Stormwater is the rain and snow that runs off rooftops, roads, sidewalks, and other surfaces that are impervious, or cannot absorb water. This stormwater runoff affects water quality when it runs into yards and roads, collecting harmful pollutants such as motor oil, fertilizer, pet waste, and other items. This is known as nonpoint source pollution.
For more general information you can visit the KYTC stormwater website: https://transportation.ky.gov/Stormwater/Pages/default.aspx
Non-point source pollution is a contributing factor to many urban stormwater quality issues. Our stormwater is discharged into our creeks, streams, lakes, rivers, etc. The City of Richmond is dedicated to keeping our water as clean as possible. Through regulation, inspection, and education, the city can lessen the impact on our watershed.
For more information please visit:
Stormwater runoff also affects water quantity. The City of Richmond provides regulations for development and redevelopment of property. The city also participates in the National Flood Insurance Program’s (NFIP) Community Rating System (CRS). This is a voluntary program that recognizes and encourages community floodplain management activities that exceed the minimum requirements.
As a result, flood insurance premium rates are discounted to reflect the reduced flood risk resulting from the community actions meeting the three goals of the CRS:
For more information please visit : https://www.fema.gov/national-flood-insurance-program-community-rating-system.
The City of Richmond is a class eight (8) community.
The Kentucky Division of Water regulates stormwater through the enforcement of the Kentucky Pollutant Discharge Elimination System. Their goal is to prevent harmful pollutants from being washed or dumped into the municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4). In 1999 the state required Richmond to manage its stormwater. Richmond is part of nearly 100 other communities who are also required to be compliant with stormwater regulations.
The City of Richmond is covered by a general permit issued by the state. Richmond is required to develop and implement a stormwater management program to reduce the contamination of stormwater runoff and prohibit illicit discharges. This program consists of several requirements, referred to as the six minimum control measures and
are as follows: public education and outreach; public participation and involvement; illicit discharge detection and elimination; construction site runoff control; post-construction runoff control; and pollution prevention and good housekeeping for municipal operations.
For more information please visit: Kentucky Energy & Environment Cabinet
Green Infrastructure is an approach to water management that helps mimic the natural water cycle by protecting and restoring the natural flow. This approach allow for the management of stormwater at its source, versus traditional methods of piping and removing stormwater from a site. Examples include: rain gardens, permeable pavers and bioswales.
For more general information you can visit the EPA’s Green Infrastructure website.
Information in relation to storm design requirements for development in the City of Richmond. For more information about utilizing green infrastructure for development please view the City of Richmond Stormwater Manual.
Please follow the link to fill out the citizen complaint form for stormwater complaints.