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Stormwater runoff, a critical pollutant carrier, generally discharges into Indian River Lagoon. These pollutants consist of oil, heavy metals, pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers originating from lawns and vehicles. The quality of our environment and the recreation value of the Lagoon have decreased over the years and has resulted in federal and state government regulations to reduce and possibly eliminate some of the adverse environmental impacts of pollutants in our daily lives.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has delegated responsibility to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to implement the National Pollutant Discharge and Elimination System (NPDES) of the Clean Water Act. The NPDES will regulate local point source and non-point source discharges of stormwater runoff into surface water. All municipalities and counties must obtain a NPDES permit from DEP on or before 2004, and develop/implement a stormwater management program that includes the best management practices (BMP’s) with measurable goals for the six minimum control measures (listed below). The Town of Melbourne Beach currently has an active stormwater management program with restrictive rules on development runoff control and pollution prevention. The Town also provides a stormwater management
system funded through its existing stormwater utility fees.
The Water Quality Sampling Database is designed to allow you to search for information by watershed, county and water body and to determine levels of dissolved oxygen, pH and chemicals in the water’s makeup. This site is updated as information is gathered in the field and can be found at http://www.sjrwmd.com/wav/
Through Environmentally Friendly Landscaping and Lawncare
Best Management Practices (BMP’s) under the NPDES Permit
1. Public Education and Outreach
2. Public Participation / Involvement
3. Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination-
4. Construction Site Runoff Control
5. Post-Construction Runoff Control
6. Pollution Prevention / Good Housekeeping
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