White Plains, NY Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)
Key Facts
- MS4
- Regulated under SPDES
- Receives
- Bronx River watershed
- SWPPP threshold
- 1 acre disturbance
- IDDE fines
- $250-$2,500
Summary
White Plains is a regulated MS4 under the NYS SPDES General Permit. Illicit discharges to storm drains (soap, paint, motor oil, grass clippings) are prohibited. Post-construction stormwater controls required for projects disturbing 1 acre or more.
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
City Code includes an Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination (IDDE) ordinance. DPW maintains the MS4 separate storm sewer system draining to the Bronx River. Only uncontaminated stormwater may enter catch basins. Car-washing soap, pool discharges (without dechlorination), and construction sediment are illegal discharges. Projects over 1 acre need NOI filed with DEC and a SWPPP reviewed by the city engineer.
Violations & Fines
Illicit discharge: fines $250-$2,500 per violation plus cleanup costs. Repeat violators face daily escalating penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wash my car in the driveway?
Can I drain my pool to the street?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in White Plains
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Stormwater Management in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Westchester County handle stormwater management.