Broome County, NY Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)
Key Facts
- SWPPP trigger
- 1 acre disturbance
- Permit
- SPDES GP-0-24-001 (MS4)
- Construction
- GP-0-20-001
- State penalty
- Up to $37,500/day
Summary
Broome County municipalities enforce SPDES MS4 General Permit (GP-0-24-001) under DEC. Disturbances over 1 acre require SWPPP. Binghamton, Vestal, Union and others operate MS4 programs following 2011 Irene/Lee floods that overwhelmed stormwater systems.
Throughout New York State, before commencing construction, the owner or operator of construction activities that will involve soil disturbance of one or more acres must obtain coverage under the State Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (SPDES) General Permit for Stormwater Discharges from Construction Activity, succinctly referred to as the Construction General Permit (CGP). Alternatively, the owner or operator of such construction activities must obtain coverage under an individual SPDES permit. In the New York City East of Hudson watershed, this requirement also applies to construction activities that will disturb 5,000 square feet or more, but less than one acre of land . In the municipal boundaries of the City of New York (NYC), this requirement also applies to construction activities that will disturb 20,000 square feet or more, but less than one acre of land, including less than 20,000 square feet which are part of a common plan of development or sale that will ultimately disturb 20,000 square feet or more, but less than one acre. In the municipal boundaries of NYC, this requirement also applies to construction activities that create 5,000 square feet or more of impervious area. Some exceptions to the requirements exist for agricultural projects, certain silvicultural projects, and routine maintenance activities. See the Construction Stormwater Toolbox webpage for Technical Requirements and their Supplemental Documents, Technical Tools, and Training & Certification Information.
Full Breakdown
NY DEC SPDES General Permit GP-0-24-001 (MS4 permit) requires regulated municipalities to operate a stormwater program. Construction sites disturbing 1 acre or more must file a Notice of Intent and prepare a SWPPP (Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan) under GP-0-20-001. Binghamton, Vestal, Johnson City, Endicott, Union, Conklin, and Kirkwood all operate MS4 programs. Post-Tropical Storm Lee/Irene (Sept 2011) caused $1B+ in damage and led to enhanced local stormwater laws. NY DEC Erosion and Sediment Control (Blue Book) standards apply. Illicit discharges to storm drains prohibited under ECL §17-0501.
Violations & Fines
SPDES violation: up to $37,500/day per ECL §71-1929. Unpermitted illicit discharge: $1,500-$5,000 local plus state penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a SWPPP for my project in Broome County?
Who do I report a storm-drain discharge to?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Broome County
New York rules heatmap·Compare Broome County to another location·View the New York environmental rules overview
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