The City of Golden is committed to managing a proactive Stormwater Program to improve the quality of runoff entering the storm sewer system and receiving streams. The Stormwater Program is regulated by the Clean Water Act under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) and is administered by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. The City has been a consistent leader in the implementation of its Stormwater Program under Phase II of the NPDES regulations, understanding the benefits of improving the quality of stormwater runoff beyond the basic level of regulatory compliance.
Drainage Maintenance Program
Contact: Joe Puhr
(303) 384-8115
The primary function of the Drainage Maintenance Program is to ensure proper long-term operation and maintenance of the City’s stormwater infrastructure.
- Oversees long term maintenance of city-owned storm systems
- Monitors and oversees maintenance of privately owned storm systems
- Utilizes GPS technology and spatially accurate maps
- Maintains asset management system and utilizes mobile technology
Resources
- Stormwater Drainage Maintenance PlanÂ
- Real Time Flood Detection ALERT System
- Flood Information BrochureÂ
Stormwater Program
Contact: Tracey Pond
(303) 384-8188
The primary function of the City’s stormwater program is to minimize pollutants transported by stormwater runoff into the storm sewer system and subsequent receiving waters.
- Provides public education regarding stormwater quality and pollution prevention
- Administers stormwater quality permits
- Monitors construction site erosion and sediment control.
- Assists with response to spills and illegal dumping into the storm sewer system
- Administers municipal stormwater program in accordance with the Colorado Discharge Permit System Stormwater regulations. A Program Description Document is available to the public for review and comment.
Stormwater Permits
- Stormwater Quality Permit Application Packet  for land disturbing activity resulting in total disturbed area greater than 1/2 acre
- Site Inspection FormÂ
- Stormwater Performance Security Partial Release Form Partial release of the performance security prior to final stabilization. Eligibility for partial release includes partial stabilization through the completion of buildings, paving and/or landscaping while final stabilization/revegetation is pending.
- Stormwater Performance Security Full Release Form  Full release of the performance security once final stabilization is achieved. Eligibility for full release includes final stabilization through the completion of buildings, paving and/or landscaping. Seeded areas must achieve 70% of pre-disturbance density of desirable species.
Stormwater Permit Fees
- Stormwater Quality Permit – $350 for initial permit and SWMP review
- Stormwater Quality Permit renewal – $125 for annual renewal
- Stormwater Quality Permit reinspection fee – $40
Construction/Development Resources
Design Criteria
- City of Golden Stormwater Standards ManualÂ
- Project Sheet Constrained Site Standard
- Project Sheet Base Design Standards
- Checklist Regional WQCV Facility
- Checklist Regional WQCV Control Measure Standard
- Checklist Runoff Reduction Standard
- Checklist Constrained WQCV Standard
- Checklist Constrained Runoff Reduction Standard
- Checklist Constrained Pollutant Removal Standard
- Checklist WQCV Standard
- Checklist Pollutant Removal
Resources
- Clear Choices for Clean Water, ConstructionÂ
- Urban Drainage and Flood Control District Guide for Beneficial Floodplain Projects – A guide for creating project value for development projects that preserve the natural and beneficial values of floodplains.
- Design Guidelines and Maintenance Manual for Green Roofs in the Semi-Arid and Arid WestÂ
Construction Stormwater Courses
Rocky Mountain Education Center at Red Rocks Community College courses:
- Stormwater Management and Erosion Control
- Qualified Stormwater Manager
- Construction Dewatering
- Best Management Practices for Construction in Waterway
- Colorado Stormwater Excellence Program – is a voluntary, proactive Stormwater management program recognized by EPA, CDPHE, and AGC/C.
- Stormwater Training Courses:
- Basic Construction Stormwater Compliance
- Advanced Stormwater Manager’s Course
Post-construction Stormwater Courses
Colorado Stormwater Center courses:
- Permanent Stormwater BMP Inspection and Maintenance
- Green Infrastructure and Low Impact Development Workshop
- Landscape Contractors – Short Course on Stormwater BMP Maintenance
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment Stormwater Program
The City 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’s Stormwater General Permit for Construction Activities with a City of Golden permit. Sites greater than five acres require a State Stormwater Construction Permit in addition to the City permit.
Spills and Illegal Dumping
It is illegal to discharge anything other than stormwater (rain and snowmelt) into the storm drainage system (streets, gutters, inlets, drainage ways). Some exceptions may apply. For a complete list see Municipal Code 13.30.140.
Call the Police Department at (303) 980-7300 to report illegal dumping activity.
Educational Resources
Water Quality Awareness – Tips and Resources
- Information on water conservation and water quality in Colorado
- Clear Choices for Clean Water, Managing Household WasteÂ
- Rooney Road Recycling Center, Household Chemical Disposal and Yard Waste Recycling
- Clear Choices for Clean Water, Lawn and GardenÂ
- Colorado Water Protection Project — English or SpanishÂ
- Water Quality in Clear CreekÂ
- Homeowner’s Guide to Building a Rain Garden
