Oakland Public Works: Managing NPDES for Water Quality

Oakland's Public Works Department manages the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program, a federal initiative established in 1972 by the Clean Water Act. The program aims to protect local waterways from pollution stemming from stormwater runoff, illegal dumping and illicit discharges.

The town operates under a Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit, issued every five years by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP). Oakland received its most recent Phase II MS4 Permit on March 20, 2015. The permit requires specific actions to manage stormwater and prevent pollution.

Public Works responsibilities include administering the NPDES program, inspecting and maintaining public storm drains, ditches, swales and stormwater ponds. The department also monitors water quality and levels in these ponds, plans stormwater projects and conducts street cleaning. Additionally, construction sites are inspected to ensure developers follow sediment and erosion control measures.

As part of its permit requirements, the town submits an annual report to the FDEP detailing its compliance.