Municipal Pollution Prevention

Stormwater runoff is a major source of stream pollution in urbanized areas. Pollution is not only caused by residential, commercial and industrial land use, but also municipal operations. 

The City of Brighton's goal is to set an example in the community by preventing stormwater
pollution while carrying out numerous municipal activities that have the potential to impact water quality.

A key element to achieving this goal is employee training. We teach employees that their actions have an impact on water quality and that they are examples for others in the community. Basic principles, such as the ones describe below, are refreshed on an annual basis. 

  • Clean up spills promptly, with dry absorbents 
  • Do not store or handle fuels or liquids near storm drain inlets
  • Wash equipment in a bay that captures and directs the water to a wastewater treatment facility
  • Store materials inside or under cover
  • Keep pavement clean

Performing municipal activities in a careful and proper manner prevents or reduces pollutant runoff. Written standard operation procedures (SOPs) for many municipal operations were also developed to provide guidance and training to help reduce pollutant discharges to the maximum extent practicable.

Outdoor annual inspections at Municipal Facilities are also performed to identify stormwater pollution prevention opportunities.

The City performs routine maintenance of the municipal storm sewer system to remove
pollutants and reduce flooding. Maintenance activities include storm sewer cleaning, street
sweeping, erosion repair, vegetation management and sediment/debris removal from most
drainage channels within the City limits.