Stormwater

The City of Grand Junction Stormwater Program includes the operation and maintenance of the stormwater drainage system infrastructure consisting of ditches, gutters, storm drain inlets, manholes, and underground pipe in the city-wide storm drainage system. The City is also required to comply with State mandated regulations for stormwater quality requirements. It is our commitment to fulfill our stormwater customers' needs while complying with stormwater quality regulations and meeting operation and maintenance obligations.

Stormwater Pollution Prevention Guidance

This section contains documents that provide guidance for operators who perform specific activities known to contribute to stormwater pollution. Documents created by the State and the City of Grand Junction provide guidance when performing these activities so the operator is compliant with stormwater regulations.

Stormwater Quality

In the latter part of the 20th century, pollution had become so prevalent in our streams, rivers, and lakes, Congress amended the Clean Water Act requiring the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to address stormwater runoff. As a result, the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) was developed. 

In 1990 Phase I of the program was implemented to address water pollution and focused on stormwater discharges from industrial sources and larger municipal separate storm sewer systems, or MS4s. By the turn of the century, with stormwater pollution continuing to be a problem, Phase II of the program was developed and implemented with the focus being on smaller MS4s and construction sites disturbing one or more acres. In Colorado, the Phase II rule is administered by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. Compliance with the NPDES Phase II rule became a requirement for Grand Valley MS4's, including the City of Grand Junction, in March of 2003.

NPDES Permit Coverage

EPA's Phase II rule specifies that MS4's must apply for NPDES permit coverage. To obtain this coverage, an MS4 operator must develop, implement, and enforce a stormwater management program that is designed to reduce the discharge of pollutants to the maximum extent practicable, protect water quality, and satisfy the applicable water quality requirements of the Clean Water Act. EPA's Storm Water Phase II Final Rule states that this stormwater management program must include the following six minimum control measures :

  • Construction site stormwater runoff control
  • Illicit discharge detection and elimination (IDDE)
  • Pollution prevention and good housekeeping for municipal operations
  • Post-construction stormwater management in new development and redevelopment
  • Public education and outreach on stormwater impact
  • Public involvement and participation

As part of their applications for permit coverage, MS4 operators must identify the best management practices they will use to comply with each of the six minimum control measures and the measurable goals they have set for each measure.

System Maintenance

The City of Grand Junction has over 3000 storm drain inlets and over 100 miles of drainage pipe to convey stormwater runoff from its urbanized areas. The Street Systems stormwater crew is responsible for inspecting, maintenance, and repair of the stormwater system. This includes cleaning plugged drainage structures and drainage pipes, removing debris from storm drain inlets, and repairing or replacing defective drainage structures or pipes.

In some non-curb and gutter areas, irrigation ditches are used to convey stormwater runoff. The City is responsible for maintaining a non-pressurized irrigation pipe larger than 6 inches located under the street.

Indian Wash & Leach Creek

Indian Wash and Leach Creek are two major natural drainage channels that flow through the City. A portion of the City's storm system drains into these channels. The City performs limited maintenance to help prevent the obstruction of storm flows. This includes the removal of trees, brush, trash, or other debris that threaten to obstruct the flow of stormwater.

Resources

  • To report a plugged storm drain, call Chris Spears, Street Supervisor, at 970-244-1584.
  • To report pollution entering our drainage channels or storm drainage system, call the Stormwater Hotline at 970-263-8201 (After hours dial 911).
  • To report a hazardous waste discharge, flooding, or other emergencies, please dial 911.