Stormwater
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires operators of Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4) to develop and implement a Stormwater Prevention Program to minimize the discharge of contaminates into surface waters. The Separate Storm Sewer is a system of underground pipes and surface drainage that carry rainwater and snowmelt away from roads and parking lots. Ultimately this drainage reaches our lakes and rivers. In accordance with the EPA requirements, the Town of Milford is implementing and enforcing a Stormwater management program designed to reduce polluted Stormwater runoff. Six minimum control measures are required by the EPA:
- Public education and outreach program
- Public involvement and participation
- Illicit discharge detection and elimination measures
- Construction site Stormwater run-off control
- Post-construction Stormwater management, new development and redevelopment programs
- Pollution prevention and good housekeeping in municipal operations
Common pollutants include the following:
- Automotive fluids that leak from our vehicles onto roads, parking lots and driveways
- Pesticides used to keep lawns green
- Sediments from construction sites
- Household trash and chemicals not properly disposed of
- Animal waste
Milford residents can help by practicing healthy household habits. Homeowners and tenants can have an enormous impact on the quality of rivers and streams by:
- Keeping vehicles maintained, checking for leaks and recycling motor oil
- Using NH DOT Approved Soaps for washing your vehicle
- Using pesticides and fertilizers sparingly
- Properly disposing of pet waste
- Properly disposing of household wastes and recyclables
- Watching for unusual discharges from storm drainage swales and piping during dry weather conditions
The goal is to keep pollutants out of Stormwater drains. You can make a difference by adopting these household habits to help protect lakes, steams, rivers, wetlands and wells. If you see a spill or observe something you suspect to be pollution in or around storm drains or streams, please contact us as soon as possible:
The Public Works Office, at 673-1662,
Fred Elkind, Stormwater Coordinator, at 249-0628 or
Dana MacAllister, Code Enforcement Administrator at 249-0620 .
The Milford Department of Public Works operates the following programs to assist residents when disposing of hazardous materials:
- Annual household hazardous waste collection days for the disposal of unwanted pesticides, paints and chemicals
- Used oil, antifreeze and battery disposal programs that are open to residents during Transfer Station hours of operation
Questions? Interested in participating? Contact the Public Works Office, at 673-1662 or by email at mdickson@milford.nh.gov.