What is Stormwater?

Stormwater is the water that comes from rain falling on hard surfaces in cities, like streets, parking lots, and rooftops. This water does not soak into the ground. Instead, it runs off these surfaces and picks up pollutants along the way. The polluted water then flows through pipes to the nearest stream. 

The Importance of Stormwater Protections

The City of Salem operates under a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Permit. This permit helps control water pollution by regulating discharges from specific sources. The City of Salem's storm drain system flows directly into local creeks and the Willamette River and are considered point sources. Regulations are in place to ensure that the water meets quality standards for its intended uses. These uses include supporting fish and aquatic life, providing safe water for recreation, and supplying water for indoor and outdoor use. 

Stormwater Management Program Document

The 2022 Stormwater Management Program Document outlines how the City manages stormwater quality in line with the NPDES Permit. It includes best management practices that aim to improve the quality of stormwater before it is discharged into local streams. The NPDES Permit is part of the federal Clean Water Act, which requires the City of Salem to have an approved Stormwater Management Plan Document from the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality. Monitoring is also a key part of stormwater management outlined in our monitoring plan.

Key Programs in the Stormwater Management Program Document

The Stormwater Management Program Document includes several important programs:

• Public Education and Outreach: Teaching the community about stormwater issues.  
• Public Involvement and Participation: Encouraging community members to get involved in stormwater management. 
• Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination: Finding and stopping illegal discharges into the stormwater system. 
• Construction Site Runoff Control: Managing stormwater runoff from construction sites. 
• Post-Construction Site Runoff for New Development and Redevelopment: Ensuring new projects manage stormwater properly after construction. 
• Pollution Prevention and Good Housekeeping for Municipal Operations: Implementing best management practices to prevent pollution in city operations. 
• Industrial and Commercial Facilities: Managing stormwater from businesses to protect water quality. 

Understanding these programs is important for everyone involved in stormwater management. By following these guidelines, we can work together to keep our water clean and safe for all. 

Permit Documents and Additional Resources

Outreach Initiative

The Clean Streams, Clear Choices Initiative was developed to educate the community on choices that can be made to help keep pollution out of stormwater runoff and local streams. Information about the Initiative can be found at www.CleanStreamsSalem.org

MS4 Map and Digital Inventory

This map includes all publicly owned outfalls, assets that make up the stormwater conveyance system, and stormwater quality facility locations within the Salem city limits. It also shows the locations of the annual dry weather priority outfall sites (including data that has been collected) and any known locations of chronic illicit discharges.