Hubbard updating stormwater program following Ohio EPA citations - WFMJ.com News weather sports for Youngstown-Warren Ohio

HUBBARD, Ohio -

The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency has cited the City of Hubbard for multiple violations of its municipal stormwater permit after a routine audit found the city’s management program fell short of state requirements.

According to the Ohio EPA’s October 17 notice of violation, the city had not documented or implemented “appropriate procedures, controls and maintenance schedules to prevent or reduce pollutant runoff from municipal operations.”

"The most serious issue identified in the audit was the management and disposal of debris from catch basin cleanings," according to an Ohio EPA spokesperson. 

The agency added that controlling stormwater runoff is "important to protect streams and lakes" and that "stormwater can transport contaminants from roadways, parking lots, rooftops and other surfaces."

Mayor Ben Kyle said the administration shares responsibility for falling behind on program standards but emphasized the city is taking corrective action and will meet the state’s 30-day deadline.

“For instance, after a stormwater event, there are about 10 separate drain pipes that flow into the creeks surrounding our community. We just need to do a better job of inspecting them 72 hours after,” Kyle said, "We're happy to work alongside the EPA to make sure everything's done how they need it."

He said residents should not be concerned, emphasizing that the violations involve documentation, not pollution, and that no environmental harm has been found.

The city's now updating its stormwater plan by mapping out drains and storm sewer catch basins, among other items, he said. 

Kyle said the city’s last audit was over a decade ago and acknowledged it can be challenging for smaller municipalities to keep up with evolving EPA standards, but added that the administration is working closely with the Ohio EPA to ensure all standards are met. 

“The different crews that were out doing the work and inspecting need better training," Kyle added, "and from the administration side, we have to follow exactly what the EPA wants."

Hubbard City Council has started drafting legislation to update policies and procedures.

The Ohio EPA also confirmed it has not found any environmental or public health impacts tied to Hubbard’s violations.

For actions that can’t be completed within the deadline, Hubbard will be required to submit a plan and proposed timeline, according to the Ohio EPA.  

The Ohio EPA spokesperson said the agency does not keep data on how often certain violations are cited across the state, but added that it is "common for communities to receive violations after an MS4 program audit if they haven’t developed, implemented or enforced the required stormwater management programs. "

The city’s corrective plan is due by mid-November, and the Mayor said the corrective stormwater program effort will not require additional funding.