Storm Water Division

Purpose & Measures

The City of Green has partnered with Summit Soil and Water Conservation District, Summit County Engineers Office and 24 other Summit County communities in a group permit to satisfy an Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (Ohio EPA) National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Phase II General Permit. The Summit County Countywide Storm Water Management Program (SWMP) is a program consisting of 6 Control Measures:

• Control Measure 1 - Public Education and Outreach
• Control Measure 2 - Public Involvement and Participation
• Control Measure 3 - Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination
• Control Measure 4 - Construction Site Storm Water Runoff Control
• Control Measure 5 - Post-Construction Storm Water Management in New Development and Redevelopment
• Control Measure 6 - Pollution Prevention/Good Housekeeping for Municipal Operations

Storm Water Quality Importance

When it rains the storm water washes over lawns and pavements into storm sewers or ditches then eventually ends up in our streams, lakes or wetlands. Along the way, the storm water picks up excess fertilizers, pesticides, animal waste, oils, and other pollutants. In the City of Green, most of the water in our streams flows to either the Portage Lakes (which includes the Nimisila Reservoir) or the Tuscarawas River. The Portage Lakes and the Tuscarawas River are important recreational attractions in Northeast Ohio. Many people use these waters to fish, boat and swim so the water quality is vital to maintaining these regional assets.

City Actions

Storm water quality is one of the many aspects of the City's Living Green movement. Here are some programs the City has:

• Active construction sites can cause soil erosion and send sedimentation into the storm sewer system. In order to reduce or prevent this erosion and sedimentation, the City adopted erosion and sediment control measures for construction sites. Ordinance Number 2012-23 (PDF)
• Because our streams are important to us, the City adopted the Riparian Corridor protection ordinance in 2003. Ordinance Number 2012-23 (PDF), this ordinance protects the sensitive areas within stream corridors which result in reduced flooding impacts, reduced stream bank erosion, reduced pollutants, and higher quality stream habitats.
• The City has a program for street sweeping and catch basin cleaning. By cleaning streets and catch basins we are reducing pollutants that end up in our streams, ponds, and lakes.
• Did you know Green Local Schools has an educational wetland? The Growing Green Wetland is located on Steese Road, directly in front of the Green Middle School campus. Constructed during the summer of 2013, the wetland is in its 6th year of being a living, breathing classroom for the Green community.
• In an effort to locate non-point source pollution and in partnership with the Summit County Health Department, the City adopted regulations for illicit discharges into the City's storm sewer system. Ordinance Number 2012-23 (PDF)
• The Storm Water Initiatives Committee was established to develop innovative and effective storm water management - both quality and quantity.

Together these policies and projects help to control storm water quality and quantity throughout the city of Green.

What You Can Do

Did you know we've partnered with Lowe's to sell rain barrels and composters at a discounted rate to Green residents? Check out the Compost/Rain Barrel page and consider installing one at your home.

Call us if you see a storm water quality problem at 330-896-6614. Or the Service Department for flooding problems at 330-896-6607.

• Do not dump chemical solvents, paints, auto fluids, leaves or pet waste into the storm water drains.
• Do you know a troop or organization interested in earning a fun patch? Consider the Storm Water Patch (PDF)
• If you have a septic system, make sure that it is properly maintained.
• Pick up pet waste.