Stormwater Management

Watch this video up until the 3:35 minute-mark for a brief overview of watersheds, including an introduction to our local watershed from Secaucus’s drinking water source, all the way to Newark Bay.

1. Everything that we put on the ground or into the storm drain can end up in our waterways. Each of us has a responsibility to make sure these contaminants stay out of our water. Whether we have clean water is up to all of us!

2. The official definition of stormwater under the N.J.A.C. 7:14A rules is as follows: “'Stormwater' means water resulting from precipitation (including rain and snow) that runs off the land's surface, is transmitted to the subsurface, or is captured by separate storm sewers or other sewage or drainage facilities, or conveyed by snow removal equipment.”

Your everyday activities can have an impact. If it’s left on your lawn or the street, it will end up in our waterways! To prevent this, please:

• Place litter in trash cans
• Pickup after your pet and dispose of waste in the garbage or toilet
• Do not feed ducks and geese
• Dispose of household hazardous waste properly
• Recycle all used motor oil
• Use a commercial car wash, instead of doing it at home
• Use less fertilizer
• Use alternatives to pesticides whenever possible

To learn more, visit:

• CleanWaterNJ.org
• For educational resources for students, click here.
• Guide to “Jersey-Friendly” Yards
• Rutgers Green Infrastructure guides & Lawn & Garden website

Yes! Please contact the Environmental Department at environmental@secaucus.net or 201-86-GREEN (47336) to be added to our volunteer list. Volunteer cleanups are regularly scheduled in the spring, summer, and early autumn.

Photo credit: STORM

1. Storm drains were designed to prevent flooding by transporting stormwater through underground pipes into the nearest waterbody, untreated. 

2. Sanitary sewers take wastewater from sinks, toilets, washers, etc. directly to the Secaucus Municipal Utilities Authority to be treated.

Engineered and Natural Systems Work Together

As land is developed, more surfaces are covered with concrete and asphalt. These hard surfaces don’t absorb rainwater, so the water runs off instead of soaking into the ground. To manage this runoff, communities use two types of systems: gray infrastructure and green infrastructure. From underground pipes to green spaces, these systems work together to reduce flooding and support healthy waterways.

What Is Gray Infrastructure?

Gray infrastructure is the traditional storm drainage system. It includes inlets, ditches, pipes and other structures built to collect rainwater and move it away quickly. This helps reduce flooding in streets and neighborhoods.

Here’s how it works:

• Storm drains and other inlets collect rainwater and runoff from streets, parking lots and other hard surfaces.
• This water, called stormwater, moves through underground pipes and goes straight into creeks, lakes and ponds.
• Stormwater does not go through a wastewater treatment plant, so it isn’t cleaned before reaching waterways.

Common examples of gray infrastructure include:

• Storm drain inlets along curbs
• Underground drainage pipes
• Culverts that let water flow under streets

What Is Green Infrastructure?

Green infrastructure uses natural processes to manage stormwater. When rain falls on hard surfaces it can’t soak in. Green infrastructure acts like a living sponge, slowly absorbing and filtering out pollutants. It also creates habitats for wildlife, supports healthy ecosystems and adds beauty to communities.

Here’s what green infrastructure can do:

• Control stormwater runoff to better mimic a natural response to rainfall.
• Reduce the volume of stormwater runoff entering waterways through infiltration and rainwater harvesting.
• Filter pollutants with the help of plants and microorganisms.
• Provide habitat for birds, insects and other wildlife.
• Support biodiversity and overall ecosystem health.
• Enhance community spaces, create opportunities for environmental education and provide additional social and economic benefits.

Examples of green infrastructure include:

• Rain gardens (bioretention) Constructed wetlands
• Permeable pavement
• Rainwater harvesting
• Bioswales (vegetated drainage channels)

Secaucus has a “Tier A Municipal Stormwater General Permit.” The permit was issued in response to USEPA’s phase II rules, and it addresses stormwater quality issues related to both new and existing development.

• Pet Waste

• Wildlife Feeding

• Litter Control

• Improper Disposal of Waste

• Unlawful Solid Waste Disposal

• Containerized Yard Waste/Yard Waste Collection Program

• Private Storm Drain Inlet Retrofitting

• Stormwater Control Ordinance

• Illicit Connection
  

• Refuse Containers/Dumpsters

• Tree Removal/Replacement

• Privately Owned Salt Storage

Records of all ordinances and related enforcement actions are kept at the Town Clerk’s office located at 1203 Paterson Plank Road.

Yes! For a digital copies of the SPPP and MSWMP, click:

1. Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SPPP)
2. Municipal Stormwater Management Plan (MSWMP)
3. Outfall Pipe Map
4. MS4 Infrastructure Map (24x36)

For physical copies, please contact the Stormwater Coordinator.

1. Stormwater Coordinator: Kimberly McCleary

2. Contact: kmccleary@secaucus.net / 201-86-GREEN (47336)