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Glens Falls board considers joining regional MS4 permit coalition to share stormwater obligations
Summary
Board discussed joining a multi-community approach for the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit, exploring cost-sharing with neighboring jurisdictions and Warren County soil-and-water staff; members expect a proposed fee from the coalition before deciding.
City of Glens Falls Water & Sewer Board members discussed on Oct. 6 a plan to join a regional coalition to manage the MS4 (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System) permitting work required for communities with separate storm-drain systems.
Board members said the coalition would centralize the technical and reporting work required by the MS4 permit and that nearby jurisdictions already use the same contractor. Town staff reported they had approached Martin County (as recorded in the meeting) to obtain a cost estimate; officials expect a reduced fee because the contractor already performs outfall sampling and reservoir monitoring for nearby municipalities.
Why it matters
Communities holding MS4 permits must develop and maintain stormwater management programs, monitor outfalls, and file periodic reporting. Board members said pooling resources with neighboring jurisdictions and Warren County soil-and-water could reduce duplication and cost, and would leverage existing sampling and GIS work the county contractor already provides.
Discussion details
Board members said the city already performs some sampling and outfall work and that the county contractor (identified in the meeting as Mick Rowell’s firm) has experience with Lake George and other nearby communities. The board discussed but did not yet approve any contract; members said they will wait for a cost proposal from the county contractor and bring that figure back for final approval.
Related outreach
The meeting opened with a short public-education summary reminding residents to avoid spilling vehicle fluids and to limit pesticides and fertilizer use so storm drains do not carry pollutants to receiving waters. Board members linked that outreach to MS4 public-education requirements.
Next steps
Staff will report the proposed fee and scope for the coalition’s services to the board when it becomes available. No contract was signed at the Oct. 6 meeting.
