Note to those dumping into the towns storm drains: from now on, the Department of Public Works is on the lookout for you. This new oversight is part of an ordinance the Town Council unanimously passed Wednesday to improve the quality of New Canaans storm water runoff.
The bill prohibits businesses and residents from dumping pollutants that make their way into storm water runoff, either through their home drains, the towns storm drains or directly into waterways. The law defines pollutants as anything man-made that decreases water quality, including paints, varnishes, automotive fluids, yard waste, trash, pesticides, fertilizers and other hazardous substances.
I guess the worst case would be when people dump oil down into the sewer, explained Public Works Director Michael Pastore. The ordinance also gives the town the power to determine the best management practices for businesses and residents to deal with their water runoff.
The Public Works Department is responsible for enforcing the new law. As director, Pastore will have the power to issue cease-and-desist orders for ongoing violations, force offenders to remediate any storm water pollution or levy fines to cover the towns cleaning costs.
When council member Christine Hussey asked how the department would keep track of offenders, Pastore said Public Works officials will look for possible violations, but he hoped eventually concerned citizens would say something as well. Once we educate the public, he said, we should be getting calls from them.
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