Stormwater Management: New Rochelle vs Yonkers

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.

Can I dump soapy car wash water in the street?

No. That is an illicit discharge under Yonkers' MS4 program and NYS DEC regulations, punishable by fines up to $1,000.

Is Yonkers regulated under NYS stormwater rules?

Yes. Yonkers is an MS4 community regulated under NYS DEC SPDES General Permit GP-0-15-003, with an Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination (IDDE) program.

What stormwater standards apply to Yonkers construction?

Projects disturbing 1+ acre must implement green infrastructure per the NYS Stormwater Management Design Manual and submit a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP).