Stormwater Management

• Saratoga County Stormwater Management Program
• MS4 Annual Report 2017
• 2022-2023 MS4 Report
• 2025 (Draft) Stormwater Management Program Plan
• MS4 Annual Report 2025 

City of Mechanicville Stormwater at a Glance

stormwater (noun): water resulting from a precipitation event

The City of Mechanicville has been designated, by state and federal environmental agencies, as what is called an "MS4." This stands for Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System, and means that we are recognized as an entity with significant potential to contribute to stormwater pollution. This designation was based on our proximity to an urbanized area as well as population density. We are one of nearly 7,000 MS4s across the country, all of which are required to comply with 6 categories to prevent and mitigate stormwater pollution. Over the years since receiving our mandated designation, we have been working hard to design and implement a City-wide program in accordance with the permit that we are required to operate under. We created this website for improved transparency as well as to provide the information and resources our residents, businesses and developers need to ensure compliance. Several of the measures described below are executed in partnership with the Saratoga County Intermunicipal Stormwater Management Program.

Stormwater Pollution Prevention Measures

Called "Minimum Control Measures" or MCMs.  These are the 6 categories we are required to comply with under our State-issued stormwater discharge permit. 

• Public Education - Minimum Control Measure 1 of 6 - With this initiative, our goal is to provide education about our program and stormwater pollution prevention to those living, doing business, and developing in our City. With access to the right resources, people can become empowered by their own abilities and contribute to pollution prevention in their communities. 

 Stormwater Pollution Prevention

Public Involvement and Participation-Minimum Control Measure 2 of 6 - Within the City's mission to prevent and mitigate pollution of our local waters, we strive to find new strategies for including the public. From reviewing our annual report to notifying us of illegal dumping and participating in solid waste drop-off days, you can play a vital role in the City's program.

2022-2023 Stormwater Report

Illicit Discharge Detection & Elimination - Minimum Control Measure 3 of 6 - An "illicit discharge" is anything entering or leaving our stormwater conveyance system (culverts, catch basins, drainage ditches, etc) that is not comprised entirely of stormwater. Examples include sewer cross connections, car washing water, radiator fluid, motor oil, household chemicals and paint, and potentially illegal dumping. This measure requires the City to inspect catch basins and stormwater conveyance systems, educate the public and provide a way for the public to report a suspected illicit discharge, and enforce a law to prohibit and issue fines for creating an illicit discharge.

Illicit Discharge Law

Illegal Dumping Law

• Construction Site Stormwater Runoff Control - Minimum Control Measure 4 of 6 - Runoff is rainwater or snow melt that does not soak into the ground and, instead, flows over hard surfaces like pavement, rooftops, compacted dirt, sidewalks, driveways, and more. The City must require any construction site that disturbs one acre or more to obtain a permit from the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation. As part of that, developers need to create a comprehensive plan for preventing stormwater pollution as well as treating increases in stormwater runoff from their project. The City is responsible for reviewing and approving these plans, inspecting active sites, and enforcing a law to ensure these measures are followed by developers and construction site operators.

Erosion Control Law

Creating a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan

• Post-Construction Stormwater Management - Minimum Control Measure 5 of 6 - Stormwater management systems that are installed in the City under minimum control measure 4 (like rain gardens, stormwater ponds, pervious pavement and other measures) need to be inventoried, inspected, and maintained. The City was also required to pass a law governing this measure. In addition, maintenance easements and agreements need to be in place as follows:  "Prior to the issuance of any approval that has a stormwater management facility as one of the requirements, the applicant or developer must execute a maintenance easement agreement that shall be binding on all subsequent landowners served by the stormwater management facility. The easement shall provide for access to the facility at reasonable times for periodic inspection by the City of Mechanicville to ensure that the facility is maintained in proper working condition to meet design standards and any other provisions established by this ordinance.

Erosion Control Law

• Good Housekeeping/Pollution Prevention - Minimum Control Measure 6 of 6 - This measure requires the City to review, and modify as necessary, municipal operations and facilities to ensure the City's activities do not contribute pollutants to the stormwater system and receiving waters. It also requires the City to participate in stormwater and green infrastructure training as well as report on use of pesticides and fertilizer. Street sweeping and catch basin (storm grates and the underlying collection system) cleaning activities also must be reported in the City's Annual Report. The City's best management practices (methods the City undergoes to do the best they can to prevent stormwater pollution) are outlined in a "Good Housekeeping and Pollution Prevention Plan".

  Stormwater Management Program Plan