Storm Water Plan - Pollution Sources

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The Storm Water Management Plan is jointly managed by the Planning Department and Highway Department.

As water flows over roads, sidewalk, driveways and other impervious areas, it picks up debris, chemicals, sediment and bacteria. Storm water is not cleaned before it reaches creeks and streams. Storm water is considered non-point source pollution. Non-point source pollution originates from many different places or a widespread area. Everyone contributes to this type of pollution when disposing of fertilizers, pesticides, oils, greases, pet wastes and trash improperly.

If you need to dispose of household hazardous materials, please contact Rapid City’s Material Recovery Center at 605-355-3496.

Examples of Non-point Source Pollution

• Antifreeze and Metals
• Bacteria and Pathogens – improperly treated sewage and animal wastes
• Chemicals and Cleaners
• Litter and Debris
• Nutrients and Pesticides – fertilizers, decaying lawn debris, detergents, sewage and animal wastes
• Oil and Grease
• Paint
• Sediment – construction activities, farming, logging, mining and runoff from neighborhoods and businesses

Example of pollution in a storm water drainage area.