The Franklin County Stormwater Partnership and program was initiated in 2003 to join programs related to drainage management, water quality management and stormwater regulation compliance. The partnership was formed between the County Engineer, Economic Development and Planning, Sanitary Engineer, Board of Health, Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District and 17 townships. More recently, Public Facilities Management, Fleet Management and Mid Ohio Regional Planning Commission have joined the partnership. The County Commissioners are the Permittee with the County Engineer and townships as Co-Permittees, for compliance with the Small MS4 general permit under the Ohio EPA Stormwater regulation program.

Stormwater regulations are authorized out of the Federal Clean Water Act, mandated by the US Environmental Protection Agency and executed by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, Division of Surface Water. The stormwater program is part of a progressive effort to reduce the volume of stormwater and manage pollution captured by stormwater that is conveyed through municipal storm sewers to community streams during storm events. The stormwater program requires urbanized communities to increase community awareness of and involvement in managing stormwater; maintaining accurate records on the location of municipal storm sewers including structures, pipes, and grassed swales; identifying and eliminating illegal discharges into storm sewers and ditches; regulating and inspecting active construction sites and completed developments to ensure compliance with state regulations; and managing stormwater runoff from municipal properties and community roadways.

The program is organized by six minimum control measures as required by the stormwater permit. Under each minimum measure are best management practices as outlined by annual reporting requirements. Planned activities are outlined under each best management practice and have been developed after a review of permit requirements, county and township operations, pollutants of concern and the community environment. These planned activities are intended to meet permit requirements while making the best use of available resources, knowledge and experience of existing agencies, partners and staff.

For more information, visit https://www.franklinswcd.org/franklin-county-stormwater-management-plan

Learn more by downloading the Franklin County and Township’s Stormwater Management Program, 2014 – 2019.