Stormwater Management

Goals

Slow down water flow

Lessen soil erosion

Encourage runoff's infiltration into the ground

Reduce the amount of stormwater that reaches the river, lakes and streams

Keep pesticides, oil and other pollutants off the ground where they can be washed away

Responsibilities

Repair and maintain the City's storm sewer system to assure stormwater drainage

Comply with Federal and State Regulatory standards

Improve stormwater runoff quality

Protect the bodies of water receiving the City's stormwater runoff

Retention basins

Storm sewer mains and culverts

Catch basins/ inlets

Storm sewer manholes

Pammel Creek

WDNR Permit under the Wisconsin Pollution Discharge Elimination System

Every year, the City is required to submit a report on the status of our Storm Water Management Program implementation called the MS4 Permit.  The City of La Crosse has applied and been granted the NR216 WPDES Storm Water Permit.

This permit regulates the discharges from the City of La Crosse to the local watersheds, such as the Mississippi River, from the City's storm sewer system that may consist of runoff from rain events or snow melt and fluids from spills or illicit connections. The permit requirements are intended to restore and maintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the waters of the state through management and treatment of urban stormwater runoff.

Questions

Residents, businesses, contractors, and developers are encouraged to email utilities@cityoflacrosse.org with any questions, or to provide input on the City's Storm Water Management Program or Annual Report.

Illegal stormwater connections and illicit discharges to the stormwater system are prohibited. This includes discharging into open channels and streams, as well as to storm sewers.

Prohibited Activities Include:

• Directly discharging anything that is not composed entirely of storm water into the storm sewer conveyance system or into local waterways.
• Connecting any structure that carries anything other than storm water to the stormwater conveyance system or local waterways.

Prohibited Discharges Include:

• No person shall discharge or cause to be discharged to any storm sewer, catch basin, or to surfaces that drain to storm sewer any substance other than stormwater, noncontact cooling water, or other clean water. Specifically, prohibited discharges include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Water containing soap, detergents, solvents, or other cleaning compounds, or mop water or other water contaminated by use for cleaning from industrial, commercial or business operations or activities.
• Oil, grease, food materials, human or animal bodily wastes, paint, or water containing these substances.
• Any combustible liquid.
• Grass, leaves, or other organic materials.
• Any other contaminant that is harmful to the storm sewer system or persons working on or in the storm sewer system, or the natural aquatic environment.

What is the Stormwater Conveyance System?

The storm sewer conveyance system is more than just storm drains. It includes roads, storm sewers, gutters, curbs, inlets, piped storm drains, pumping facilities, retention ponds, swales, stormwater channels, ditches, streams, rivers, lakes and any natural or any human-made channels that carry stormwater runoff.

Check the City of La Crosse Refuse and Recycling webpage for proper disposal of hazardous materials.

Collection & Disposal Information

Stormwater runoff is rainwater or snowmelt that does not soak into the ground, but runs off land surfaces such as lawns, roofs, parking lots and roads and flows into the stormwater conveyance system to be delivered directly to rivers, lakes and streams.

Why Can Stormwater Runoff Be a Problem?

Stormwater runoff can cause two types of problems: it can be a source of water pollution and it can also cause flooding.

How Does Stormwater Become Polluted?

Rainwater, or stormwater, starts out as clean water.  When rainwater or snow melt flows over the land surface, it can pick up anything on the ground surface, such as cigarette butts, litter, pet waste, oil, fertilizers and other chemicals, soil and other pollutants, that are then carried thru the stormwater conveyance system and discharged into the local water ways untreated.  This of course then causes harm to the environment. People going about their daily activities are the number one source of stormwater pollution.  Many of us are not aware of how we impact water quality.  Some common examples include over fertilizing our lawns, not picking up pet waste, not fixing oil leaks in our vehicles, and littering.

How Can Stormwater Runoff Contribute to Flooding?

Stormwater runoff can also contribute to flooding. Impervious surfaces like driveways, sidewalks, and streets prevent stormwater runoff from naturally soaking into the ground. As more and more areas become developed, more land surface becomes impervious as it is compacted or covered with streets, driveways, rooftops, parking lots etc. Increased impervious cover decreases the amount of rainfall that can naturally infiltrate into the soil and increases the volume and rate of storm water runoff. These changes lead to more frequent and severe flooding of waterways.

Where Does Stormwater Go?

Stormwater runs off the land and either flows directly into nearby rivers, lakes or streams, or travels there through a stormwater conveyance systems, which includes things such as curbs and gutters, inlets, storm sewers, ditches, detention ponds and channels. Anything that enters the stormwater system is discharged untreated into the lakes, streams, rivers or wetlands that we use for swimming, fishing and providing drinking water.

Hazardous Waste

• Dispose of household hazardous waste at designated sites.
• Household Paints
• Brushes used with water-based (latex) paint should be rinsed in the sink. If you have a small amount of paint left in the can, put some absorbent material in the can, and let the paint dry out completely, then put it in the trash. Some paints and solvents contain harmful chemicals and are a threat to aquatic life if they are allowed into the storm sewer system.

Tip: Save and reuse paint thinner and turpentine whenever you can. Leftover paint and paint thinner can be taken to the La Crosse County Hazardous Materials Office for disposal.

Household Waste

Almost every household product that is typically kept out of reach of children is hazardous. Never pour these products down the storm drain because they can be toxic to the environment. Some common household hazardous products include: air freshener, bleach, drain cleaners, furniture polish, hand cleaners, linoleum floor cleaners, metal polishes, toilet boil cleaners and window cleaners. For information on how to dispose of these materials, visit the La Crosse County Hazardous Materials webpage.

Pet Waste

Pick up and dispose of pet waste by placing it in a plastic bag and putting it in the garbage or pick it up with a scooper and flush it down the toilet. When pet waste is left on the ground, harmful bacteria can be carried away by storm water to contaminate our rivers, lakes and streams.

Downspouts

• Direct downspouts to your lawn

Automobile Care

• Keep your car tuned and repair leaks immediately.
• Inspect and maintain your car to keep oil, antifreeze, and other fluids from leaking. Some garages and gas stations will accept used motor oil and antifreeze for recycling but may charge a fee.
• Repair autos on the lawn or in area where used oil and other contaminants will not get into the street.
• Always use a drip pan when performing oil changes outdoors. If you spill motor oil or other fluids, don't hose the spill into the gutter or ditch. Instead, spread kitty litter or oil dry to absorb the spill, then sweep it up and dispose of properly. NEVER dump motor oil, antifreeze, or any other chemicals down the storm drain or in the street. One quart of oil can contaminate 250,000 gallons of water!
• Wash your car on the lawn or at the car wash. When washing your vehicle at home, wash it in the grass to avoid the drainage of cleaners and chemicals into the gutters and storm drains. If water is getting to the street, look for biodegradable soap that is safe for fish and plants.

New Construction

• Provide for adequate construction site erosion control

Rain Barrels

• Install a rain barrel or container to collect and store rainwater from downspouts and rooftops for future use in water lawns and gardens. Generally, a rain barrel is made using a 55-gallon plastic or wooden drum, vinyl garden hose, PVC couplings, a spigot and screen grate to remove debris and keep insects out. Check out information on the La Crosse Utilities Stormwater Credit Policy to see how installing rain barrels may not only help protect our environment but save you on your Stormwater Fees.
• During the summer months, it is estimated that nearly 40% of household water is used for lawn and garden maintenance. With rain barrels collecting rainwater and storing it for those times you need it most - during the hot and dry summer months, you can potentially lower water bills and improve the vitality of your flowers, plants, trees and lawn.

Rain Gardens

• A rain garden is a planted depression that allows rainwater runoff from impervious urban areas like roofs, driveways, walkways, and compacted lawn areas the opportunity to be absorbed. This reduces rain runoff by allowing storm water to soak into the ground. Rain gardens can cut down on the amount of pollution reaching rivers, lakes and streams by up to 30%. Check out information on the La Crosse Utilities Stormwater Credit Policy what it entails to install a rain garden and learn how it by doing so, not only helps protect our environment, but can save you on your Stormwater Fees.

You can help fight water pollution with your lawnmower and a broom. As you dust off your lawnmowers for the summer season, please remember these simple things you can do to reduce the algae and chemicals in your favorite waters.

Mow High

• Set your mower at the highest possible setting, usually between 2.5” and 3”. This does two things: first, taller grass plants have healthier roots, which leads to a better, thicker turf that can withstand drought and second, the taller, thicker grass shades out weeds. For your last mowing of the year, lower the mower 0.5” to 0.75” to prevent winter problems.

Let it Lie

• One popular lawn care misconception is that leaving clippings on the lawn after mowing causes thatch buildup. However, the truth is that thatch is caused at the root level, not from grass clippings. Letting grass clippings stay on the lawn will also allow you to skip one fertilizer application.

Sweep it Up

• When mowing, be sure your grass clippings don’t end up in the street or driveway where they can be washed into storm drains. Those phosphorus-rich blades of grass will end up in your local lake or river, feeding the algae. Be sure to sweep up your clippings after you mow.

Mow Sharp

• Sharpen your mower’s blades 2-3 times each year. Dull blades tear the grass rather than cutting it. The torn blades dry out, giving the grass jagged brown or white tips.

Leaves

• It piling leaves on the boulevard for leaf pickup, keep leaf piles several feet away from stormwater inlet grates. That way if it rains while waiting for the leaves to be picked up, it reduces the amount of leaves entering the stormwater system. The other option is to bag your leaves and dispose of them at the La Crosse Yard Waste site.

Landscaping

• When working on a landscaping project, never dump or stockpile dirt or wood chips in the street.

Fertilize after Memorial Day

• Many people fertilize earlier than necessary in the spring. If you wait until around the end of May or the beginning of June, your fertilizer will be more effective for your plants and less likely to runoff. The very best time to fertilize to get good root growth and a stronger lawn is in late fall, after Halloween when the air temperature is below 50 degrees. If you feel your lawn needs an additional application, the third best time to fertilize is in late August.
• No matter the season, before you fertilize, perform a soil fertility test on your lawn to find out what nutrients your lawn really needs. The test results will tell you the proper amounts of phosphorus, nitrogen and potassium recommended for your lawn. Every UW-Extension County Office has bags and instructions for testing your soil. Soil testing typically costs $15 per sample for both lawns and gardens.

Wisconsin Master Gardener 

How Can I Reduce Stormwater Pollution?

On the other side of your lawn lie the rivers, streams and lakes that make our community a beautiful place to live, play, travel and recreate. Even if your house is not lakefront property, what you do in your lawn, as well as the local streets and sidewalks, directly impacts our local waters.

Every time it rains, water that flows off lawns, streets and sidewalks go into the storm drains in the street, which goes directly to the local river, stream or lake without any filtering or de-contaminating. With this rainwater and snow melt, pollutants such as grass clippings, leaves, cigarette butts, pet waste, oil, pesticides and other trash also enter the storm drain and are discharged directly to the Mississippi River and other area bodies of water. These many contaminates deteriorate water quality of our local waterways.

Sediment washing into a lake or stream settles out and begins to fill in the basin. Before settling out, sediments will make the water appear cloudy or murky, which affects the aesthetics of the body of water as well as the survival of fish and various aquatic plants.

When many of the chemicals and substances like grass clippings are delivered to a river, lake or streams by either urban or rural runoff, the growth of algae and aquatic plants in the lake will increase. Algae and aquatic plants are important in providing habitat for fish and wildlife. However, rapid and excessive growth of algae and aquatic plants can deteriorate water quality and can impair recreational enjoyment.

Toxic chemicals such as lead, from gas and auto exhaust, zinc from roof drains and tires, insecticides, herbicides, and other pesticides are carried by stormwater runoff in both urban and rural areas. These materials can affect the "health" of fish and other forms of aquatic life living in rivers, lakes and streams.

We all pay for poorly managed stormwater, as it will cost a community both in dollars and environmental damage. Poorly managed stormwater runoff can cause flooding of lakes, streams, streets, and homes erosion of roadbeds, stream banks, and beaches pollution affecting the quality of lakes, streams, and drinking water. Keeping pollutants out of the stormwater runoff is less expensive than installing stormwater treatment facilities.

Having a clean environment is of primary importance for our health and economy. Clean waterways provide recreation, commercial opportunities, fish habitat, and add beauty to our landscape. All of us benefit from clean water- and all of us have a role in getting and keeping our rivers, lakes, streams and ground water clean.

Tips on Stormwater Pollution Prevention

• Businesses and residences can help prevent pollutants from entering the storm water in many ways. Below is a summary of some of those ways. Consult the resource links on the left side of this page for further details.
• Don't throw cigarette butts or other trash from your car into the street or curb. Dispose of properly in the garbage.
• Wash your car on the lawn or at the car wash
• Pick up and dispose of pet waste by placing it in a bag and putting it in the garbage.
• Reduce fertilizer and weed control use
• Mow your lawn as to keep the grass clippings out of the street and gutter
• Keep leaf piles several feet away from inlet grates
• Never dump or stockpile dirt or wood chips in the street
• Direct downspouts to your lawn
• Keep your car tuned and fix leaks immediately
• Consider installing implementing stormwater retention methods on your property

Report potentially dangerous spills to the La Crosse Utilities Office at (608) 789-7536 during normal business hours, 8 a.m - 4 p.m., or call (608) 789-7330 after 4 p.m. weekdays, on weekends or holidays.

CALL 911 IF THERE IS A THREAT TO HUMAN HEALTH OR SAFETY.

GET CONNECTED!

La Crosse Area Waters is project of the La Crosse Urban Stormwater Group, a collection of ten municipalities working together to advocate for local projects that reduce runoff pollution and preserve the health and beauty of local waterways. Together, we educate our community about these projects, collaborate to facilitate more action, and recognize people who are making a difference in their own backyard!

There are two important aspects of storm water . . . Quantity and Quality. The Storm Water Department strives to maintain the City's system to provide adequate levels of flood protection and pollution prevention efforts.

Quantity

The City of La Crosse has two separate drainage or conveyance systems . . . Stormwater and Wastewater. The stormwater conveyance system is a system of sidewalks, streets, curb & gutter, underground pipes and culverts, which channel rainfall runoff untreated directly to the Mississippi River and other local waterways. The Wastewater system is a network of underground pipes to transport wastewater to the wastewater treatment plant.

Rainfall runoff is collected from adjacent properties by having the curb and gutter, as well as the streets, collect the runoff and carries it to curb inlets. The inlets are connected to an underground pipe system which channels the runoff to the major ditches.

The system, whether it be sidewalks, streets, or pipes, is designed to accommodate the runoff from a storm of a specific intensity (how fast the rain falls) and duration (how long the storm lasts). If a storm event exceeds the design parameters, the excess runoff cannot be accommodated by the system and in the street, itself causing localized street flooding. Once the event has passed, the water is carried off through the system in a relatively short time.

Quality

Stormwater is untreated and drains directly into storm sewer conveyance system and ultimately to the Mississippi River and other local waterways. The system serves to carry rainwater off urban streets, parking lots, construction sites, neighborhoods, and agricultural lands. As the water runs off these surfaces, various pollutants including oils, dirt's, pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers are carried into the drainage system and into area streams and bays.

In 2011, the City received a permit from the EPA to drain storm water into the Mississippi River. The permit was a negotiated management plan to control the discharge of pollutants into storm water runoff. Several pollution prevention inspection, monitoring, and educational programs are ongoing.