§ 500.320. Purpose and Findings.

A. 

The purpose of this Act shall be to prevent the discharge of pollutants from land and activities within the City into the municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) and/or into surface waters.

B. 

The Governing Body of the City hereby finds that pollutants are discharged into surface waters, both through inappropriate non-stormwater discharges into the MS4 or the surface waters directly and through the washoff and transport of pollutants found on the land and built surfaces by stormwater during rainfall events.

C. 

Further, the Governing Body of the City hereby finds that such discharge of pollutants may lead to increased risks of disease and harm to individuals, particularly children, who come into contact with the water; may degrade the quality of such water for human uses, such as drinking, irrigation, recreation and industry; and may damage the natural ecosystems of rivers, streams, lakes and wetlands leading to a decline in the diversity and abundance of plants and animals.

D. 

Further, the Governing Body of the City hereby finds that this Article will promote public awareness of the hazards involved in the improper discharge of trash, yard waste, lawn chemicals, pet waste, wastewater, oil, petroleum products, cleaning products, paint products, hazardous waste, sediment and other pollutants into the storm drainage system.

E. 

Further, the Governing Body of the City hereby finds that such discharges are inconsistent with the provisions and goals of the Clean Water Act, the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) and other Federal and State requirements for water quality and environmental preservation.

F. 

Further, the Governing Body of the City hereby finds that a reasonable establishment of restrictions and regulations on activities within the City is necessary to eliminate or minimize such discharges of pollutants, to protect the health and safety of citizens, to preserve economic and ecological value of existing water resources within the City and within downstream communities and to comply with the provisions of the City's responsibilities under the Clean Water Act and the NPDES program.

Ord. No. 1201 §1, 5-10-2006