SPEEDWAY STORM WATER LINKS
Storm Water Management Board

Storm Water Quality Management Plan

SPEEDWAY STORM WATER PROJECTS
Dry Run Ditch

What is storm water runoff?

Storm water runoff occurs when precipitation or snowmelt flows over the ground. Impervious surfaces like driveways, sidewalks, and streets prevent storm water from naturally soaking into the ground. Storm water can pick up debris, chemicals, dirt, animal waste, and other pollutants and flow into a storm sewer system or directly to a lake, stream, or river. Anything that enters a storm sewer system is discharged untreated into the water bodies we use for swimming, fishing, and providing drinking water. Storm water pollution is one of Indiana’s greatest threats to clean water.

Storm Water Rule.

In 1999 the Environmental Protection Agency passed the Storm Water Phase II Final Rule. The purpose of this rule is to establish requirements for storm water discharges from municipal storm water systems so that public health and the water environment are protected. Under this rule the Town was required to apply for a Storm Water general permit through the Indiana Department of Environmental Management. Speedway received their permit on December 30, 2003.

As part of the Phase II Storm Water Program, the Town was required to develop and implement a Storm Water Quality Management Plan (SWQMP). This plan had to include the following control measures:

	Public Education and Outreach
	Public Participation and Involvement
	Illicit Discharge Elimination
	Construction Site Runoff Control
	Post Construction Runoff Control
	Pollution Prevention and Good Housekeeping

The Town of Speedway's SWQMP was approved in January 2005 and we are currently implementing the plan.

What Can You Do To Help!

AS A MEMBER OF THE SPEEDWAY COMMUNITY HERE ARE SOME THINGS YOU CAN DO TO HELP PROTECT OUR WATER.

Lawn Care

Excess fertilizers and pesticides applied to lawns and gardens wash off and pollute rivers and streams. In addition, yard clippings and leaves can wash into storm drains and contribute nutrients and organic matter to streams.

	Don’t over water your lawn. Consider using a soaker hose instead of a sprinkler.
	Use pesticides and fertilizers sparingly. When use is necessary, use these chemicals in the recommended amounts.
	Take advantage of the town’s yard waste program. Don’t leave yard waste in the street or sweep it into a storm drain.
	Dispose of unused lawn care products properly. Don’t pour on the ground or down any drain.

Auto Care

Washing your car and degreasing auto parts at home can send detergents and other contaminants through the storm sewer system. Dumping automotive fluids into storm drains has the same affect as dumping the materials directly into a river or stream.

	Use a commercial car wash or wash your vehicle on your yard so the water infiltrates into the ground.
	Repair leaks and dispose of used auto fluids and batteries at designated drop-off or recycling locations. Clean up leaks and spills in driveways.

Pet Waste

Pet waste can be a major source of bacteria and excess nutrients in local waters.

When walking your pet remember to pick up the waste and dispose of it properly.

Don’t Litter

Paper, plastic containers , cans, cigarette butts, and other kinds of trash are often dumped into drainage ditches or alongside roadways. When carried into our waterways by storm water, this trash can cause oxygen depletion, change habitats for aquatic life, and physically damage fish, birds and other animals. And if that’s not enough, it’s unsightly and disrespectful.

	Simple! Don’t litter. Place trash in the proper receptacles.
	Recycle, recycle, recycle.

Household Chemicals

Most households contain numerous chemicals that can be dangerous if released into the environment, such as: spot remover, furniture polish, deodorizers, drain cleaner, oven cleaner, disinfectants, moth repellents, ammonia, paint and other finishes, thinners and solvents, batteries containing heavy metals and swimming pool chemicals. These chemicals can become pollutants if residues are discarded with garbage, poured down home drains, into storm drains or onto the land surface.

Dispose of properly. Go to our Tox-Drop page for more information.

Get Involved

	Be an active participant in your storm water program.
	Report suspicious activity. Illegal dumping down storm sewers not only harms the environment, but increases the financial burden on the community, which costs you the taxpayer.
	Attend the Storm Water Management Board meetings. This is a good way to stay informed. It's also an opportunity to inform the board of any storm water issues or concerns you may have.

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Page last updated: February 05, 2008