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Broome County, NY Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)

Heavy Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified April 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.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Broome County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

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.

Source: NY DEC SPDES PermitsView official code

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?
Yes if you disturb 1 acre or more, or if in a regulated MS4 area under local law. File a Notice of Intent with NY DEC.
Who do I report a storm-drain discharge to?
NY DEC Region 7 (607-775-2545) or the local MS4 coordinator (Binghamton, Vestal, Union, etc.).

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Broome County

All Broome County rules

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