Stormwater/MS4

STORMWATER MANAGEMENT

Stormwater management is the collection and movement of the water that falls after it rains. It is also the steps taken to reduce pollution in our runoff and improve water quality in our environment. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established regulations to protect or our creeks, streams, rivers, and lakes, and the City of Crest Hill is dedicated to doing their part to protect our local watershed.

Crest Hill is an MS4 Community. MS4 stands for Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems, which simply means the City conveys stormwater (or rainwater) through a sewer system that is:

• owned by a public entity and discharges to waters of the U.S.,

• designed or used to collect and convey stormwater (e.g., storm drains, pipes, ditches),

• not a combined sewer, and

• not part of a sewage treatment plant, or publicly owned treatment works (POTW).

Being an MS4 community means that the City is committed to developing best management practices and public outreach programs to ensure the City and the residents of Crest Hill work together to keep our creeks, streams, and lakes clean and free of pollutants.

For more information about the EPA, visit the links on our Public Works page.

HOW CAN I HELP?

• Dispose of trash in the garbage or recycle and pick up litter, so it doesn’t enter the storm drain.

• Regularly check your automobiles for leaks and properly clean up spills before it gets washed down the sewer.

• Utilize the City’s and County’s services to dispose of hazardous household waste.

• Dispose of all yard waste, including lawn clippings and leaves into a proper yard waste container for collect, keeping it out of gutters and storm drains.

REPORT ILLEGAL DISCHARGES

City ordinance prohibits the discharge of any polluted waters into storm sewers or swales, creeks, or streams. If you witness non-stormwater being discharged into the storm sewer system, please contact the Water/Wastewater Department at 815-723-8671.