Post Construction Stormwater Management

Post Construction

Minimum Control Measure emphasizes the reduction or elimination of pollutants to the municipal separate storm sewer system that may come from post-construction runoff after new development and redevelopment projects. The term post-construction is used to categorize runoff from a site with impermeable surfaces, such as buildings, roads and parking lots that remain after construction ends.

If unchecked, the increased impervious surface associated with development may increase stormwater volume and degrade water quality, which can harm lakes, rivers, streams, and coastal areas. Methods to mitigate stormwater impacts from new development include practices to treat, store, and infiltrate runoff onsite before it can affect water bodies downstream. Innovative site designs that reduce imperviousness and smaller-scale low impact development practices dispersed throughout a site are a few ways to achieve the goals of reducing flows and improving water quality.

In addition to post-construction requirements that MS4’s place on developers, post-construction stormwater controls are also required of developers directly in Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPPs) under the SPDES General Permit for Stormwater Discharges from Construction Activity. However, the information presented on this webpage will focus on Post-Construction Stormwater Management practices and activities implemented by the regulated MS4.

In general, the MS4’s post-construction stormwater management program should: provide for the review of post-construction stormwater management measures in SWPPPs; ensure stormwater management practices used are consistent with technical standards in the New York State Stormwater Management Design Manual; address ongoing maintenance of structural and non-structural management measures; provide for inspection of stormwater management measures and practices; maintain and inventory of post-construction practices; and, address compliance and enforcement activities.