DDOE: Stormwater Mang. Div. Description

Mission Statement:
The District Department of the Environment (DDOE), through the Stormwater Management Division, seeks to reduce stormwater runoff pollution through the implementation of activities that go beyond the activities required in the District’s National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit. The Stormwater Management Division of the Natural Resources Division within DDOE is responsible for managing the District NPDES Permit*. DDOE assumed responsibility for the District’s stormwater administration in February 2007; it was previously managed by WASA.

Why Is Stormwater a Problem?
Stormwater is a problem because it carries a lot of pollution along with it. Stormwater is defined as rainfall that does not soak into the ground, but instead flows over the land’s hard surface into the nearest water body through storm drain channels. In urban areas such as the District, much of the land is covered by impervious surfaces such as streets, buildings, parking lots and driveways. During rain storms, these impervious surfaces prevent rainfall from soaking into the soil. Instead, this stormwater drains into manmade drainage systems consisting of inlets and underground pipes commonly referred to as “storm sewers.” These storm sewers are not to be confused with sanitary sewers that transport human and industrial wastewaters to a treatment plant before discharging to surface waters. Stormwater entering storm sewers does not receive any treatment before it enters the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers and Rock Creek. Learn more about why stormwater is a problem.

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