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White Plains, NY Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified April 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.

Source: State of New YorkView official code

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?
Occasional personal car washing is generally tolerated, but soap runoff to the storm drain is technically an illicit discharge. Use a commercial car wash or wash on grass.
Can I drain my pool to the street?
Only after dechlorinating and at a rate that doesn't cause erosion. Chlorinated pool water is an illicit discharge under WP's stormwater code.

Sources & Official References

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Stormwater Management in Nearby Cities

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