Stormwater

According to the EPA, stormwater pollution is the number one cause of water pollution in the country. Caring for a stream means caring for the land or watershed that drains to it. Pollution prevention is key.

Stormwater runoff is a product of rain or snowmelt that flows over land or impervious (not absorbent) surfaces, such as paved streets, sidewalks and rooftops and does not soak into the ground. This runoff flows directly from storm sewers into the creeks and Poudre River without treatment by a water reclamation facility. 

Pollutants can be washed from streets, lawns, roofs and even out of the air by rainfall, eventually ending up in wetlands, streams and lakes. Hazardous chemicals, automotive products, pesticides, fertilizers, pet wastes, excessive soil erosion and air pollution all contribute to water pollution.

To minimize pollutants transported by stormwater runoff into the storm sewer system and downstream receiving waters, the City implements programs in accordance with its Colorado Discharge Permit System.

To help protect the Poudre river and other local water bodies, the City implements programs required by its Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit. The MS4 Program Description Document (PDD) is available for review and comment by emailing MS4 Permit Inquiries.

What is the Downtown Stormwater Improvement Plan (DSIP)?

Downtown Fort Collins is at risk for flooding, and pollution from urban stormwater runoff from downtown can impact the Cache la Poudre River. The need to address flooding and stormwater quality issues in the downtown area (Old Town Basin) has been identified since the early 1990s. The DSIP will address the five major stormwater projects remaining in the downtown area.

Why is the need so great Downtown?

Urban flooding and pollution from runoff are problems nationally for cities with old downtowns that were built with insufficient infrastructure for stormwater runoff. The downtown area of Fort Collins is more at risk for flooding than many areas developed after the 1980s when design standards were implemented and will continue to be at risk until the remaining improvements are constructed. 

Challenges in Downtown Fort Collins include:

• Lack of public space
• High property values
• Distance to the river
• Railroad crossings
• Road crossings
• Parking

Social, environmental and economic impacts are all part of the Downtown flood risk.

The Stream Rehabilitation Program describes projects designed to repair areas of streams where the ecology, safety structure and water quality have changed over time. These sections have been impacted by human use and growth and cannot be completely restored to a state prior to human involvement.

The goals for the Stream Rehabilitation Program goals:

• Address poor aquatic habitat and unstable streams throughout Fort Collins while preserving natural and beneficial functions of floodplains.
• Increase emphasis on stormwater quality and protection of the City's urban watersheds.
• Incorporate the triple bottom line (environment, social, and economic) benefits to the project and overall drainage basin.

Report Emergency Spills or Illegal Dumping by Calling 911

• Emergency spills include hazardous materials, large volumes of contaminants or contaminants that are potentially life-threatening or harmful to the environment. It also includes spills or illegal dumping directly into a storm drain, creek or river. 

For other spills or illegal dumping, call 970-221-6700

Use chemical fertilizers and pesticides sparingly

• Follow directions for fertilizer use and clean up any excess. Sprinklers and rain wash chemicals into nearby storm drains, eventually damaging aquatic life. Even lawn clippings contain pollutants. Leave clippings on the lawn as natural fertilizer or compost them.

Clean up after pets

• Pet waste contains pollutants that can contaminate surface water.

Wash cars at commercial car washes instead of at home in your driveway

• Car washes drain to the treatment plant, while driveways drain to creeks and other surface water.

Prevent dripping and spilling of automotive fluids

• Repair leaks and recycle oil, antifreeze and other fluids.

Properly dispose of household hazardous waste

• Learn about year-round household hazardous waste recycling options. To make it even easier, you can bring antifreeze, batteries, motor oil and paint to the Timberline Recycling Center, 1903 S. Timberline Rd., free of charge.