Who requires the City to treat storm water?

The Federal Clean Water Act and Minnesota Environmental Protection Agency. These agencies require Bemidji to meet water quality standards to protect public health. The actions required include reducing the amount of pollution that ends up in our drinking water and other water resources. The City must obtain a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit as well as a state MS4 permit to discharge storm water into waterways. Minimum requirements to maintain the permit include:
    1. Conduct public education and outreach
    2. Public participation and involvement
    3. Detect and eliminate illicit discharges
    4. Control construction site storm water runoff
    5. Control post-construction runoff
    6. Pollution prevention/Housekeeping for municipal operations