Monroe County, NY Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)
Key Facts
- MS4
- Rochester + towns
- Threshold
- 1 acre SWPPP
- Permit
- SPDES GP-0-20-001
- Watershed
- Lake Ontario
Summary
Rochester and Monroe County towns are NYS MS4 permittees. NY DEC SPDES GP-0-20-001 requires SWPPP for 1+ acre disturbance. Strict Lake Ontario and Genesee River watershed protection.
Regulatory Requirements 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.
Full Breakdown
Rochester, Monroe County, and most urbanized Monroe County towns are regulated MS4 (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System) operators under NY DEC SPDES General Permit GP-0-19-003. New construction or significant redevelopment disturbing 1 or more acres requires a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) under SPDES GP-0-20-001, following the NYS Stormwater Management Design Manual. Rochester City Code Ch. 104A governs stormwater. Post-construction stormwater facilities must be maintained by property owners in perpetuity. Lake Ontario and Genesee River watershed protection is a DEC priority; Irondequoit Bay and Braddock Bay have specific TMDL plans. Illicit discharges (washing cars into storm drains, dumping yard waste) prohibited.
Violations & Fines
Failure to implement SWPPP: NY DEC fines up to $37,500 per day. Rochester Ch. 104A illicit discharge: $500 to $10,000. Maintenance failures: correction order plus civil penalty.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are typical penalties for violating stormwater rules?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Monroe County
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