Colonie, NY Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)

Colonie is mapped as an urbanized-area MS4 community and operates under the NYSDEC SPDES General Permit for Stormwater Discharges from MS4s (GP-0-20-001 series), issued under 6 NYCRR Part 750 and the federal Clean Water Act (33 USC 1342) as implemented through New York's State Pollutant Discharge Elimination System. The permit requires Colonie to implement six minimum control measures: public education, public involvement, illicit discharge detection and elimination, construction-site runoff control, post-construction stormwater management, and pollution prevention/good housekeeping. Construction activity that disturbs one acre or more (or less if part of a larger common plan) must obtain SPDES General Permit coverage (GP-0-20-001 for construction) before ground disturbance, prepare a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) consistent with the NYSDEC Stormwater Management Design Manual, and file a Notice of Intent. Within Colonie, the SWPPP is reviewed by the Town Engineer/Department of Public Works before any town building permit, site plan, or subdivision approval is final. Post-construction stormwater practices (bioretention, dry ponds, infiltration) must be permanently maintained by the property owner under a recorded maintenance agreement. Illicit non-stormwater discharges to the storm sewer, ditches, or any tributary of the Mohawk River or Patroon Creek are prohibited.