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Stormwater official outlines MS4 updates; city at about 17.3% TSS reduction, aims for 20%
Summary
Claire presented the city’s MS4 report and follow‑up items from a December 2024 audit, listing recent inspections, illicit‑discharge responses and a proposed 2027–2030 outreach contract with La Crosse Area Waters to help meet a 20% TSS reduction target.
Claire, presenting the stormwater utility’s spring update, told the board the city submitted its MS4 report to the Wisconsin DNR and has completed a number of permit‑related improvements following a December 2024 audit.
Claire said staff updated the stormwater management plan into a single master document, improved mapping to mark satellite leaf collection sites and permitted industries that pose potential spill risks, and updated stormwater pollution prevention plans for four city facilities (the wastewater treatment plant, MSC, the airport, and the Myrick water utility garage).
She provided program metrics for the prior year: 458 catch basins cleaned; 5,382 tons of material collected and disposed of via street sweeping; 391 BMPs inspected with maintenance needed and completed on 39 of them; eight illicit discharges reported and followed up; eight construction projects completed; and 30 new green infrastructure BMP approvals. Claire said the city is at about 17.3% total suspended solids (TSS) reduction and expects to earn additional credits once two large dry detention basins from the wastewater treatment plant upgrade are finalized. The utility aims to meet a 20% TSS reduction requirement.
Claire also noted a pending city contract for education and outreach likely to come before the board for the 2027–2030 period with La Crosse Area Waters, which helps the city meet permit outreach obligations. She said program activities include street sweeping, leaf collection, green‑infrastructure maintenance and public education.
Director Turey and other board members asked about coordination with planning, parks and the climate action plan; Claire described cross‑department work with the sewer utility, parks, street department and La Crosse Area Waters. Council President Dickinson asked for examples of residential illicit discharges; Claire cited a homeowner draining an in‑ground pool (chlorine) into a storm drain as a past incident and said staff follows up on such reports.
Claire provided contact information and invited follow‑up questions.
