City of Mobile moves forward on storm water cleanup

Jul 8th, 2014

MOBILE, Ala. - Mayor Sandy Stimpson announced today that the City Council approved a series of key changes to the City's Storm Water Management and Flood Control ordinance.

"Today's action by the City Council is another significant step toward a cleaner, better Mobile," said Mayor Stimpson. "As one of the rainiest cities in America, it is crucial that we have a well-developed plan to manage our storm water runoff. This new storm water plan will ensure Mobile's waterways are protected for future generations."

Stimpson said his Administration is committed to controlling the flow of garbage and other pollution into its storm drains and waterways, as required under state and federal law.

City officials are focused on regulatory compliance and taking the necessary steps to ensure it. In addition, the Administration is implementing best management practices as recommend by ADEM to address storm water issues and flood control. City employees are also being cross-trained so all inspectors can look for best practices across the city and spot violations.

The City has taken significant steps towards ensuring compliance. On June 30, the City entered into a consent decree with the Alabama Department of Environmental Management to remedy alleged violations of the Alabama Water Pollution Control Act. ADEM noted the significant progress made by the Stimpson administration since taking office in November 2013.

Among the steps taken by the administration:

In coordination with ADEM, the City has developed a 2014 Storm Water Management Plan that is both responsible and achievable, to replace and supersede the City's previous plan

• The City negotiated with ADEM a new draft NPDES permit, which is soon to be released for public comment


• The City presented a comprehensive amended Storm Water ordinance to the Mobile City Council for review and comment, and anticipates that it will be adopted before September 2014


• The City's Storm Water consultant, Payne Environmental, meets regularly with City departments to train them to perform their best management practices under the new plan


• The City developed a website focused on public education and will produce a video to run in waiting areas of City offices


• The City organized and participated in several community clean-up campaigns at targeted locations throughout Mobile


• The City is purchasing and installing a large litter trap to collect and remove litter from a tributary to Dog River

The Storm Water Management Program is an important component of the Stimpson administration's plan to clean up Mobile. It is designed to work in conjunction with the City's Litter and Blight Enforcement initiatives.

Click here to see a fact sheet with more information about the storm water plan.