Storm Water Management Program

Community Storm Water Education

The City of Pleasant Valley is striving to detect and eliminate non-storm water discharges, including illegal dumping into the storm sewer system. It is illegal to discharge any dust, dirt, leaves, limbs, or any refuse matter onto sidewalks, streets, alleys, public ways, and into storm drains, as most of these are connected to the storm drainage system. Section 705.000 of the City’s Ordinances addresses illicit discharge within the City of Pleasant Valley. As a resident you may, upon approval, receive a storm water waste discharge permit.

Please help the city in our efforts to reduce pollution into our storm sewer system by eliminating waste coming from your property. This includes grass clippings, leaves, chemicals from washing vehicles, and other miscellaneous fluids that may enter the storm drains. Please take the time to review the links below for more information and tips to reduce your contribution to the pollution problem.

• American Public Works Association - Kansas City Metro Chapter
• Environmental Protection Agency - How's My Waterway
• Environmental Protection Agency - NPDES Information
• Missouri Department of Natural Resources - Water Information
• Mid-America Regional Council
• Storm Water Management Resource Center

Water Pollution Control Division

Staff's mission is to prevent the introduction of pollutants into the sewer system that will interfere with the operation of the sewer system or cause damage to the infrastructure or equipment: to protect City personnel who may be affected by wastewater in the course of their employment; and to protect the general public.

Pollution Prevention and Good Housekeeping

The primary purpose of pollution prevention and good housekeeping is to reduce storm water pollution from municipal operations. The City has implemented several different measures to ensure pollution prevention and good housekeeping. Some examples include: Construction of a new salt dome to prevent winter-salt from polluting the storm sewer system. Operation of a street sweeper to remove dust and debris from City streets. Operation of a jet/vac-truck to maintain sanitary sewers and prevent illicit discharges which may result from sanitary sewer overflows. These are just a few examples of pollution prevention and good housekeeping.

If you have any questions about measures the City has enacted to promote pollution prevention and good housekeeping, please contact the Public Works Department at (816) 781-6282 or email.

Construction Site Storm Water Runoff

Construction activities that disturb more between one and five acres of land are required to obtain a Land Disturbance Permit from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MODNR). In addition to a MODNR permit, a City Erosion and Sediment Control Permit is required for activities that disturb an area greater than 200 square feet. Prior to obtaining a City permit, the applicant shall submit application to the City’s Department of Community Development. An erosion and sediment control plan that implements best management practices (BMP) for controlling construction site runoff is required for both permits. BMPs are methods and/or products used to control erosion and protect water quality. Examples of BMPs include silt fence and straw bale dikes.

Inspection of construction site runoff is a joint effort between the Community Development Department and the Public Works Department. The City has implemented an erosion and sediment control ordinance to enforce penalties for construction sites not in compliance. If you have any questions about construction site runoff control, please contact the Public Works Department at (816) 781-6282 or email.

Post-Construction Storm Water Management

As areas continue to develop, so does the amount of impervious area from roads, rooftops, sidewalks, and other surfaces. This results in increased storm water volume, which can negatively impact water quality. As a result, the City will continue to explore alternative methods to reduce the storm water impacts from new developments. This may include alternative site designs that reduce the amount of impervious area as well as the implementation of best management practices (BMP) to reduce storm water. As part of our NPDES Phase II permit, the City is required to draft an ordinance to address post-construction storm water runoff for both new development and redevelopments. Post-Construction BMP: Rock Creek bank stabilization project in which bio-gabions were installed and then seeded with native vegetation. The gabions are no longer visible and the native vegetation is used to filter storm water and improve water quality.

Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination

The EPA defines an illicit discharge as “…any discharge to the municipal separate storm sewer system that is not composed entirely of storm water, except for discharges allowed under a NPDES permit or waters used for firefighting operations.” Illicit discharges result in contaminated/untreated wastewater entering into the storm sewer system. Examples of illicit discharges include failing septic systems and improper floor drain connections to the storm sewer system. Other examples of illicit discharges include the illegal dumping of paint, oil, and debris (including grass and leaves) that eventually make it to the storm system.

To report a violation of the City's illicit discharge ordinance, contact the Public Works Department at (816) 781-6282, and/or the Police Department at (816) 781-7373.

How You Can Help

Here are just a few ways that you can help us improve our Storm Water Management Program:

• Participate in the Regional Brush/Yard Waste Disposal Facility.
• Recycle household hazardous waste. Gladstone is a participant in the Regional Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection Program. In addition, residents have free access to the Kansas City facility located at 4707 Deramus Street. Call (816) 784-2080 to schedule an appointment.
• Volunteer to stencil storm drains. This would make a great scouting or youth group project. The City will furnish all of the necessary materials.
• Direct downspouts to rain barrels or unpaved areas.
• Pick up after your pet. When pet waste is not disposed of properly, it can reach our streams and lakes resulting in health risks for you and your family.
• Use fertilizer according to manufacturer’s recommendations. Excess fertilizer is washed into streams and lakes where it can promote harmful algae growth.
• Uses pesticides only when necessary.
• Check your car for leaks. Proper maintenance will extend the life of your car and protect the environment.