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Stormwater Program
Stormwater pollution is a major environmental concern, as runoff from rain and snowmelt flows untreated into our waterways, carrying pollutants that can harm ecosystems and water quality. The Town of Clayton is committed to addressing this issue through its Stormwater Program, which operates under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Phase II guidelines. This program focuses on education, pollution prevention, public involvement, and regulatory measures to reduce contaminants in stormwater runoff. By understanding the sources of pollution and implementing best practices such as proper waste disposal, responsible lawn care, and vehicle maintenance, we can all contribute to cleaner water and a healthier environment.
What is the Clean Water Education Program (CWEP)?
The Clean Water Education Program is a cooperative effort between local governments, state agencies, and nonprofit organizations to protect water quality in the Tar-Pamlico, Neuse and Cape Fear River Basins. CWEP aims to protect North Carolina's waterways from stormwater pollution through public education and outreach.
CWEP helps public entities communicate the importance of clean water and how vital it is for healthy ecosystems and a high quality of life for residents.
Learn, Engage and Be Part of the Solution for a Cleaner Future!
Educate yourself through our informative educational videos to uncover the vital role that CWEP plays in preserving water quality and the environment.
Educational Videos:
The Town of Clayton shall include and promote volunteer opportunities designed to promote ongoing citizen participation. The town shall also provide involvement that provides for input on stormwater issues and the stormwater program.
If you have any ideas, please email us and your idea may be used for an event.
The Town of Clayton works to protect local waterways by identifying and eliminating illicit discharges into the stormwater system. Through regulations and enforcement, we prohibit unauthorized discharges and manage illegal dumping. Our updated storm sewer map tracks major outfalls and their impact on U.S. waterways. The community can help by properly disposing of waste, reporting illegal dumping, and keeping storm drains clear to ensure clean water for future generations.
Definition
Federal regulations define an illicit discharge as “...any discharge to an MS4 that is not composed entirely of stormwater...”
Examples of Illicit Discharges:
- Paint Spills
- Soapy Wash Water
- Gasoline or Oil Spills
- Sewage
- Grease
- Sediment
- Yard Waste
Report on an Illicit Discharge
Fill out our Report a Stormwater Concern Form.
Please have the following information ready when you fill out the form:
- Your name and contact information
- Location of the incident
- Date and time you witnessed the incident
- What materials were involved
To protect water quality and prevent pollution, the Town of Clayton regulates land-disturbing activities that may cause accelerated erosion and sedimentation. These controls aim to prevent damage to lakes, watercourses, and both public and private property by sedimentation.
Applicability
These regulations apply to all land-disturbing activities within the town’s jurisdiction and, where permitted, within the extraterritorial jurisdiction as agreed upon by local governments or through applicable legal frameworks. A plan is required for any land-disturbing activity that will disturb more than one acre of land.
Erosion Control Standards
All erosion and sedimentation control measures, structures, and devices must be designed to handle runoff from a ten-year storm, the maximum peak rate of runoff as calculated according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service "National Engineering Field Handbook 630."
Examples of Erosion Control Measures:
- Skimmer Sediment Basins
- Silt Fence
- Temporary Diversion Ditch
- Construction Entrance
- Concrete Washout
Learn More
For more information about the Town of Clayton’s Construction Site Runoff Controls, refer to [Section 6.14 of the Town’s Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) (PDF).]
To explore planning and design for erosion control, visit the NC DEQ Erosion and Sediment Control Planning and Design Manual.
The Town of Clayton aims to protect public health, safety, and the environment by managing stormwater runoff from new development and redevelopment. This includes controlling nitrogen, phosphorus, and total suspended solids, while addressing both nonpoint and point source pollution. Effective stormwater management in Clayton helps reduce property damage, protect public health, and preserve water resources.
Neuse River Estuary Management Rules
The Town of Clayton is subject to the Neuse River Estuary Management rules, which require that nitrogen and phosphorus loads from new development must not exceed 3.6 pounds per acre per year for nitrogen.
Stormwater Control Measures (SCMs)
All stormwater control measures used to meet these requirements must be designed to achieve a minimum of 85% average annual removal for Total Suspended Solids (TSS).
SCMs are engineered systems designed to capture and treat runoff using various pollutant removal methods. The selection of the appropriate SCM for each site is a critical part of the design process. While each SCM has its strengths and weaknesses, they can be highly effective when designed and situated correctly.
Pollutant Removal Mechanisms:
- Infiltration
- Sedimentation
- Filtration
For more information about Post-Construction Runoff Controls, please refer to [Section 6.15 of the Town’s Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) (PDF)].
The Town of Clayton is committed to implementing an effective operation and maintenance program aimed at preventing and reducing pollutant runoff from municipal operations. This program includes a comprehensive training component to ensure that town employees are equipped with the knowledge and tools needed to manage stormwater impacts associated with various municipal activities.
Employee Training and Responsibilities
Town employees are regularly trained to prevent and minimize stormwater pollution resulting from activities such as:
- Park and Open Space Maintenance: Ensuring that landscaping, groundskeeping, and facility upkeep practices do not contribute to runoff pollution.
- Fleet and Building Maintenance: Properly maintaining town vehicles and buildings to prevent pollutants like oil, chemicals, and debris from entering the stormwater system.
- New Construction and Land Disturbances: Adhering to best management practices (BMPs) during construction and land-disturbing activities to control sedimentation and pollutant runoff.
- Stormwater System Maintenance: Ensuring that stormwater infrastructure, including drains and pipes, is properly maintained to prevent blockages, flooding, and water contamination.
Program Impact
By training municipal employees across various departments, the Town of Clayton strives to significantly reduce stormwater pollution from municipal operations. This proactive approach helps protect water quality, safeguard public health, and preserve the local environment.
The Town of Clayton has established a Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance to safeguard public health, safety, and property by reducing the risks associated with flooding. Under North Carolina General Statutes (Part 6, Article 21 of Chapter 143; Article 6 of Chapter 153A; Article 8 of Chapter 160A; and Articles 7, 9, and 11 of Chapter 160D), local governments are authorized to adopt regulations that protect residents and infrastructure from flood-related hazards.
Why Floodplain Management is Necessary
The flood-prone areas within the Town of Clayton are subject to periodic inundation, which can lead to:
- Loss of life, property damage, and health hazards
- Disruptions to commerce and government services
- High public expenditures for flood protection and relief
- A weakened tax base due to property damage and devaluation
These issues stem from obstructions in floodplains that increase flood heights and velocities, as well as the development of flood-prone areas without adequate safeguards.
Objectives of the Flood Protection Overlay District
The Flood Protection Overlay District establishes regulations to:
- Protect human life, health, and safety by reducing flood risks.
- Minimize public expenses on costly flood control projects.
- Reduce the need for emergency rescue and disaster relief efforts.
- Prevent prolonged business disruptions and financial losses.
- Limit damage to public utilities and infrastructure (water, gas, electric, sewer, roads, and bridges).
- Preserve private and public property by enforcing responsible land use.
- Ensure community eligibility for flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
- Maintain the natural functions of floodplains for environmental sustainability.
- Support a stable tax base by guiding safe development in flood-prone areas.
- Provide transparency for property buyers by identifying Special Flood Hazard Areas.
Flood Insurance and Mapping
To remain compliant with the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and ensure residents have access to federally backed flood insurance, the Town of Clayton staff proposed an Amendment (PDF) to the Town's Code of Ordinances to adopt the updated Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) in June 2018. Property owners can view updated flood risk information through the NC Flood Mapping Program’s Flood Risk Information System (FRIS).
Additionally, Johnston County’s GIS website allows property owners to identify FEMA-designated Special Flood Hazard Areas and assess their flood risks.
More Information and Resources
For further details on floodplain management, regulations, and insurance options, visit the following resources or contact the Town of Clayton Floodplain Administrator at 919-553-5002:
Learn About Stormwater:
As the Town of Clayton experiences population growth, accompanied by expanded development encompassing residential areas, commercial establishments, pathways and parking lots, the cumulative impact results in an increase in impervious surfaces. In the absence of an alternative route, stormwater traverses these surfaces, becoming a carrier of these diverse pollutants. These pollutants are subsequently funneled directly into our streams and rivers. The ramifications of this extend beyond our immediate environment, potentially affecting wildlife not only within our local streams but also inhabiting larger river systems and even reaching the Atlantic Ocean.
What is Stormwater?
Stormwater comprises various forms of water runoff, including rainfall and irrigation from sources like lawn sprinklers. In the context of the Town of Clayton, it ultimately finds its way into the Neuse River and its associated tributaries.
Identifying Common Pollutants and Their Sources:
Numerous pollutants can enter our waterways, originating from various sources. These pollutants include:
- Sediment: Often caused by improper bank maintenance or lack of vegetation
- Nitrogen: Primarily derived from animal waste and fertilizer usage
- Phosphorus: Frequently associated with household products
- Oil: Typically generated by vehicles and machinery
Distinguishing Various Stormwater Infrastructure Types:
- Bioretention Pond: A recessed area in the ground, with or without vegetation, designed for stormwater management.
- Wetland: Resembles a bioretention pond but features a permanent pool. Both wetlands and bioretention ponds should be adorned with native plantings and regularly maintained to prevent the proliferation of invasive cattails, which provide favorable breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
- Wet Pond: Shares similarities with a wetland but has reduced retention requirements.
- Permeable Pavement: Exhibits various forms designed to facilitate the infiltration of stormwater.
- Green Roof: Encompasses rooftop vegetation that can absorb rainfall, thereby reducing the volume of stormwater runoff.