The City of Lake Charles, Louisiana

What is Stormwater?

Stormwater in Southwest Louisiana  is generally water resulting from rain that runs off surfaces such as rooftops, paved streets, highways and parking lots. Along the way, the water may pick up and transport contaminants including motor oils, gasoline, antifreeze, and brake dust (commonly found on pavements), fertilizers and pesticides (found on landscaped areas), and soil sediments (from farms and construction sites). The water eventually flows into a local stream, river or lake, or into a storm drain and continues through storm pipes until it is released untreated into a local water body.

During the construction process, soil is the most vulnerable to erosion by wind and water. This eroded soil endangers water resources by reducing water quality, and causing the siltation of aquatic habitat for fish and other desirable species. Eroded soil also necessitates repair of sewers and ditches, and the dredging of lakes. In addition, clearing and grading during construction causes the loss of native vegetation necessary for terrestrial and aquatic habitat, and may be necessary to provide a healthy living environment for citizens of Lake Charles, as well as our neighbors.

The intent of the Stormwater Management is to:   Minimize water pollution by providing guidance on how to protect storm drain inlets and waterways during construction activities from grading, utility construction, millings/grinding operations, concrete saw water, waste materials such as concrete washout, and any disturbances to dirt/earth. Protect as much existing vegetation as possible, slow down runoff, prevent or minimize erosion from construction activities, provide incremental phased seeding and mulching, avoidance and minimization, stabilization, implementation, seeding and scheduling of the plan. Stabilize earth disturbances; prevent sediment from reaching the receiving or surface waters.

Urbanization increases the variety and amount of pollutants carried into our nation's waters. In urban and suburban areas, much of the land surface is covered by buildings, pavement and compacted landscapes with impaired drainage. These surfaces do not allow rain and snow melt to soak into the ground which greatly increases the volume and velocity of stormwater runoff. In addition to these habitat-destroying impacts, pollutants from urban runoff include: · Sediment · Oil, grease and toxic chemicals from motor vehicles · Pesticides and nutrients from lawns and gardens · Viruses, bacteria and nutrients from pet waste and failing septic systems · Road salts · Heavy metals from roof shingles, motor vehicles and other sources · Thermal pollution from dark impervious surfaces such as streets and rooftops These pollutants can harm fish and wildlife populations, kill native vegetation, foul drinking water, and make recreational areas unsafe and unpleasant.