[HISTORY: Adopted by the Town Board of the Town of North Castle 12-19-2007 by L.L. No. 22-2007 (Ch. 173 of the 1987 Code). Amendments noted where applicable.]
GENERAL REFERENCES
Building code administration and enforcement — See Ch. 127.
Excavations — See Ch. 157.
Filling and grading — See Ch. 161.
Flood damage prevention — See Ch. 177.
Sewers — See Ch. 250.
Subdivision of land — See Ch. 275.
Water — See Ch. 336.
Wetlands and watercourses — See Ch. 340.
Zoning — See Ch. 355.
This chapter shall be known and cited as the "Stormwater Management, Erosion and Sediment Control Law and Illicit Discharges, Activities and Connections to Separate Storm Sewer System of the Town of North Castle."
In accordance with § 10 of the Municipal Home Rule Law of the State of New York, the Town Board of North Castle has the authority to enact local laws and amend local laws for the purpose of promoting the health, safety or general welfare of the Town of North Castle and for the protection and enhancement of its physical environment. The Town Board of North Castle may include in any such local law provisions for the appointment of any municipal officer, employees or independent contractor to effectuate, administer and enforce such local law.
A. 
Findings. The Town Board of the Town of North Castle hereby finds that:
(1) 
Land development activities and associated increases in site impervious cover often alter the hydrologic response of local watersheds and increase stormwater runoff rates and volumes, flooding, stream channel erosion, or sediment transport and deposition.
(2) 
This stormwater runoff contributes to increased quantities of waterborne pollutants, including siltation of aquatic habitat for fish and other desirable species.
(3) 
Clearing and grading during construction tends to increase soil erosion and add to the loss of native vegetation necessary for terrestrial and aquatic habitat.
(4) 
Improper design and construction of stormwater management practices can increase the velocity of stormwater runoff, thereby increasing stream bank erosion and sedimentation.
(5) 
Impervious surfaces allow less water to percolate into the soil, thereby decreasing groundwater recharge and stream base flow.
(6) 
Substantial economic losses can result from these adverse impacts on the waters of the municipality.
(7) 
Stormwater runoff, soil erosion and nonpoint source pollution can be controlled and minimized through the regulation of stormwater runoff from land development activities.
(8) 
The regulation of stormwater runoff discharges from land development activities in order to control and minimize increases in stormwater runoff rates and volumes, soil erosion, stream channel erosion, and nonpoint source pollution associated with stormwater runoff is in the public interest and will minimize threats to public health and safety.
(9) 
Regulation of land development activities by means of performance standards governing stormwater management and site design will produce development compatible with the natural functions of a particular site or an entire watershed and thereby mitigate the adverse effects of erosion and sedimentation from development.
B. 
Purpose. The purpose of this chapter is to establish minimum stormwater management requirements and controls to protect and safeguard the general health, safety and welfare of the public residing within this jurisdiction and to address the findings of fact identified in § 267-3 of this chapter. This chapter seeks to meet those purposes by achieving the following objectives:
(1) 
Meet the requirements of Minimum Control Measures four and five of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) State Pollutant Discharge Elimination System SPDES General Permit for Stormwater Discharges from Municipal Separate Stormwater Sewer Systems (MS4s), Permit No. GP-15-003, or as amended or revised;
[Amended 11-18-2015 by L.L. No. 9-2015]
(2) 
Require land development activities to conform to the substantive requirements of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation State Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (SPDES) General Permit for Construction Activities, Permit No. GP-15-002, or as amended or revised;
[Amended 11-18-2015 by L.L. No. 9-2015]
(3) 
Minimize increases in stormwater runoff from land development activities in order to reduce flooding, siltation, increases in stream temperature and stream bank erosion and maintain the integrity of stream channels;
(4) 
Minimize increases in pollution caused by stormwater runoff from land development activities which would otherwise degrade local water quality;
(5) 
Minimize the total annual volume of stormwater runoff which flows from any specific site during and following development to the maximum extent practicable; and
(6) 
Reduce stormwater runoff rates and volumes, soil erosion and nonpoint source pollution, wherever possible, through stormwater management practices and to ensure that these management practices are properly maintained and eliminate threats to public safety.
C. 
Applicability.
(1) 
This chapter shall be applicable to all land development activities as defined in § 267-4B of this chapter.
(2) 
The municipality shall designate a Stormwater Management Officer (SMO), who shall accept and review all stormwater pollution prevention plans and forward such plans to the applicable municipal board. The Stormwater Management Officer may:
(a) 
Review the plans.
(b) 
Upon approval by the Town Board of the Town of North Castle, engage the services of a registered professional engineer to review the plans, specifications and related documents.
(3) 
All land development activities subject to review and approval by the applicable board of the Town of North Castle under subdivision, site plan and/or special permit regulations shall be reviewed subject to the standards contained in this chapter.
(4) 
All land development activities not subject to review as stated in § 267-3C(3) of this chapter shall be required to submit a stormwater pollution prevention plan (SWPPP) to the Stormwater Management Officer, who shall approve the SWPPP if it complies with the requirements of this chapter.
(5) 
The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to any project that has been physically completed prior to the effective date of this chapter.
[Added 11-18-2015 by L.L. No. 9-2015]
(6) 
A project that was approved prior to the effective date of this chapter, but which is not in conformity with the provisions of this chapter, may be continued, subject to the following:
[Added 11-18-2015 by L.L. No. 9-2015]
(a) 
All such activities shall continue to be governed by the present regulations of the Town of North Castle.
(b) 
No such activity shall be expanded, changed, enlarged or altered without compliance with this chapter.
(c) 
If such activity is discontinued for 12 consecutive months, any resumption of the activity shall conform to this chapter.
(d) 
If any use or activity is destroyed by human activities, a force of nature or an act of God, it shall not be resumed except in conformity with the provisions of this chapter.
D. 
Exemptions.
(1) 
Repairs to any stormwater management practice or facility deemed necessary by the Stormwater Management Officer.
(2) 
Any part of a subdivision if a plat for the subdivision has been approved by the Town of North Castle on or before the effective date of this chapter.
(3) 
Land development activities for which a building permit has been approved on or before the effective date of this chapter.
(4) 
Cemetery graves.
(5) 
Installation of fence, sign, telephone and electric poles and other kinds of posts or poles.
(6) 
Emergency activity immediately necessary to protect life, property or natural resources.
(7) 
Activities of an individual engaging in home gardening by growing flowers, vegetables and other plants primarily for use by that person and his or her family.
(8) 
Landscaping and horticultural activities in connection with an existing structure.
A. 
Unless specifically defined below, words and phrases used in this chapter shall be interpreted to have the meaning they have in common English usage, to give effect to the purpose set forth in § 267-3B, and to provide reasonable application of this chapter.
B. 
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
AGRICULTURAL ACTIVITY
The activity of an active farm, including grazing and watering livestock, irrigating crops, harvesting crops, using land for growing agricultural products, and cutting timber for sale, but shall not include the operation of a dude ranch or similar operation or the construction of new structures associated with agricultural activities.
APPLICANT
A property owner or agent of a property owner who has filed an application for a land development activity.
BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES (BMPs)
Schedules of activities, prohibitions of practices, general good housekeeping practices, pollution prevention and educational practices, maintenance procedures and other management practices to prevent or reduce the discharge of pollutants directly or indirectly to stormwater, receiving waters or stormwater conveyance systems. BMPs also include treatment practices, operating procedures and practices to control site runoff, spillage or leaks, sludge or water disposal, or drainage from raw materials storage.
BUILDING
Any structure, either temporary or permanent, having walls and a roof, designed for the shelter of any person, animal or property, and occupying more than 100 square feet of area.
CHANNEL
A natural or artificial watercourse with a definite bed and banks that conducts continuously or periodically flowing water.
CLEAN WATER ACT
The Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. § 1251 et seq.), and any subsequent amendments thereto.
CLEARING
Any activity that removes the vegetative surface cover.
CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITY
Activity requiring authorization under the NYSDEC SPDES General Permit for Stormwater Discharges from Construction Activity, GP-15-002, as amended or revised. These activities include construction projects resulting in land disturbance of one or more acres. Such activities include, but are not limited to, clearing and grubbing, grading, excavating and demolition.
[Amended 11-18-2015 by L.L. No. 9-2015]
DEDICATION
The deliberate appropriation of property by its owner for general public use.
DEPARTMENT
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
DESIGN MANUAL
The New York State Stormwater Management Design Manual, most recent version, including applicable updates, that serve as the official guide for stormwater management principles, methods and practices.
DEVELOPER
A person who undertakes land development activities.
EROSION CONTROL MANUAL
The most recent version of the New York Standards and Specifications for Erosion and Sediment Control manual, commonly known as the "Blue Book."
GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE PRACTICE
As set forth in Chapter 5 of the New York State Stormwater Management Design Manual.
[Added 11-18-2015 by L.L. No. 9-2015]
GRADING
Excavation or fill of material, including the resulting conditions thereof.
HAZARDOUS MATERIAL
Any material, including any substance, waste or combination thereof, which, because of its quantity, concentration or physical, chemical or infectious characteristics, may cause or significantly contribute to a substantial present or potential hazard to human health, safety, property or the environment when improperly treated, stored, transported, disposed of or otherwise managed.
ILLICIT CONNECTION
Any drain or conveyance, whether on the surface or subsurface, which allows an illegal discharge to enter the MS4, including but not limited to:
(1) 
Any conveyances which allow any nonstormwater discharge, including treated or untreated sewage, process wastewater and wash water, to enter the MS4 and any connections to the storm drain system from indoor drains and sinks, regardless of whether said drain or connection had been previously allowed, permitted or approved by an authorized enforcement agency; or
(2) 
Any drain or conveyance connected from a commercial or industrial land use to the MS4 which has not been documented in plans, maps or equivalent records and approved by an authorized enforcement agency.
ILLICIT DISCHARGE
Any direct or indirect nonstormwater discharge to the MS4, except as exempted in § 267-12 of this chapter.
IMPERVIOUS COVER
Those surfaces, improvements and structures that cannot effectively infiltrate rainfall, snowmelt and water (e.g., building rooftops, pavement, sidewalks, driveways, etc.).
INDUSTRIAL ACTIVITY
Activities requiring the NYSDEC SPDES Multi-Sector General Permit for Stormwater Discharges Associated with Industrial Activity, GP-0-12-001, as amended or revised.
[Amended 11-18-2015 by L.L. No. 9-2015]
INDUSTRIAL STORMWATER PERMIT
A State Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit issued to a commercial industry or group of industries, which regulates the pollutant levels associated with industrial stormwater discharges or specifies on-site pollution control strategies.
INFILTRATION
The process of percolating stormwater into the subsoil.
JURISDICTIONAL WETLAND
An area that is inundated or saturated by surface water or groundwater at a frequency and duration sufficient to support a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions, commonly known as "hydrophytic vegetation."
LAND DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITY
Construction activity, including clearing, grubbing, grading, filling, excavating or stockpiling activities, that results in soil disturbance equal to or greater than 5,000 square feet. Clearing activities include, but are not limited to, logging equipment operations, the cutting and skidding of trees, and stump removal and/or brush root removal. Land development activity does not include routine maintenance that is performed to maintain the original line and grade, hydraulic capacity or original purpose of a facility.
[Amended 11-18-2015 by L.L. No. 9-2015]
LANDOWNER
The legal or beneficial owner of land, including those holding the right to purchase or lease the land, or any other person holding proprietary rights in the land.
LARGER COMMON PLAN OF DEVELOPMENT OR SALE
A contiguous area where multiple separate and distinct land development activities are occurring, or will occur, under one plan. The term "plan" in "larger common plan of development or sale" is broadly defined as any announcement or piece of documentation (including a sign, public notice or hearing, marketing plan, advertisement, drawing, permit application, State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) application, zoning request, computer design, etc.) or physical demarcation (including signs, lot stakes, surveyor markings, etc.) indicating that land development activities may occur on a specific plot. For discrete construction projects that are located within a "larger common plan of development or sale" that are at least 1/4 mile apart, each activity can be treated as a separate plan of development or sale, provided any interconnecting road, pipeline or utility project that is part of the same common plan is not concurrently being disturbed.
[Added 11-18-2015 by L.L. No. 9-2015]
MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT
A legally recorded document that acts as a property deed restriction and which provides for long-term maintenance of stormwater management practices.
MS4
Municipal separate storm sewer system.
MUNICIPALITY
The Town of North Castle.
MUNICIPAL SEPARATE STORM SEWER SYSTEM
A conveyance or system of conveyances (including roads with drainage systems, municipal streets, catch basins, curbs, gutters, ditches, man-made channels or storm drains):
(1) 
Owned or operated by the Town of North Castle;
(2) 
Designed or used for collecting or conveying stormwater;
(3) 
Which is not a combined sewer; and
(4) 
Which is not part of a publicly owned treatment works (POTW) as defined at 40 CFR 122.2.
NONPOINT SOURCE POLLUTION
Pollution from any source other than from any discernible, confined and discrete conveyances and shall include, but not be limited to, pollutants from agricultural, silvicultural, mining, construction, subsurface disposal and urban runoff sources.
NONSTORMWATER DISCHARGE
Any discharge to the MS4 that is not composed entirely of stormwater.
PERSON
Any individual, association, organization, partnership, firm, corporation or other entity recognized by law and acting as either the owner or as the owner's agent.
PHASING
Clearing a parcel of land in distinct pieces or parts, with the stabilization of each piece completed before the clearing of the next.
POINT SOURCE POLLUTION
Pollution from a single identifiable localized source, typically a discernible, confined and discrete conveyance.
[Added 11-18-2015 by L.L. No. 9-2015]
POLLUTANT
Dredged spoil, filter backwash, solid waste, incinerator residue, treated or untreated sewage, garbage, sewage sludge, munitions, chemical wastes, biological materials, radioactive materials, heat, wrecked or discarded equipment, rock, sand and industrial, municipal, agricultural waste and ballast discharged into water, which may cause or might reasonably be expected to cause pollution of the waters of the state in contravention of the standards.
POLLUTANT OF CONCERN
Sediment or a water quality measurement that addresses sediment (such as total suspended solids, turbidity or siltation) and any other pollutant that has been identified as a cause of impairment of any water body that will receive a discharge from the land development activity.
PREMISES
Any building, lot, parcel of land or portion of land, whether improved or unimproved, including adjacent sidewalks and parking strips.
PROJECT
Land development activity.
QUALIFIED INSPECTOR
A person that is knowledgeable in the principles and practices of erosion and sediment control, such as a licensed professional engineer, certified professional in erosion and sediment control (CPESC), registered landscape architect, or other NYSDEC endorsed individual(s). It can also mean someone working under the direct supervision of, and at the same company as, the licensed professional engineer or registered landscape architect, provided that person has training in the principles and practices of erosion and sediment control. Training in the principles and practices of erosion and sediment control means that the individual working under the direct supervision of the licensed professional engineer or registered landscape architect has received four hours of NYSDEC endorsed training in proper erosion and sediment control principles every three years.
[Added 11-18-2015 by L.L. No. 9-2015]
QUALIFIED PROFESSIONAL
A person that is knowledgeable in the principles and practices of stormwater management and treatment, such as a licensed professional engineer, registered landscape architect or other NYSDEC endorsed individual(s). Individuals preparing SWPPPs that require post-construction stormwater management practices must have an understanding of the principles of hydrology, water quality management practice design, water quantity control design and, in many cases, the principles of hydraulics, in order to prepare a SWPPP that conforms to the NYSDEC's technical standard. All components of the SWPPP that involve the practice of engineering, as defined by the New York State Education Law, shall be prepared by, or under the direct supervision of, a professional engineer licensed to practice in the State of New York.
[Added 11-18-2015 by L.L. No. 9-2015]
RECHARGE
The replenishment of underground water reserves.
SEDIMENT CONTROL
Measures that prevent eroded sediment from leaving the site.
SENSITIVE AREAS
Cold-water fisheries, shellfish beds, swimming beaches, groundwater recharge areas, water supply reservoirs, habitats for threatened, endangered or special concern species.
SPDES GENERAL PERMIT FOR CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES GP-15-002
A permit under the New York State Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (SPDES) issued to developers of construction activities to regulate disturbance of one or more acres of land, or 5,000 square feet or more within the New York City east of Hudson Watershed.
[Amended 11-18-2015 by L.L. No. 9-2015]
SPDES GENERAL PERMIT FOR STORMWATER DISCHARGES FROM MUNICIPAL SEPARATE STORMWATER SEWER SYSTEMS GP-15-003
A permit under the New York State Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (SPDES) issued to municipalities to regulate discharges from municipal separate storm sewers for compliance with EPA-established water quality standards and/or to specify stormwater control standards.
[Amended 11-18-2015 by L.L. No. 9-2015]
SPECIAL CONDITION
(1) 
Discharge compliance with water quality standards: the condition that applies where a municipality has been notified that the discharge of stormwater authorized under its MS4 permit may have caused or has the reasonable potential to cause or contribute to the violation of an applicable water quality standard. Under this condition, the municipality must take all necessary actions to ensure future discharges do not cause or contribute to a violation of water quality standards.
(2) 
Section 303(d)-listed waters: the condition in the municipality's MS4 permit that applies where the MS4 discharges to a 303(d)-listed water. Under this condition, the stormwater management program must ensure no increase of the listed pollutant of concern to the 303(d)-listed water.
(3) 
Total maximum daily load (TMDL) strategy: the condition in the municipality's MS4 permit where a TMDL including requirements for control of stormwater discharges has been approved by the EPA for a water body or watershed into which the MS4 discharges. If the discharge from the MS4 did not meet the TMDL stormwater allocations prior to September 10, 2007, the municipality was required to modify its stormwater management program to ensure that reduction of the pollutant of concern specified in the TMDL is achieved.
(4) 
The condition in the municipality's MS4 permit that applies if a TMDL is approved in the future by the EPA for any water body or watershed into which an MS4 discharges. Under this condition, the municipality must review the applicable TMDL to see if it includes requirements for control of stormwater discharges. If an MS4 is not meeting the TMDL stormwater allocations, the municipality must, within six months of the TMDL's approval, modify its stormwater management program to ensure that reduction of the pollutant of concern specified in the TMDL is achieved.
303(D) LIST
A list of all surface waters in the state for which beneficial uses of the water (drinking, recreation, aquatic habitat and industrial use) are impaired by pollutants, prepared periodically by the Department as required by Section 303(d) of the Clean Water Act. Section 303(d)-listed waters are estuaries, lakes and streams that fall short of state surface water quality standards and are not expected to improve within the next two years.
STABILIZATION
The use of practices that prevent exposed soil from eroding.
STABILIZED
That all soil disturbance activities have ceased and a uniform, perennial vegetative cover with a minimum density of 80% over the entire pervious surface has been established; or other equivalent stabilization measures, such as permanent landscape mulches, rock riprap or washed/crushed stone have been applied on all disturbed areas that are not covered by permanent structures, concrete or pavement.
[Added 11-18-2015 by L.L. No. 9-2015]
STATE POLLUTANT DISCHARGE ELIMINATION SYSTEM (SPDES) STORMWATER DISCHARGE PERMIT
A permit issued by the Department that authorizes the discharge of pollutants to waters of the state.
STOP-WORK ORDER
An order issued which requires that all construction activity on a site be stopped.
STORMWATER
Rainwater, surface runoff, snowmelt and drainage.
STORMWATER HOT SPOT
A land use or activity that generates higher concentrations of hydrocarbons, trace metals or toxicants than are found in typical stormwater runoff, based on monitoring studies.
STORMWATER MANAGEMENT
The use of structural or nonstructural practices that are designed to reduce stormwater runoff and mitigate its adverse impacts on property, natural resources and the environment.
STORMWATER MANAGEMENT FACILITY
One or a series of stormwater management practices installed, stabilized and operating for the purpose of controlling stormwater runoff.
STORMWATER MANAGEMENT OFFICER (SMO)
An employee or officer designated by the municipality to accept and review stormwater pollution prevention plans, forward the plans to the applicable municipal board and inspect stormwater management practices. In addition, the SMO enforces the prohibition of illicit discharges, activities and connections to the separate storm sewer system.
STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PRACTICES (SMPS)
Measures, either structural or nonstructural, that are determined to be the most-effective practical means of preventing flood damage and preventing or reducing point source or nonpoint source pollution inputs to stormwater runoff and water bodies.
STORMWATER POLLUTION PREVENTION PLAN (SWPPP)
A plan for controlling stormwater runoff and pollutants from a site during and after construction activities, prepared in conformance with this chapter, the SPDES General Permit for Construction Activities, and applicable NYSDEC technical standards.
[Amended 11-18-2015 by L.L. No. 9-2015]
STORMWATER RUNOFF
Flow on the surface of the ground, resulting from precipitation.
SURFACE WATERS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK
Lakes, bays, sounds, ponds, impounding reservoirs, springs, wells, rivers, streams, creeks, estuaries, marshes, inlets, canals, the Atlantic Ocean within the territorial seas of the State of New York and all other bodies of surface water, natural or artificial, inland or coastal, fresh or salt, public or private (except those private waters that do not combine or effect a junction with natural surface or underground waters), which are wholly or partially within or bordering the state or within its jurisdiction. Storm sewers and waste treatment systems, including treatment ponds or lagoons which also meet the criteria of this definition, are not waters of the state. This exclusion applies only to man-made bodies of water which neither were originally created in waters of the state (such as a disposal area in wetlands) nor resulted from impoundment of waters of the state.
TMDL
Total maximum daily load.
TOTAL MAXIMUM DAILY LOAD
The maximum amount of a pollutant to be allowed to be released into a water body so as not to impair uses of the water, allocated among the sources of that pollutant.
TRAINED CONTRACTOR
An employee from the contracting (construction) company that has received four hours of NYSDEC-endorsed training in proper erosion and sediment control principles. After receiving the initial training, the trained contractor shall receive four hours of training every three years. It can also mean an employee from the contracting (construction) company that meets the qualified inspector qualifications as defined herein.
[Added 11-18-2015 by L.L. No. 9-2015]
WASTEWATER
Water that is not stormwater, is contaminated with pollutants, and is or will be discarded.
WATERCOURSE
A permanent or intermittent stream or other body of water, either natural or man-made, which gathers or carries surface water.
WATERWAY
A channel that directs surface runoff to a watercourse or to the public storm drain.
[Amended 11-18-2015 by L.L. No. 9-2015]
A. 
Stormwater pollution prevention plan requirement. No application for approval of a land development activity shall be reviewed until either the SMO or the appropriate board has received a stormwater pollution prevention plan (SWPPP) prepared in accordance with the specifications in this chapter. For projects also requiring coverage under the SPDES General Permit for Construction Activities, applications must also be accompanied by all related NYSDEC forms and certifications.
B. 
All SWPPPs shall be prepared by a qualified professional, as defined in § 267-4 of this chapter.
C. 
All SWPPPs shall be prepared in conformance with this chapter, the SPDES General Permit for Construction Activities, and the NYSDEC technical standards, as applicable.
D. 
Contents of stormwater pollution prevention plans.
(1) 
All SWPPPs shall provide the following background information and erosion and sediment controls:
(a) 
Background information about the scope of the project, including location, type and size of project;
(b) 
Site map/construction drawing(s) for the project, including a general location map. At a minimum, the site map should show the total site area; all improvements; areas of disturbance; areas that will not be disturbed; existing vegetation; on-site and adjacent off-site surface water(s); wetlands and drainage patterns that could be affected by the construction activity; existing and final slopes; locations of off-site material, waste, borrow or equipment storage areas; and location(s) of the stormwater discharge(s);
(c) 
Description of the soil(s) present at the site;
(d) 
Construction phasing plan describing the intended sequence of construction activities, including clearing and grubbing, excavation and grading, utility and infrastructure installation and any other activity at the site that results in soil disturbance. Consistent with the New York Standards and Specifications for Erosion and Sediment Control (Erosion Control Manual), not more than five acres shall be disturbed at any one time unless a greater amount is determined necessary pursuant to an approved SWPPP;
(e) 
Description of the pollution prevention measures that will be used to control litter, construction chemicals and construction debris from becoming a pollutant source in stormwater runoff;
(f) 
Description of construction and waste materials expected to be stored on site, with updates as appropriate, and a description of controls to reduce pollutants from these materials, including storage practices to minimize exposure of the materials to stormwater, and spill prevention and response;
(g) 
Temporary and permanent structural and vegetative measures to be used for soil stabilization, runoff control and sediment control for each stage of the project, from initial land clearing and grubbing to project closeout;
(h) 
A site map/construction drawing(s) specifying the location(s), size(s) and length(s) of each erosion and sediment control practice;
(i) 
Dimensions, material specifications and installation details for all erosion and sediment control practices, including the siting and sizing of any temporary sediment basins;
(j) 
Temporary practices that will be converted to permanent control measures;
(k) 
Implementation schedule for staging temporary erosion and sediment control practices, including the timing of initial placement and the duration that each practice should remain in place;
(l) 
Maintenance schedule to ensure continuous and effective operation of the erosion and sediment control practice;
(m) 
Name(s) of the receiving water(s);
(n) 
Delineation of SWPPP implementation responsibilities for each part of the site;
(o) 
Description of structural practices designed to divert flows from exposed soils, store flows or otherwise limit runoff and the discharge of pollutants from exposed areas of the site to the degree attainable;
(p) 
Any existing data that describes the stormwater runoff at the site; and
(q) 
Post-construction stormwater quantity and quality controls, at the discretion of the SMO and/or the Town Engineer, may be required.
(2) 
Post-construction stormwater management practice component.
(a) 
All construction projects identified as needing post-construction stormwater management practices pursuant to the SPDES General Permit for Construction Activities shall prepare a SWPPP that includes practices designed in conformance with the Design Manual, including green infrastructure practices, in addition to the items listed under § 267-5D(1) above. Where post-construction stormwater management practices are not designed in conformance with this technical standard, the applicant must demonstrate equivalence to the technical standard.
(b) 
At a minimum, the post-construction stormwater practice component of the SWPPP shall include the following:
[1] 
Identification of all post-construction stormwater management practices to be constructed as part of the project.
[2] 
Site map/construction drawing(s) showing the specific location(s) and size(s) of each post-construction stormwater management practice.
[3] 
Hydrologic and hydraulic analysis for all structural components of the stormwater management control system for the applicable design storms. The analysis shall include tributary area maps with two-foot contours for the predevelopment and post-development conditions.
[4] 
Detailed summary (including calculations) of the sizing criteria that was used to design all post-construction stormwater management practices. At a minimum, the summary shall address the required design criteria from the applicable chapter of the Design Manual; including the identification of and justification for any deviations from the Design Manual, and identification of any design criteria that are not required based on the design criteria or waiver criteria included in the Design Manual.
[5] 
Identification of any elements of the design that are not in conformance with the Design Manual. Include the reason for the deviation or alternative design and provide information which demonstrates that the deviation or alternative design is equivalent to the technical standards.
[6] 
Comparison of post-development stormwater runoff conditions with predevelopment conditions.
[7] 
Dimensions, material specifications and installation details for each post-construction stormwater management practice or facility.
[8] 
Site maps must include existing topography with two-foot contours, a proposed grading plan with a limit of disturbance line, and the calculated area of disturbance in acres.
[9] 
An operations and maintenance plan that includes inspection and maintenance schedules and actions to ensure continuous and effective operation of each post-construction stormwater management practice or facility. The plan shall identify the entity that will be responsible for the long-term operation and maintenance of each practice.
[10] 
Maintenance easements to ensure access to all stormwater management practices at the site for the purpose of inspection and repair. Easements shall be recorded on the plan and shall remain in effect with transfer of title to the property.
[11] 
Inspection and maintenance agreement binding on all subsequent landowners served by the on-site stormwater management measures in accordance with § 267-7 of this chapter.
(3) 
Enhanced phosphorus. All projects that are required to conform to the Enhanced Phosphorus Removal Standards, pursuant to the SPDES General Permit for Construction Activities, shall prepare a SWPPP that includes post-construction stormwater management practices designed in conformance with the Enhanced Phosphorus Removal Standards included in the Design Manual. At a minimum, the post-construction stormwater management practice component of the SWPPP shall include items D(2)(b)[1] through D(2)(b)[11] above.
E. 
Other environmental permits. The applicant shall assure that all other applicable environmental permits have been or will be acquired for the land development activity prior to approval of the final stormwater design plan.
F. 
Contractor certification.
(1) 
All certifications required pursuant to the SPDES General Permit for Construction Activities shall be submitted, endorsed and incorporated into the SWPPP.
(2) 
Each contractor and subcontractor identified in the SWPPP who will be responsible for installing, constructing, repairing, inspecting and maintaining the erosion and sediment control practices included in the SWPPP and the post-construction stormwater management practice installation must sign and date a copy of the following contractor certification statement before undertaking any land development activity: "I hereby certify that I understand and agree to comply with the terms and conditions of the SWPPP and agree to implement any corrective actions identified by the qualified inspector during a site inspection. I also understand that the owner or operator must comply with the terms and conditions of the most current version of the New York State Pollutant Discharge Elimination System ("SPDES") General Permit for Stormwater Discharges from Construction Activities and that it is unlawful for any person to cause or contribute to a violation of water quality standards. Furthermore, I understand that certifying false, incorrect or inaccurate information is a violation of the referenced permit and the laws of the State of New York and could subject me to criminal, civil and/or administrative proceedings."
(3) 
The certification must include the name and title of the person providing the signature, address and telephone number of the contracting firm, the address (or other identifying description) of the site, and the date the certification is made.
(4) 
The certification statement(s) shall become part of the SWPPP for the land development activity.
G. 
A copy of the SWPPP shall be retained at the site of the land development activity during construction from the date of initiation of construction activities to the date of final stabilization.
All land development activities shall be subject to the following performance and design criteria:
A. 
Technical standards. For the purpose of this chapter, the following documents shall serve as the official guides and specifications for stormwater management. Stormwater management practices that are designed and constructed in accordance with these technical documents shall be presumed to meet the standards imposed by this chapter.
(1) 
The New York State Stormwater Management Design Manual (New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, most current version or its successor, hereafter referred to as the "Design Manual").
(2) 
New York Standards and Specifications for Erosion and Sediment Control (Empire State Chapter of the Soil and Water Conservation Society, 2004, most current version or its successor, hereafter referred to as the "Erosion Control Manual").
B. 
Equivalence to technical standards. Where stormwater management practices are not in accordance with technical standards, the applicant or developer must demonstrate equivalence to the technical standards set forth in Subsection A of this section, and the SWPPP shall be prepared by a licensed professional.
C. 
Water quality standards. Any land development activity shall not cause an increase in turbidity that will result in substantial visible contrast to natural conditions in surface waters of the State of New York.
A. 
Maintenance and inspection during construction.
[Amended 11-18-2015 by L.L. No. 9-2015]
(1) 
Inspection requirements shall be as specified within the SPDES General Permit for Construction Activities.
(2) 
The applicant or developer of the land development activity or his or her representative shall at all times properly operate and maintain all facilities and systems of treatment and control (and related appurtenances) which are installed or used by the applicant or developer to achieve compliance with the conditions of this chapter. Sediment shall be removed from sediment traps or sediment ponds whenever their design capacity has been reduced by 50%.
(3) 
The applicant/developer must ensure that all erosion and sediment control practices and all post-construction stormwater management practices identified in the SWPPP are maintained in effective operating condition at all times.
(4) 
The applicant/developer shall inspect, in accordance with the requirements of the most current version of the Erosion Control Manual, the erosion and sediment controls identified in the SWPPP to ensure that they are being maintained in effective operating condition at all times. The applicant/developer shall have each of the contractors and subcontractors identify at least one person from their company that will be responsible for implementation of the SWPPP. This person shall be known as the trained contractor. The applicant/developer shall ensure that at least one trained contractor is on site on a daily basis when soil disturbance activities are being performed.
(5) 
For land development activities that disturb one or more acres of land, the applicant shall have a qualified inspector conduct site inspections and document the effectiveness of all erosion and sediment control practices every seven calendar days. Inspection reports shall be prepared in compliance with standards outlined within the SPDES General Permit for Construction Activities. Inspection reports shall be maintained on site and copies furnished to the SMO upon request.
(6) 
Inspections of any post-construction stormwater management practice that includes structural components shall be performed by a New York State licensed professional engineer.
B. 
Maintenance easement(s). Prior to the issuance of any approval that has a stormwater management facility as one of the requirements, the applicant or developer must execute a maintenance easement agreement that shall be binding on all subsequent landowners served by the stormwater management facility. The easement shall provide for access to the facility at reasonable times for periodic inspection by the Town of North Castle to ensure that the facility is maintained in proper working condition to meet design standards and any other provisions established by this chapter. The easement shall be recorded by the grantor in the office of the County Clerk after approval by the North Castle Town Attorney.
C. 
Maintenance after construction. The owner or operator of permanent stormwater management practices installed in accordance with this chapter shall ensure they are operated and maintained to achieve the goals of this chapter. Proper operation and maintenance also includes, as a minimum, the following:
(1) 
A preventive/corrective maintenance program for all critical facilities and systems of treatment and control (or related appurtenances) which are installed or used by the owner or operator to achieve the goals of this chapter.
(2) 
Written procedures for operation and maintenance and training new maintenance personnel.
(3) 
Discharges from the SMPs shall not exceed design criteria or cause or contribute to water quality standard violations in accordance with § 267-6C of this chapter.
D. 
Maintenance agreements. The Town of North Castle shall approve a formal maintenance agreement for stormwater management facilities binding on all subsequent landowners and recorded in the office of the County Clerk as a deed restriction on the property prior to final plan approval. The maintenance agreement shall be consistent with the terms and conditions of the Town of North Castle Stormwater Control Facility Maintenance Agreement on file with the Town Attorney. The Town of North Castle, in lieu of a maintenance agreement, at its sole discretion, may accept dedication of any existing or future stormwater management facility, provided such facility meets all the requirements of this chapter and includes adequate and perpetual access and sufficient area, by easement or otherwise, for inspection and regular maintenance.
A. 
Construction inspections.
(1) 
Erosion and sediment control inspection.
(a) 
The Town of North Castle Stormwater Management Officer may require such inspections as necessary to determine compliance with this Chapter 267 of the Town Code and may either approve that portion of the work completed or notify the applicant wherein the work fails to comply with the requirements of this Chapter 267 of the Town Code and the stormwater pollution prevention plan (SWPPP) as approved. To obtain inspections, the applicant shall notify the Town of North Castle Building Department at least 48 hours before any of the following, as required by the Stormwater Management Officer:
[1] 
Start of construction.
[2] 
Installation of sediment and erosion control measures.
[3] 
Completion of site clearing.
[4] 
Completion of rough grading.
[5] 
Completion of final grading.
[6] 
Close of the construction season.
[7] 
Completion of final landscaping.
[8] 
Successful establishment of landscaping in public areas.
(b) 
If any violations are found, the applicant and developer shall be notified in writing of the nature of the violation and the required corrective actions. No further land development activity shall be conducted except for site stabilization until any violations are corrected and all work previously completed has received approval by the Stormwater Management Officer.
(2) 
Stormwater management practice inspections. The Town of North Castle Stormwater Management Officer is responsible for conducting inspections of stormwater management practices (SMPs). All applicants are required to submit as-built plans for any stormwater management practices located on site after final construction is completed. The plan must show the final design specifications for all stormwater management facilities and must be certified by a professional engineer.
(3) 
Inspection of stormwater facilities after project completion. Inspection programs shall be established on any reasonable basis, including but not limited to routine inspections; random inspections; inspections based upon complaints or other notice of possible violations; inspection of drainage basins or areas identified as higher-than-typical sources of sediment or other contaminants or pollutants; inspections of businesses or industries of a type associated with higher-than-usual discharges of contaminants or pollutants or with discharges of a type which are more likely than the typical discharge to cause violations of state or federal water or sediment quality standards or the SPDES stormwater permit; and joint inspections with other agencies inspecting under environmental or safety laws. Inspections may include, but are not limited to, reviewing maintenance and repair records; sampling discharges, surface water, groundwater and material or water in drainage control facilities; and evaluating the condition of drainage control facilities and other stormwater management practices.
(4) 
Submission of reports. The Town of North Castle Stormwater Management Officer may require monitoring and reporting from entities subject to Chapter 267 of the Town Code as are necessary to determine compliance with this Chapter 267 of the Town Code.
(5) 
Right of entry for inspection. When any new stormwater management facility is installed on private property or when any new connection is made between private property and the public stormwater system, the landowner shall grant to the Town of North Castle the right to enter the property at reasonable times and in a reasonable manner for the purpose of inspection as specified in Subsection A(3) of this section.
B. 
Performance guarantee.
(1) 
Construction completion guarantee. In order to ensure the full and faithful completion of all land development activities related to compliance with all conditions set forth by the Town of North Castle in its approval of the stormwater pollution prevention plan, the Town of North Castle may require the applicant or developer to provide, prior to construction, a performance bond, cash escrow or irrevocable letter of credit from an appropriate financial or surety institution which guarantees satisfactory completion of the project and names the Town of North Castle as the beneficiary. The security shall be in an amount to be determined by the Town of North Castle based on submission of final design plans, with reference to actual construction and landscaping costs. The performance guarantee shall remain in force until the surety is released from liability by the Town of North Castle, provided that such period shall not be less than one year from the date of final acceptance or such other certification that the facility(ies) has (have) been constructed in accordance with the approved plans and specifications and that a one-year inspection has been conducted and the facilities have been found to be acceptable to the Town of North Castle. Per annum interest on cash escrow deposits shall be reinvested in the account until the surety is released from liability.
(2) 
Maintenance guarantee. Where stormwater management and erosion and sediment control facilities are to be operated and maintained by the developer or by a corporation that owns or manages a commercial or industrial facility, the developer, prior to construction, may be required to provide the Town of North Castle with an irrevocable letter of credit from an approved financial institution or surety to ensure proper operation and maintenance of all stormwater management and erosion control facilities both during and after construction and until the facilities are removed from operation. If the developer or landowner fails to properly operate and maintain stormwater management and erosion and sediment control facilities, the Town of North Castle may draw upon the account to cover the costs of proper operation and maintenance, including engineering and inspection costs.
(3) 
Recordkeeping. The Town of North Castle may require entities subject to Chapter 267 of the Town Code to maintain records demonstrating compliance with this Chapter 267 of the Town Code.
C. 
Enforcement and penalties.
(1) 
Notice of violation. When the Town of North Castle determines that a land development activity is not being carried out in accordance with the requirements of this Chapter 267 of the Town Code, it may issue a written notice of violation to the landowner. The notice of violation shall contain:
(a) 
The name and address of the landowner, developer or applicant.
(b) 
The address, when available, or a description of the building, structure or land upon which the violation is occurring.
(c) 
A statement specifying the nature of the violation.
(d) 
A description of the remedial measures necessary to bring the land development activity into compliance with this chapter and a time schedule for the completion of such remedial action.
(e) 
A statement of the penalty or penalties that shall or may be assessed against the person to whom the notice of violation is directed.
(f) 
A statement that the determination of violation may be appealed to the municipality by filing a written notice of appeal within 15 days of service of notice of violation.
(2) 
Stop-work orders. The Town of North Castle may issue a stop-work order for violations of Chapter 267 of the Town Code. Persons receiving a stop-work order shall be required to halt all land development activities, except those activities that address the violations leading to the stop-work order. The stop-work order shall be in effect until the Town of North Castle confirms that the land development activity is in compliance and the violation has been satisfactorily addressed. Failure to address a stop-work order in a timely manner may result in civil, criminal or monetary penalties in accordance with the enforcement measures authorized in this Chapter 267 of the Town Code.
(3) 
Violations. Any land development activity that is commenced or is conducted contrary to this chapter may be restrained by injunction or otherwise abated in a manner provided by law.
(4) 
Penalties. In addition to or as an alternative to any penalty provided herein or by law, any person who violates the provisions of this article shall be guilty of a violation punishable by a fine not exceeding $350 or imprisonment for a period not to exceed six months, or both, for conviction of a first offense; for conviction of a second offense, both of which were committed within a period of five years, punishable by a fine not less than $350 nor more than $700 or imprisonment for a period not to exceed six months, or both; and upon conviction for a third or subsequent offense, all of which were committed within a period of five years, punishable by a fine not less than $700 nor more than $1,000 or imprisonment for a period not to exceed six months, or both. However, for the purpose of conferring jurisdiction upon courts and judicial officers generally, violations of this article shall be deemed misdemeanors, and for such purpose only, all provisions of law relating to misdemeanors shall apply to such violations. Each week's continued violation shall constitute a separate additional violation.
(5) 
Withholding of certificate of occupancy. If any building or land development activity is installed or conducted in violation of this chapter, the Stormwater Management Officer may prevent the occupancy of said building or land.
(6) 
Restoration of lands. Any violator may be required to restore land to its undisturbed condition. In the event that restoration is not undertaken within a reasonable time after notice, the Town of North Castle may take necessary corrective action, the cost of which shall become a lien upon the property until paid.
D. 
Fees for services. The Town of North Castle may require any person undertaking land development activities regulated by Chapter 267 of the Town Code to pay reasonable costs at prevailing rates for review of SWPPPs, inspections or SMP maintenance performed by the Town of North Castle or performed by a third party for the Town of North Castle in such amounts as set forth in the Master Fee Schedule.[1]
[Amended 8-14-2013 by L.L. No. 7-2013]
[1]
Editor's Note: See Ch. A370, Master Fee Schedule.
The purpose of this article is to provide for the health, safety and general welfare of the citizens of the Town of North Castle through the regulation of nonstormwater discharges to the municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) to the maximum extent practicable as required by federal and state law. This chapter establishes methods for controlling the introduction of pollutants into the MS4 in order to comply with requirements of the SPDES General Permit for Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems. The objectives of this article are:
A. 
To meet the requirements of the SPDES General Permit for Stormwater Discharges from MS4s, Permit No. GP-15-003, or as amended or revised;
[Amended 11-18-2015 by L.L. No. 9-2015]
B. 
To regulate the contribution of pollutants to the MS4 since such systems are not designed to accept, process or discharge nonstormwater wastes;
C. 
To prohibit illicit connections, activities and discharges to the MS4;
D. 
To establish legal authority to carry out all inspection, surveillance and monitoring procedures necessary to ensure compliance with this chapter; and
E. 
To promote public awareness of the hazards involved in the improper discharge of trash, yard waste, lawn chemicals, pet waste, wastewater, grease, oil, petroleum products, cleaning products, paint products, hazardous waste, sediment and other pollutants into the MS4.
This article shall apply to all water entering the MS4 generated on any developed and undeveloped lands unless explicitly exempted by an authorized enforcement agency.
The Stormwater Management Officer(s) [SMO(s)] shall administer, implement and enforce the provisions of this article. Such powers granted or duties imposed upon the authorized enforcement official may be delegated in writing by the SMO as may be authorized by the municipality.
A. 
Prohibition of illegal discharges. No person shall discharge or cause to be discharged into the MS4 any materials other than stormwater except as provided in Subsection A(1). The commencement, conduct or continuance of any illegal discharge to the MS4 is prohibited except as described as follows:
(1) 
The following discharges are exempt from discharge prohibitions established by this chapter, unless the Department or the municipality has determined them to be substantial contributors of pollutants: waterline flushing or other potable water sources; landscape irrigation or lawn watering; existing diverted stream flows; rising groundwater; uncontaminated groundwater infiltration to storm drains; uncontaminated pumped groundwater; foundation or footing drains; crawl space or basement sump pumps; air-conditioning condensate; irrigation water; springs; water from individual residential car washing; natural riparian habitat or wetland flows; dechlorinated swimming pool discharges; residential street wash water; water from firefighting activities; and any other water source not containing pollutants. Such exempt discharges shall be made in accordance with an appropriate plan for reducing pollutants.
(2) 
Discharges approved in writing by the SMO to protect life or property from imminent harm or damage, provided that such approval shall not be construed to constitute compliance with other applicable laws and requirements, and further provided that such discharges may be permitted for a specified time period and under such conditions as the SMO may deem appropriate to protect such life and property while reasonably maintaining the purpose and intent of this chapter.
(3) 
Dye testing in compliance with applicable state and local laws is an allowable discharge but requires a verbal notification to the SMO prior to the time of the test.
(4) 
The prohibition shall not apply to any discharge permitted under an SPDES permit, waiver or waste discharge order issued to the discharger and administered under the authority of the Department, provided that the discharger is in full compliance with all requirements of the permit, waiver or order and other applicable laws and regulations, and provided that written approval has been granted for any discharge to the MS4.
B. 
Prohibition of illicit connections.
(1) 
The construction, use, maintenance or continued existence of illicit connections to the MS4 is prohibited.
(2) 
This prohibition expressly includes, without limitation, illicit connections made in the past, regardless of whether the connection was permissible under law or practices applicable or prevailing at the time of connection.
(3) 
A person is considered to be in violation of this article if the person connects a line conveying sewage to the municipality's MS4 or allows such a connection to continue.
A. 
Activities that are subject to the requirement of this article are those types of activities that:
(1) 
Cause or contribute to a violation of the municipality's MS4 SPDES permit.
(2) 
Cause or contribute to the municipality being subject to a special condition, as defined in § 267-4 of this chapter.
B. 
Upon notification to a person that he or she is engaged in activities that cause or contribute to violations of the municipality's MS4 SPDES permit authorization, that person shall take all reasonable actions to correct such activities such that he or she no longer causes or contributes to violations of the municipality's MS4 SPDES permit authorization.
A. 
Best management practices. Where the SMO has identified illicit discharges as defined in § 267-4 of this chapter or activities contaminating stormwater as defined in § 267-13, the municipality may require implementation of best management practices (BMPs) to control those illicit discharges and activities.
(1) 
The owner or operator of a commercial or industrial establishment shall provide, at its own expense, reasonable protection from accidental discharge of prohibited materials or other wastes into the MS4 through the use of structural and nonstructural BMPs.
(2) 
Any person responsible for a property or premises, which is or may be the source of an illicit discharge as defined in § 267-4 of this chapter or an activity contaminating stormwater as defined in § 267-13, may be required to implement, at said person's expense, additional structural and nonstructural BMPs to reduce or eliminate the source of pollutant(s) to the MS4.
(3) 
Compliance with all terms and conditions of a valid SPDES permit authorizing the discharge of stormwater associated with industrial activity, to the extent practicable, shall be deemed compliance with the provisions of this article.
A. 
The SMO may, without prior notice, suspend MS4 discharge access to a person when such suspension is necessary to stop an actual or threatened discharge which presents or may present imminent and substantial danger to the environment, to the health or welfare of persons, or to the MS4. The SMO shall notify the person of such suspension within a reasonable time thereafter, in writing, of the reasons for the suspension. If the violator fails to comply with a suspension order issued in an emergency, the SMO may take such steps as deemed necessary to prevent or minimize damage to the MS4 or to minimize danger to persons.
B. 
Suspension due to the detection of illicit discharge. Any person discharging to the municipality's MS4 in violation of this chapter may have his or her MS4 access terminated if such termination would abate or reduce an illicit discharge. The SMO will notify a violator in writing of the proposed termination of its MS4 access and the reasons therefor. The violator may petition the SMO for a reconsideration and hearing. Access may be granted by the SMO if he/she finds that the illicit discharge has ceased and the discharger has taken steps to prevent its recurrence. Access may be denied if the SMO determines in writing that the illicit discharge has not ceased or is likely to recur. A person commits an offense if the person reinstates MS4 access to premises terminated pursuant to this section without the prior approval of the SMO.
Any person subject to an industrial or construction activity SPDES stormwater discharge permit shall comply with all provisions of such permit. Proof of compliance with said permit may be required in a form acceptable to the Town prior to the allowing of discharges to the MS4.
A. 
Applicability. This section applies to all facilities that the SMO must inspect to enforce any provision of this article or whenever the authorized enforcement agency has cause to believe that there exists, or potentially exists, in or upon any premises, any condition which constitutes a violation of this article.
B. 
Access to facilities.
(1) 
The SMO shall be permitted to enter and inspect facilities subject to regulation under this chapter as often as may be necessary to determine compliance with this article. If a discharger has security measures in force which require proper identification and clearance before entry into its premises, the discharger shall make the necessary arrangements to allow access to the SMO.
(2) 
Facility operators shall allow the SMO ready access to all parts of the premises for the purposes of inspection, sampling, examination and the copying of records as may be required to implement this article.
(3) 
The Town shall have the right to set up on any facility subject to this chapter such devices as are necessary in the opinion of the SMO to conduct monitoring and/or sampling of the facility's stormwater discharge.
(4) 
The Town has the right to require the facilities subject to this article to install monitoring equipment as is reasonably necessary to determine compliance with this article. The facility's sampling and monitoring equipment shall be maintained at all times in a safe and proper operating condition by the discharger at its own expense. All devices used to measure stormwater flow and quality shall be calibrated to ensure their accuracy.
(5) 
Unreasonable delays in allowing the Town access to a facility subject to this chapter are a violation of this article. A person who is the operator of a facility subject to this article commits an offense if the person denies the Town reasonable access to the facility for the purpose of conducting any activity authorized or required by this article.
(6) 
If the SMO has been refused access to any part of the premises from which stormwater is discharged and he/she is able to demonstrate probable cause to believe that there may be a violation of this article or that there is a need to inspect and/or sample as part of a routine inspection and sampling program designed to verify compliance with this article or any order issued hereunder, then the SMO may seek issuance of a search warrant from any court of competent jurisdiction.
Notwithstanding other requirements of law, as soon as any person responsible for a facility or operation, or responsible for emergency response for a facility or operation, has information of any known or suspected release of materials which are resulting or may result in illegal discharges or pollutants discharging into the MS4, said person shall take all necessary steps to ensure the discovery, containment and cleanup of such release. In the event of such a release of hazardous materials, said person shall immediately notify emergency response agencies of the occurrence via emergency dispatch services. In the event of a release of nonhazardous materials, said person shall notify the Town in person or by telephone or facsimile no later than the next business day. Notifications in person or by telephone shall be confirmed by written notice addressed and mailed to the Town within three business days of the telephone notice. If the discharge of prohibited materials emanates from a commercial or industrial establishment, the owner or operator of such establishment shall also retain an on-site written record of the discharge and the actions taken to prevent its recurrence. Such records shall be retained for at least three years.
A. 
Notice of violation.
(1) 
When the Town's SMO finds that a person has violated a prohibition or failed to meet a requirement of this article, he/she may order compliance by written notice of violation to the responsible person. Such notice may require, without limitation:
(a) 
The elimination of illicit connections or discharges;
(b) 
That violating discharges, practices or operations shall cease and desist;
(c) 
The abatement or remediation of stormwater pollution or contamination hazards and the restoration of any affected property;
(d) 
The performance of monitoring, analyses and reporting;
(e) 
Payment of a fine; and
(f) 
The implementation of source control or treatment BMPs.
(2) 
If abatement of a violation and/or restoration of affected property is required, the notice shall set forth a deadline within which such remediation or restoration must be completed. Said notice shall further advise that, should the violator fail to remediate or restore within the established deadline, the work will be done by a designated governmental agency or a contractor, and the expense thereof shall be charged to the violator.
B. 
Penalties. In addition to or as an alternative to any penalty provided herein or by law, any person who violates the provisions of this article shall be guilty of a violation punishable by a fine not exceeding $1,000 or by imprisonment for a period not to exceed 15 days, or by both such fine and imprisonment. However, for the purposes of conferring jurisdiction upon courts and judicial officers generally, violations of this article shall be deemed misdemeanors, and for such purpose only, all provisions of law relating to misdemeanors shall apply to such violations. Each day's continued violation shall constitute a separate additional violation.
[Amended 4-29-2020 by L.L. No. 3-2020]
Any person receiving a notice of violation may appeal the determination of the SMO to the Town Board within 15 days of its issuance, which Board shall hear the appeal within 30 days after the filing of the appeal and, within five days of making its decision, file its decision in the office of the Town Clerk and mail a copy of its decision by certified mail to the discharger.
A. 
If the violation has not been corrected pursuant to the requirements set forth in the notice of violation or, in the event of an appeal, within five business days of the decision of the municipal authority upholding the decision of the SMO, then the SMO shall request the owner's permission for access to the subject private property to take any and all measures reasonably necessary to abate the violation and/or restore the property.
B. 
If refused access to the subject private property, the SMO may seek a warrant in a court of competent jurisdiction to be authorized to enter upon the property to determine whether a violation has occurred. Upon determination that a violation has occurred, the SMO may seek a court order to take any and all measures reasonably necessary to abate the violation and/or restore the property. The cost of implementing and maintaining such measures shall be the sole responsibility of the discharger.
It shall be unlawful for any person to violate any provision or fail to comply with any of the requirements of this article. If a person has violated or continues to violate the provisions of this article, the SMO may petition for a preliminary or permanent injunction restraining the person from activities which would create further violations or compelling the person to perform abatement or remediation of the violation.
A. 
Where a person has violated a provision of this article, he/she may be eligible for alternative remedies in lieu of a civil penalty, upon recommendation of the Town Attorney and concurrence of the Town Building Inspector, where:
(1) 
The violation was unintentional.
(2) 
The violator has no history of previous violations of this article.
(3) 
Environmental damage was minimal.
(4) 
The violator acted quickly to remedy the violation.
(5) 
The violator cooperated in investigation and resolution.
B. 
Alternative remedies may consist of one or more of the following:
(1) 
Attendance at compliance workshops.
(2) 
Storm drain stenciling or storm drain marking.
(3) 
River, stream or creek cleanup activities.
In addition to the enforcement processes and penalties provided, any condition caused or permitted to exist in violation of any of the provisions of this article is a threat to public health, safety and welfare and is declared and deemed a nuisance, and may be summarily abated or restored at the violator's expense, and/or a civil action to abate, enjoin or otherwise compel the cessation of such nuisance may be taken.
The remedies listed in this article are not exclusive of any other remedies available under any applicable federal, state or local law, and it is within the discretion of the authorized enforcement agency to seek cumulative remedies.