MS-4 Storm Water Certification

Allows the Village to Permit work in the corporate limits, Seawalls Etc.

MS 4 POLLUTANT DISCHARGE ELIMINATION

As storm water flows over driveways, lawns, and side-walks, it picks up debris, chemicals, dirt, and other pollutants. Storm water can flow into a storm sewer system or directly to a lake, stream, river, wetland, or coastal water. Anything that enters a storm sewer system is discharged untreated into the water bodies we use for swimming, fishing, and providing drinking water. Polluted runoff is the nation’s greatest threat to clean water. By practicing healthy household habits, homeowners can keep common pollutants like pesticides, pet waste, grass clippings, and automotive fluids off the ground and out of storm water. Adopt these healthy household habits and help protect lakes, streams, rivers, wetlands, and coastal waters. Remember to share the habits with your neighbors!

Healthy Household Habits for Clean Water: Vehicle and Garage

Use a commercial car wash or wash you car on a lawn or other unpaved surface to minimize the amount of dirty, soapy water flowing into the storm drain and eventually into your local water body.

Check your car, boat, motorcycle, and other machinery and equipment for leaks and spills. Make repairs as soon as possible. Clean up spilled fluids with an absorbent material like kitty litter or sand, and don’t rinse the spills into a nearby storm drain. Remember to properly dispose of the absorbent material.

Recycle used oil and other automotive fluids at participating service station. Don’t dump these chemicals down the storm drain or dispose of them in your trash.

Lawn and Garden

Use pesticides and fertilizers sparingly. When use is necessary, use these chemicals in the recommended amounts. Avoid application if the forecast calls for rain; otherwise, chemicals will be washed into your local stream.

Select native plants and grasses that are drought and pest-resistant. Native plants require less water, fertilizer, and pesticides.

Sweep up yard debris, rather than hosing down areas. Compost or recycle yard waste when possible.

Don’t over water your lawn. Water during the cool times of the day, and don’t let water runoff into the storm drain.

Cover piles of dirt and mulch being used in landscaping projects to prevent these pollutants from blowing or washing off your yard and into local water bodies. Vegetate bare spots in your yard to prevent soil erosion.

Shoreline Alterations: Natural Buffers and Lakescaping

Click here to learn more about implementing shoreline restoration. The Restore Your Shore program will enable you to:
    •    Develop a deeper understanding of shoreland ecosystems.
    •    Learn from other shoreland owners' experiences.
    •    Design, implement and enjoy your own shoreland project

Home Repair and Improvement

• Before beginning an outdoor project, locate the nearest storm drains; protect them from debris and other materials.
• Sweep up and properly dispose of construction debris such as concrete and mortar.
• Use hazardous substances like paints, solvents, and cleaners in the smallest amounts possible, and follow the directions on the label. Clean spills immediately, and dispose of the waste safely. Store substances properly to avoid leaks and spills.
• Purchase and use nontoxic, biodegradable, recycled and recyclable products whenever possible.
• Clean paint brushes in a sink, not outdoors. Filter and reuse paint thinner when using oil-based paints. Properly dispose of excess paints through a household hazardous waste collection program, or donate unused paint to local organizations.
• Reduce the amount of paved area and increase the amount of vegetated area in you yard. Use native plants in your landscaping to reduce the need for watering during dry periods. Consider directing downspouts away from paved surfaces onto lawns and other measures to increase infiltration and reduce polluted runoff.

Pet Care

• When walking your pet, remember to pick up pet waste and dispose of it properly. Flushing is the best disposal method. Leaving pet waste on the ground increases public health risks by allowing harmful bacteria and nutrients to wash into the storm drain and eventually into local water bodies.

Septic System Use and Maintenance

• Have your septic system inspected by a professional at least every 3 years, and have the septic tank pumped as necessary (usually every 3 to 5 years)
• Care for the septic system drain field by not driving or parking vehicles on it. Plant only grass over and near the drain field to avoid damage from roots.
• Flush responsibly. Flushing household chemicals like paint, pesticides, oil and antifreeze can destroy the biological treatment taking place in the system. Other items such as diapers, paper towels, and cat litter, can clog the septic system and potentially damage components.

Where to Recycle

Click here to download the Green Guide for Recycling options in McHenry County.

Storm Water Management Program Plan

The purpose of the Stormwater Management Program Plan (SMPP) is to meet the minimum standards required by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA).The SMPP describes the procedures and practices that can be implemented by the Village of Wonder Lake toward the goal of reducing the discharge of pollutants within stormwater runoff in order to comply with Federal standards. Compliance with the plan is intended to protect water quality thus contributing to cleaner lakes and streams, improved recreational opportunities and tourism, flood damage reduction, better aesthetics and wildlife habitat, and a safer and healthier environment for the citizens.