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Yonkers, NY Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)

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

Key Facts

MS4
Regulated community
Permit
SPDES GP-0-15-003
Design Manual
NYS Stormwater
Discharge
Stormwater only
Fine
Up to $1,000

Summary

Yonkers is an MS4 community under NYS DEC SPDES General Permit GP-0-15-003. Illicit discharges to storm drains are prohibited; new development must meet NYS Stormwater Management Design Manual standards.

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

As an MS4 operator, Yonkers enforces an Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination (IDDE) program. Only stormwater may enter the MS4: sanitary sewage, wash water, oil, paint, and chemicals are prohibited. Projects creating 1+ acre of disturbance must implement green infrastructure per the NYS Stormwater Management Design Manual and submit a SWPPP.

Violations & Fines

Illicit discharge: Yonkers fines up to $1,000 per offense plus NYS DEC civil penalties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I dump soapy car wash water in the street?
No. That is an illicit discharge under Yonkers' MS4 program and NYS DEC regulations, punishable by fines up to $1,000.
Is Yonkers regulated under NYS stormwater rules?
Yes. Yonkers is an MS4 community regulated under NYS DEC SPDES General Permit GP-0-15-003, with an Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination (IDDE) program.
What stormwater standards apply to Yonkers construction?
Projects disturbing 1+ acre must implement green infrastructure per the NYS Stormwater Management Design Manual and submit a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP).

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Yonkers

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