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Mount Vernon, NY Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)

Heavy Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified April 2026

Key Facts

Status
Regulated MS4
Permit
NYSDEC GP-0-15-003
Illicit Discharge
Prohibited
Design Standard
NYSDEC Stormwater Manual

Summary

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.

The USEPA and New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) are increasing their attention in several ways. There are three State Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (SPDES) general permits required for activities associated stormwater discharges. The Multi-Sector General Permit for Stormwater Discharges Associated with Industrial Activities (MSGP) addresses stormwater runoff from certain industrial activities. This permit requires facilities to develop stormwater pollution prevention prevention plans (SWPPPs) and report the results of industry-specific monitoring to the NYSDEC on an annual basis. A federal regulation, commonly known as Stormwater Phase II, requires the General Permit for Stormwater Discharges from Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4 GP). MS4 Operators are required to develop a stormwater management program (SWMP) to reduce the discharge of pollutants to the maximum extent practicable. Construction activities disturbing one or more acres of soil must be authorized under the General Permit for Stormwater Discharges from Construction Activities (CGP). Permittees are required to develop a SWPPP to prevent discharges of construction-related pollutants to surface waters.

Source: State of New YorkView official code

Full Breakdown

As a regulated MS4 in the NYC Urbanized Area, Mount Vernon operates under DEC SPDES General Permit GP-0-15-003 and must implement six minimum control measures including illicit discharge detection. Discharging wash water, paint, oil, pool water with chlorine, or sediment to catch basins is prohibited. New development/redevelopment 1+ acre requires water quality and quantity controls per NYSDEC Stormwater Design Manual.

Violations & Fines

Illicit discharge: $250-$2,500 per violation plus cleanup costs. Repeat offenders may face criminal referral.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

Sources & Official References

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