Stormwater Management: Mount Vernon vs White Plains
How do stormwater management rules compare between Mount Vernon, NY and White Plains, NY?
White Plains 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 →White Plains, NY
Westchester County
White Plains is a regulated MS4 under the NYS SPDES General Permit. Illicit discharges to storm drains (soap, paint, motor oil, grass clippings) are prohibited. Post-construction stormwater controls required for projects disturbing 1 acre or more.
View full White Plains rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Mount Vernon | White Plains |
|---|---|---|
| Status | Regulated MS4 | - |
| Permit | NYSDEC GP-0-15-003 | - |
| Illicit Discharge | Prohibited | - |
| Design Standard | NYSDEC Stormwater Manual | - |
| MS4 | - | Regulated under SPDES |
| Receives | - | Bronx River watershed |
| SWPPP threshold | - | 1 acre disturbance |
| IDDE fines | - | $250-$2,500 |
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.
White Plains FAQ
Can I wash my car in the driveway?
Occasional personal car washing is generally tolerated, but soap runoff to the storm drain is technically an illicit discharge. Use a commercial car wash or wash on grass.
Can I drain my pool to the street?
Only after dechlorinating and at a rate that doesn't cause erosion. Chlorinated pool water is an illicit discharge under WP's stormwater code.
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