INFORMATIVE STORMWATER MANAGEMENT LINKS:

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY “EPA”   

https://www.epa.gov/npdes

https://www.epa.gov/septic

The mission of EPA is to protect human health and the environment.

EPA's purpose is to ensure that:

• All Americans are protected from significant risks to human health and the environment where they live, learn and work;
• National efforts to reduce environmental risk are based on the best available scientific information;
• Federal laws protecting human health and the environment are enforced fairly and effectively;
• Environmental protection is an integral consideration in U.S. policies concerning natural resources, human health, economic growth, energy, transportation, agriculture, industry, and international trade, and these factors are similarly considered in establishing environmental policy;
• All parts of society -- communities, individuals, businesses, and state, local and tribal governments -- have access to accurate information sufficient to effectively participate in managing human health and environmental risks;
• Environmental protection contributes to making our communities and ecosystems diverse, sustainable and economically productive; and
• The United States plays a leadership role in working with other nations to protect the global environment.

NPDES – NATIONAL POLLUTANT DISCHARGE ELIMINATION SYSTEM

https://www.epa.gov/npdes/npdes-stormwater-program

The NPDES permit program addresses water pollution from resulting point sources that discharge pollutants to waters of the United States.

Created in 1972 by the Clean Water Act, the NPDES permit program is authorized to state governments by the EPA to perform many permitting, administrative, and enforcement aspects of the program.

CT DEEP - CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

www.ct.gov/deep/stormwater

Connecticut is a state rich with natural resources and a great diversity of habitat, landscapes, plant life, and wildlife.  From the coastline of Long Island Sound, to the Litchfield Hills, the Connecticut River Valley and the Eastern Highlands, DEEP works to protect and preserve the natural resources and scenic beauty that make Connecticut a special place to live, work, or visit.

WESTCOG – WESTERN CONNECTICUT COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS    

WestCOG MS4

The Western Connecticut Council of Governments (WestCOG) consists of 18 member towns. It is dedicated to preserving and improving the quality of life and economic vitality in western Connecticut. WestCOG works on topical areas such as transportation, housing, community development, environment and open space while providing technical and planning assistance and expertise. WestCOG provides a forum for municipalities to communicate and collaborate in addressing inter-municipal issues and needs.

UCONN CLEAR – CENTER FOR LAND USE EDUCATION AND RESEARCH   

www.clear.uconn.edu

The UConn Center for Land Use Education and Research (CLEAR) provides information, education and assistance to land use decision makers, in support of balancing growth and natural resource protection.

NEMO – NONPOINT EDUCATION FOR MUNICIPAL OFFICIALS

http://nemo.uconn.edu

NEMO provides information, education and assistance to local land use officials and other community groups on how they can accommodate growth while protecting their natural resources and community character.

NEMO is a part of the Center for Land Use Education and Research (CLEAR) and the Department of Extension at the University of Connecticut College of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

SOUTHWEST CONSERVATION DISTRICT 

www.conservect.org/southwest

The mission of the Southwest Conservation District is to provide technical assistance, information and education in natural resource conservation and management to agricultural cooperators, landowners and the municipalities in Southwest Connecticut.

CT NOFA – THE NORTHEAST ORGANIC FARMING ASSOCIATION OF CONNECTICUT 

www.organiclandcare.net

The mission of CT NOFA is to ensure the growth and viability of organic agriculture, organic food, and organic land care in CT.s information, education and assistance to local land use officials and other community groups on how they can accommodate growth

LISS - LONG ISLAND SOUND STUDY

www.longislandsoundstudy.net 

Since the federal Clean Water Act became law in 1972, investments in water pollution control programs have led to measurable improvements in the water quality of Long Island Sound. Obvious sources of pollution were controlled through permit programs. Tidal wetlands were protected, sewage treatment plants improved, and industrial discharges controlled.

However, to fully restore the health of the Sound, a cooperative effort focusing on the overall ecosystem was needed. As a result, EPA, New York, and Connecticut formed the Long Island Sound Study (LISS) in 1985, a bi-state partnership consisting of federal and state agencies, user groups, concerned organizations, and individuals dedicated to restoring and protecting the Sound. In 1994, the LISS completed a Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan that identified seven issues:

1. Low dissolved oxygen (hypoxia)
2. Toxic contamination
3. Pathogen contamination
4. Floatable debris
5. Living resources and habitat management
6. Land use and development
7. Public involvement and education

This organization continues to actively protect and improve existing conditions within Long Island Sound.