Background
The protection of our local waterways began when the United States Congress passed the Federal Clean Water Act. This legislation established the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program in 1972. The emphasis of this legislation was to protect our local waterways from sanitary sewer discharges. In 1987 an amendment to the Clean Water Act required municipalities to obtain NPDES permits for stormwater discharges into the storm drain system. Shortly thereafter, in 1990, the County of Orange along with the County Flood Control District, and all of the incorporated Orange County cities received a regional NPDES permit. These permits are valid for a five year permit. Since the adoption of the initial permit, subsequent permits have been renewed in 1996, 2002, and 2009. The City of Villa Park, and the watersheds that it lies within, are located in the region that is governed by the Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Board. Cities in northern and central Orange County are also included in the Santa Ana Region.

City of Villa Park's Program
The City of Villa Park has developed an NPDES Stormwater Permit program that is implemented via the formally adopted Local Implementation Plan (LIP). The LIP describes the activities the City performs to comply with the permit requirements. This includes water quality public education programs, maintenance of the municipal storm drain system, enforcement of illegal discharges from residential, commercial, and industrial properties, and the incorporation of design criteria containing water quality protection measures into all new development and redevelopment projects that occur within the City.

New Development / Significant Redevelopment Project
Under the current NPDES permit, all new development and redevelopment projects must incorporate design and construction measures that are intended to minimize the potential of pollutant laden runoff from flowing development projects. This includes both private and public construction projects. These measures are included in a document known as a Water Quality Management Plan (WQMP). To learn more about the Water Quality Management Plan (WQMP) requirements please scroll down and click on the links below:

Water Quality Management Plan Tools: (Word or PDF formats)

WQMP Informational Bulletin Word PDF

WQMP Template Word PDF

WQMP Preparation Manual Word PDF

WQMP Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Plan Word PDF

WQMP Checklist Word PDF

What are Best Management Practices (BMP's)?
All new development or significant redevelopment projects must incorporate best management practices (BMP's) into the design of projects. The focus of the BMP's is to prevent and manage the quality of stormwater and urban runoff after construction is completed. For purposes of a Project WQMP, there are three types of BMP's:

BROCHURES FOR RESIDENTS

The Orange County Stormwater program has developed brochures for many common household activities that can impact the environmental health of our waterways.

For example, did you know that copper from the brake dust on cars are one of the most significant pollutants of concern found in our waterways? Simply picking up after your dog on walks can help keep protect our creeks, rivers, bays and ocean. What are some of the things you do around the house? Whether its painting, gardening, or changing your car’s oil, make sure you do it in a “Stormwater Safe” way.