Stormwater Management

Stormwater is rain and snow melt that can soak into the soil (infiltrate) or be carried into storm drains, ditches or swales before being eventually released into waterbodies. Stormwater picks up trash and pollutants on the ground and roads and carries these pollutants to our waterbodies like the Penobscot River, the Stillwater River, and Pushaw Lake. Stormwater is not filtered, cleaned, or treated before being released to a waterbody. Therefore, everyone has a role in reducing impacts from stormwater runoff, including the Town of Orono's MS4 Permit below.

Purpose & Responsibilities

The Town of Orono operates under a General Permit for the Discharge of Stormwater From Small Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4 Permit). The Town of Orono is dedicated to clean and safe surface waters in our community and has committed to the following goals to ensure minimal impact to the receiving waters:

  • Public Education and Outreach on Stormwater Impacts
  • Public Involvement and Participation
  • Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination
  • Construction Site Stormwater Runoff Control
  • Post Construction Stormwater Management in Development and Redevelopment
  • Pollution Prevention/Good Housekeeping for Municipal Operations

Public Involvement

Public involvement and participation is a vital part of the Stormwater Phase II Program. The town encourages members of the community to participate in stormwater related programs. If you would like to participate please feel free to contact the Town of Orono or check our event calendar.

Report It: Help keep our waters clean!

If you see...

  • Motor vehicle fluids and/or household chemicals being dumped into gutters or street drains;
  • Stormwater leaving construction areas and entering streets drains, swales, ditches;
  • If you are just not sure…

Please call the Illicit Discharge Hotline at 207-889-6979.

When calling, please provide:

  • Description of the pollution (to the best of your ability);
  • Date, time, and location of the polluting activity;
  • Your name and a phone number where you can be reached for further details (this is optional).

This is not for an emergency! All emergencies please dial 911.