Dutchess County Soil and Water Conservation District has worked with the farming community for a number of years to develop best management practices including nutrient management programs, to help them keep their runoff from entering streams and lakes. The district also provides assistance with stormwater practices related to construction activities and municipalities. For more information on how the district can assist with erosion controls, including trainings or site visits, please contact us or visit the links below.
When precipitation comes in contact with pollutants on the ground (such as trash, salt, oil, sediment, metals, and nutrients) the polluted water washes into local waterbodies. Stormwater in Dutchess County flows to the Hudson River, the Housatonic River, or the Croton Reservoir. Phase I (1990) and Phase II (2003) stormwater regulations originated from EPA as a means to achieve the goals of fishable, swimable waters (Clean Water Act, 1972). These stormwater regulations affect industries, construction sites and municipalities which release pollutants into storm sewer systems as a result of their normal activities. The regulations require that these groups minimize pollutant release to storm sewer systems by using better management practices.
The district is involved in many projects affecting stormwater quality in Dutchess County. District employees work with municipalities and construction site operators to address their stormwater management practices so that they can remain in compliance with the state stormwater permits. Stormwater best management practices (BMP) implementation services offered by the district include construction site erosion control training, SWPPP review, site inspections to assess erosion control options, development and distribution of public outreach materials, annual report preparation, regional municipal workgroups, and regional conferences.