What is Stormwater?

Stormwater is generated from rain that falls in an urban setting and lands on hardened surfaces such as streets, parking areas, and rooftops. The resulting stormwater does not soak into the ground. Instead, it runs off hardened surfaces and carries pollutants from these surfaces as runoff and is carried by pipes to the nearest stream.

The Importance of Stormwater Protections

The City of Salem operates under a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Permit that addresses water pollution by regulating discharges that come from point sources. The City of Salem’s stormwater outfalls discharge directly into local creeks and the Willamette River and are thus considered point sources. Regulations are in place to help meet water quality standards for the designated beneficial use of the waterway. Examples of beneficial uses are for fish and aquatic life, water recreation, fishing, and domestic water supply.

Stormwater Management Program Document

The 2022 Stormwater Management Program Document addresses stormwater quality in a manner that is compatible with the NPDES Permit, and includes best management practices designed to improve the quality of stormwater discharged to local streams. The NPDES Permit is a requirement of the federal Clean Water Act, and it requires the City of Salem to implement a Stormwater Management Plan Document approved by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality. A part of stormwater management also includes our monitoring plan.

The Stormwater Management Program Document includes programs for the following:

  • Public Education and Outreach 
  • Public Involvement and Participation
  • Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination
  • Construction Site Runoff Control
  • Post-Construction Site Runoff for New Development and Redevelopment
  • Pollution Prevention and Good Housekeeping for Municipal Operations
  • Industrial and Commercial Facilities

Stormwater Reports and Permits

Stormwater Management Program Supporting Documents