Stormwater Management: Albany vs Colonie

Is it illegal to wash paint brushes or dump used oil down a storm drain in Albany?

Yes. Storm drains in Albany flow directly to the Hudson River or to CSO outfalls without treatment. Discharging paint, oil, chemicals, or sewage is an illicit discharge under City Code Chapter 323, with fines starting at $250 and rising to $2,500 per day.

Do I need a stormwater permit for my construction project?

If your project disturbs 1 acre or more — or is part of a larger common plan of development — yes. You need a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) and SPDES coverage under NY General Permit GP-0-20-001. Smaller projects still need erosion and sediment controls during ground disturbance.

Why does Albany have combined sewer overflows?

Older downtown Albany is built on a combined sewer system that carries both stormwater and sewage in the same pipe. During heavy rain the system can overflow at permitted CSO outfalls to the Hudson River. The Albany Pool Communities Long-Term Control Plan is the multi-decade project to reduce these overflows via green infrastructure and storage.

Do I need a stormwater permit to build in Colonie?

If your project disturbs one acre or more (or is part of a larger common plan of development), you must obtain NYSDEC SPDES General Permit GP-0-20-001 coverage, file a Notice of Intent, and submit a SWPPP to the Town Engineer before any ground disturbance. Smaller residential projects may still trigger Town erosion-and-sediment-control review.

Where do Colonie storm drains go?

Storm drains in Colonie discharge untreated into local waterways including the Mohawk River, Patroon Creek, Lisha Kill, and Sand Creek. Dumping yard chemicals, used motor oil, pet waste, or wash water into a catch basin is an illicit discharge prohibited by Colonie's MS4 ordinance and by NYSDEC under 6 NYCRR Part 750.