Stormwater Management
Stormwater originates from rain, melting snow, or other outdoor activities (car washing, watering lawn, etc.). Water that cannot soak into the ground is directed through a system of pipes, ditches, and/or detention ponds before it enters Flint Creek. The Village regulates stormwater activities to help minimize flooding and water quality issues.
Stormwater Management Regulations
The Village of Barrington adopted the Lake County Watershed Development Ordinance and enforces those regulations throughout the entire Village. Any development within the Village of Barrington corporate limits must meet these requirements.
FEMA Floodplain Information
The Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA) regulates floodplain information and requirements. The FEMA floodplain maps are available for viewing at the FEMA Website. The maps can be viewed, printed or purchased on this site. It is a common occurrence for a real estate agent to confirm that a property is out of the floodplain or floodway prior to the sale of a property.
Addressing Drainage Problems Around Your Home
The most common storm water issues on residential lots usually involve poor drainage. Over time certain areas on a lot will experience slight changes in elevation or the ground will sink or expand based on environmental conditions. There are many ways to improve drainage such as minor regrading, installation of drain tiles, installing rain gardens and/or bioswales, etc. This type of work does require a permit. Please contact the Development Services Department for additional information.
Additional Stormwater Management Resources
Storm Water Permit for Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4)
Phase I of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Storm Water program began in 1990 and required medium and large municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4s) to obtain NPDES coverage. The intent of this permit program is to address water pollution by regulating point sources that discharge pollutants to waters of the United States. The expanded Phase II program began in March 2003 and required small MS4s in urbanized areas to obtain NPDES permits. In coordination with Lake County, the Village maintains a General Stormwater Permit (ILR40) with the Illinois EPA for discharges into Water of the State from our Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System. The MS4 permit requires the Village to develop a stormwater management program using best management practices (BMPs) and measurable goals for six (6) minimum control measures:
1
Public education and outreach on storm water impacts
2
Public involvement and participation
3
Illicit discharge detection and elimination
4
Construction site storm water runoff control
5
Post construction storm water management in new development and redevelopment
6
Pollution prevent/good housekeeping for municipal operations
The Village’s permits and reports can be found in the links below: