The goal of the Storm Water Program is to reduce or eliminate pollutants in storm waters so that pollutants don’t reach land or waters of the state. Storm water discharges are generated by runoff from land and impervious areas such as paved streets, parking lots, and building rooftops, during rainfall and snowmelt events. Storm water discharges often contain pollutants in quantities that could adversely affect water quality.

Storm water discharges are regulated under the NPDES program and certain storm water discharges require an NPDES permit from EPA.

Under the NPDES program the state of Alaska does not have permitting and enforcement authority. However, pursuant to Section 401 of the CWA the state of Alaska certifies EPA general permits (MSGP and CGP). This is commonly known as "401 Certification". These conditions are shown in both permits as "Conditions Applicable to Specific States, Indian Country Lands or Territories", and must be respected by permitees.

In addition, DEC reviews construction designs (plans) for storm water under 18 AAC 72.600.

Types of regulated storm water discharges :

• From construction activities – construction projects disturbing more than one acre require an NPDES permit and DEC review

• From industrial activities – certain industries require an NPDES permit and DEC review

• From municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4s) – certain municipalities require an NPDES permit

• From sites served by a storm sewer systems – these require a DEC construction design (plan) review
  
  (A separate storm sewer system is a conveyance or system of conveyances (i.e., ditches, curbs, catch basins, underground pipes, etc.) that is designed or used for collecting or conveying stormwater and that discharges to surface waters of the State.)

References for Best Management Practices

• Alaska Department of Transportation: http://www.dot.state.ak.us/stwddes/dcsenviron/assets/pdf/swppp/english/eng_f.pdf
• Municipality of Anchorage : Municipality of Anchorage's Erosion and Sediment Control and Materials Containment Guidance Manual

For more information, please contact:

Gregory Drzewiecki, Storm Water Coordinator, Nonpoint Source Section
Division of Water – Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation
555 Cordova Street
Anchorage, AK 99501
Telephone: 907-269-7692
Fax Number: 907-269-7508
Email Address: greg.drzewiecki@alaska.gov

For projects within the Municipality of Anchorage boundaries, except municipal, state, and federal projects, contact:

Steve Ellis Stormwater Plan Reviewer
Project Management and Engineering - Watershed Management
Municipality of Anchorage
4700 South Bragaw
Anchorage, AK 99519-6650
Telephone: 907-343-8115
Fax Number: 907-343-8088
Email Address: sellissm@muni.org