Rules and Regulations
Jefferson County has been setting goals to meet the regulations of the federally mandated ational Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Municipal Separate Storm Sewer (MS4) Permit ALS000001, issued by the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM).
The Storm Water Management Department implements these requirements through the following areas:
Engineering
The Engineering staff conducts water quality testing and monitoring following requirements and protocols outlined in state and federal regulations. The staff also performs water quality data collection, data interpretation, construction site stormwater plans review, and complaint investigations.
Public Education
The Public Education staff is responsible for informing Jefferson County residents about stormwater impacts, teaching them how to reduce stormwater pollution, and encouraging the adoption of behaviors which will improve water quality in waterways. The Public Education program utilizes community outreach and participation, events, workshops, presentations, creative posters and other materials, point-of-sale messaging, and online tools including a website, blog and quarterly e-newsletter to accomplish program elements.
Administration/Permitting
The Administration/Permitting staff issues land disturbing activity permits for construction projects within unincorporated areas of the county to comply with state and federal regulations. The staff also maintains databases and other records associated with permitted land disturbing activities.
Enforcement
The Storm Water Management Department utilizes the Jefferson County Department of Inspection Services to conduct inspections of construction sites and investigate construction site complaints within unincorporated Jefferson County.