Stormwater Management

Stormwater Quality Program

The City of Durango administers a municipal stormwater program in accordance with its Colorado Discharge Permit System MS4 Permit, to protect local water bodies from pollutants found in urban stormwater runoff. Program elements include:

• Providing public education on stormwater quality and pollution prevention
• Monitoring construction site erosion and sediment control
• Design standards for permanent water quality control measures
• Assisting with response to spills or illicit discharges to the storm drainage system. 
• Pollution prevention and best management practices for municipal operations.

The City of Durango MS4 Program Description Document (PDD) is publicly available upon request.

What is an MS4?

Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System. 

The City of Durango owns a series conveyances (including roads, pipes, curbs, gutters, catch basins, ditches, man-made channels, or storm drains) which collect and convey stormwater and discharges into waters of the state. 

Everytime it rains or snow melts, there is the potential for pollutants to enter the MS4 and end up in Junction Creek, Lightner Creek, and ultimately the Animas River.

What are common pollutants? 

• Trash and Debris
• Pet Waste (pick up your dogs poop)
• Oil and Grease
• Yard Waste (leaves and cut grass)
• Fertilizer (over application runs-off in stormwater)

Stormwater Master Plan Updates

The Design Criteria Manual Cost Analysis, latest version of the workbook, and helpful handouts on the workbook can be found below:

View the Cost Analysis, Workbook, and Handouts (PDF)

The updated Storm Drainage Design Criteria Manual, effective October 30, 2018 is available below.

View the Stormwater Master Plan Here (PDF)

Construction Stormwater Requirements

The City of Durango is a designated Qualifying Local Program by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment - Water Quality Control Division. Construction sites disturbing less than five acres are automatically covered under the State Stormwater General Permit for Construction Activities with a City Stormwater Permit. Questions? Call 970-375-4810