Stormwater Pollution: When it Rains, it Drains!
What is Stormwater?
Special Skaneateles Lake Watershed Rules
New York State Stormwater Regulations
Stormwater Resources
Water from storms, or ‘stormwater’, is an important water resource in the Skaneateles Lake Watershed. As rain falls, some water runs off the land, but most soaks into  the soil, recharging groundwater.
When land is developed, however, it loses its ability to absorb stormwater. Instead of being filtered by forests and wetland soil, water running down driveways and roads carries soil and other pollutants into stormdrains or ditches. These, of course, usually drain into the lake, threatening the lake’s ability to provide clean drinking water.
Street flooding, road washouts and flooded basements are some other problems caused by intensified stormwater runoff. Pollutants from stormwater runoff can also harm fish and wildlife, kill native vegetation and foul recreational areas. Preventing these problems requires precautions during and after land development.
Due to its role as a primary drinking water source, there is a critical need to protect the water quality of Skaneateles Lake. To protect this vital natural resource, property located in the Skaneateles Lake Watershed is subject to special stormwater regulations.
What’s Required in the Watershed?
The special Skaneateles Lake Watershed Rules and Regulations are intended to protect the lake as a drinking water supply, and include regulations on erosion and sediment pollution.
All construction activities within the watershed that expose 5,000 square feet or more of land must submit an erosion and sediment plan, and a written description of their project, to the City of Syracuse Water Department.
More details about this mandatory regulation is available in the brochure ‘Homeowners, Builders and Contractors: Before you build or disturb the land’ (pdf file, 698 KB) Contact the City of Syracuse Water Department for paper copies. Municipal officials should remind homeowners, builders and contractors about this special regulation for projects occurring within the watershed.
Additionally, towns should remind builders that a copy of any other needed permits, including building, land disturbance or shoreline permits, should also be submitted to the City of Syracuse Water Department.
What’s Required Throughout NYS?
State stormwater regulations are intended to protect water quality by reducing the quantity and improving the quality of stormwater runoff.
All construction activities in New York State that disturb or expose one or more acres of soil must be permitted through the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation. Contractors must develop a stormwater pollution prevention plan for controlling runoff and pollutants from a site during and after construction activities. They must also submit a Notice of Intent to the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation. The components of a stormwater pollution prevention plan will depend upon the amount of land being disturbed. For more information, contact your local NYS DEC office.
Resources
Stormwater Management Guidance Document for Local Officials
This document helps localities to navigate State stormwater management requirements. To obtain a printed copy of the manual, or a cd version, send an e-mail to stormh2o@gw.dec.state.ny.us.
The City of Syracuse Water Department
Address: 20 W. Genesee Street, Skaneateles, NY 13152. Phone: 315-685-6486
NYSDEC Region 7 Office
Address: 615 Erie Blvd West, Syracuse, NY 13204. Phone: 315-426-7504
NYS Department of Environmental Conservation Division of Water
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Onondaga County
Address: 220 Herald Place, Syracuse, NY 13204. Phone: 315-424-9485 ext. 0
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