Sec. 24-1. - Prohibition of illicit discharges and illegal connections—Purpose.

Increased and contaminated stormwater runoff is a major cause of impairment of water quality and flow in lakes, ponds, streams, rivers, wetlands and groundwater; contamination of drinking water supplies; alteration or destruction of aquatic and wildlife habitat; and flooding. Regulation of Illicit connections and discharges to the municipal storm drain system is necessary for the protection of the town's water bodies and groundwater, and to safeguard the public health, safety, welfare and the environment.

This chapter establishes methods for controlling the introduction of pollutants into the municipal storm drain system in order to comply with requirements of the EPA's National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) stormwater regulations.

The objectives of this chapter are: (1)

To prevent (or reduce to the maximum extent practicable) pollutants entering Exeter's municipally owned separate storm sewer system;

(2)

To prohibit illicit connections and unauthorized discharges to the MS4; except those exempted by this chapter;

(3)

To require the removal of all such illicit connections and discharges;

(4)

To comply with state law and federal statutes and regulations relating to stormwater discharges; and

(5)

To set forth the legal authority and procedures to carry out all inspection, monitoring and enforcement activities necessary to ensure compliance with this chapter.

(Ord. of 03-07-2022 (1), § 2, 3-7-22)