Stormwater Management: Mount Vernon vs New Rochelle
How do stormwater management rules compare between Mount Vernon, NY and New Rochelle, NY?
New Rochelle has fewer restrictions than Mount Vernon.
Mount Vernon, NY
Westchester County
Mount Vernon is an MS4 community regulated under NYS DEC SPDES GP-0-15-003. City Stormwater Management Program restricts illicit discharges to storm sewers. Only rainwater may enter catch basins.
View full Mount Vernon rules →New Rochelle, NY
Westchester County
New Rochelle is an MS4 community under NYS DEC SPDES MS4 General Permit. Illicit discharge detection and elimination (IDDE) ordinance prohibits non-stormwater discharges to the storm sewer system. Construction sites disturbing 1+ acre need SWPPP.
View full New Rochelle rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Mount Vernon | New Rochelle |
|---|---|---|
| Status | Regulated MS4 | - |
| Permit | NYSDEC GP-0-15-003 | - |
| Illicit Discharge | Prohibited | - |
| Design Standard | NYSDEC Stormwater Manual | - |
| MS4 | - | Permitted community |
| SWPPP | - | 1+ acre projects |
| Illicit discharge | - | Prohibited |
| Outfalls | - | Drain to Sound |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Mount Vernon FAQ
Can I drain my pool into the street?
No. Chlorinated pool water must be dechlorinated and drained to sanitary sewer or a grassed area on your property.
Does my new construction project need stormwater controls?
Yes if disturbance is 1+ acre — a SWPPP under NYSDEC GP-0-15-003 and design per the NYSDEC Stormwater Manual are required.
Can I wash my car and let soapy water run to the storm drain?
No. Wash water is an illicit discharge under Mount Vernon's MS4 program — wash on grass or at a commercial wash bay.
New Rochelle FAQ
Can I wash my car in the driveway?
Personal car washing is generally allowed, but soapy water should not flow into storm drains. Commercial car washing must use collection systems.
Is it illegal to dump oil or paint in a New Rochelle storm drain?
Yes. The city's illicit discharge ordinance prohibits any non-stormwater discharge to the storm sewer, which drains directly to Long Island Sound. Violations carry significant fines.
Can I blow leaves into the street in New Rochelle?
No. Yard waste in the storm drain system is an illicit discharge under the MS4 ordinance. Bag or mulch leaves and use city yard-waste collection instead.
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