El Paso County and Colorado Springs operate MS4 (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System) permits under CDPHE CDPS. The $460M 2016 Pueblo-Colorado Springs Intergovernmental Agreement settled stormwater litigation over Fountain Creek. New development requires Drainage Criteria Manual compliance and LID (Low-Impact Development) features.
Stormwater management in El Paso County is shaped by the 2016 Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) between Colorado Springs and Pueblo County — a $460M, 20-year commitment resolving downstream flooding and water-quality litigation along Fountain Creek. The IGA drives aggressive stormwater investment and regulation. Colorado Springs operates a Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit under CDPHE Regulation 61 (5 CCR 1002-61). New development and redevelopment over 1 acre disturbed area must comply with the Colorado Springs Drainage Criteria Manual (2024 edition) — stormwater detention, water-quality treatment, and Low-Impact Development (LID) features required. Rain gardens, permeable pavers, bioswales, and green roofs encouraged; some may be required in form-based downtown districts. Erosion and sediment control plans mandatory during construction. Post-construction BMPs maintained by property owners — ongoing inspections. Illicit discharge (non-stormwater flows to storm drains) prohibited under CSCC §3.7.201 — common violations include car-washing soap, pool water, and paint. Fountain Creek Watershed Flood Control and Greenway District coordinates regional infrastructure. Waldo Canyon Fire (2012) and Black Forest Fire (2013) burn scars create accelerated runoff — post-fire burn-scar drainage plans required. The massive Camp Creek drainage project protects Manitou Springs from flooding.
Failure to implement stormwater plan: stop-work order, $500-$10,000 fine. Illicit discharge to storm drain: $1,000-$25,000 per day under CDPHE enforcement. Post-construction BMP failure: $250-$2,500 plus remediation cost.
El Paso County, CO
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El Paso County, CO
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El Paso County, CO
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El Paso County, CO
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El Paso County, CO
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El Paso County, CO
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