Salt Use. During winter months, use salt and other de-icing materials sparingly on sidewalks and driveways. 
6. Keep Car Wash Water Out of the Storm Sewers. Wash your car in a location where the water will soak into grass or take it to a commercial facility for washing.
7. Recycle Waste Motor Oil & Used Antifreeze. Deliver waste motor oil and used antifreeze to the City's Self-Help Centers, located 6660 N. Industrial Road and 3879 W. Lincoln Avenue, for proper recycling. 
8. Properly Dispose of Household Hazardous Waste. Pesticides, paints, solvents, and other chemicals should be taken to sites arranged by the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District through their Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program.
9. Watch For "Dirty" Construction Sites. Make sure construction sites in your neighborhood are keeping their dirt out of the storm drains. If you see a lot of mud or dirty water flowing from a construction site into a storm drain, please contact the Storm Water Pollution Prevention Hotline at 414-286-8162 or use the reporting form.
10. Install a Rain Garden or Rain Barrel. See publications by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, for more information on rain gardens and publications by the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District, for more information on rain barrels.

Storm Water Management Plans (SWMP)

• SWMP Application 
• Maintenance Guarantee
• Financial Guarantee
• As-Built Certification
• FAQs

Storm Water Management Plans (SWMP) Recertification

A written SWMP recertification must be submitted every five years and shall be prepared by a Professional Engineer. 

• SWMP Recertification Checklist
• SWMP Recertification Application 
• Structural BMP Field Inspection Form
• Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination Field Screening Form
• Professional Engineer Certification Statement
• Updated Letter of Financial Guarantee 

Green Infrastructure (GI) Plans

• GI Plan Application 
• FAQs

Green Infrastructure (GI) Plan Recertification

A written GI recertification must be submitted every five years. This recertification verifies that the green infrastructure is operating as originally designed and is being actively maintained as outlined in the maintenance plan and WDNR Post-Construction Technical Standards. Pictures demonstrating the property's compliance are encouraged. The recertification includes the following:

• A completed GI Plan Recertification Application Form
• A completed Visual Inspection for Illicit Discharges Form. This form is not required if the property is located in the combined sewer service area.
• An updated Letter of Financial Guarantee indicating that sufficient funds have been allocated to maintain the Best Management Practices as described in the approved SWMP.

Regulations and Standards

• Chapter 290 of the City’s code of Ordinances
• Chapter NR 216 of the Wisconsin Administrative Code
• WDNR Construction Technical Standards
• WisDOT Product Acceptability List

Information for Reviewers & Inspectors 

Information for Contractors 

Basic Control Measures

• Construction Site Mulching 
• Construction Site Seeding
• Sediment Bale Barriers
• Silt Fence
• Stone Tracking Pads
• Storm Drain Inlet Protection

Advanced Control Measures

• Construction Site Mulching 
• Construction Site Seeding
• Sediment Bale Barriers
• Silt Fence
• Stone Tracking Pads
• Storm Drain Inlet Protection