Best Management Practices (BMPs)

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The City of Marion is encouraging and utilizing Best Management Practices (BMPs) as described in the SUDAS Erosion and Sediment Control Manual. There is a lot that can be done to help mitigate stormwater pollution, which can be caused by anything ranging from improper disposal of hazardous materials to overuse of lawn care products. Common sources of pollution include: batteries, fertilizers, household cleaners, motor oil, painting materials, pesticides and pet excrement. For information regarding acceptable practices and designs refer to iowasudas.org, ctre.iastate.edu or the Iowa Rain Garden Design and Installation Manual.

Marion also uses the FAIR (Filter-Absorb-Infiltrate-Retain) Recommendations to obtain better water quality.

RESIDENTIAL COST-SHARING (REBATE) PROGRAM

Stormwater runoff from residential properties can pick up pollutants such as lawn fertilizer, pet waste, and trash, and carry those into storm sewers, creeks, and rivers. In an effort to improve the quality of stormwater runoff and increase local awareness of the importance of protecting our local streams and lakes, the City of Marion has developed a Residential Cost-Sharing Program to promote methods to capture and infiltrate stormwater in residential areas. Stormwater BMPs such as rain gardens, rain barrels and soil quality restoration can be used in residential yards to capture stormwater where it falls and allow it to infiltrate into the ground.

Program details, as well as terms and conditions, can be viewed by clicking on the Rebate Application Form for each program:

REBATE APPLICATIONS:	PROGRAM:
Rain Gardens	Rain gardens are shallow depressions that contain permeable soils and native plants where rain water is collected from yards and downspouts. Rain water is then taken up by the roots of the native plants and also naturally infiltrates into the earth. The one-time rain garden rebate covers 50% of eligible purchases for the project, up to a maximum reimbursement of $1,000. See also: Maintenance Agreement for Rain Gardens.
Soil Quality Restoration (SQR)	Soil Quality Restoration (SQR) is a simple but effective way to improve the ability of lawns to absorb rainwater. A process of soil aeration and compost application improves the root systems of lawn grass and allows for better rainwater absorption. The one-time SQR rebate covers 50% of the SQR project cost, up to a maximum of $1,000.
Pervious Pavers	Pervious pavers are a great way to add a hardscaped area to your yard while simultaneously reducing the amount of stormwater runoff leaving your home. Pervious pavers are a combination of pavers that let water go through them and an underground layer of rock that acts as a temporary storage area for rainwater. The one-time pervious pavers rebate covers 50% of eligible purchases for the project, up to a maximum reimbursement of $1,000.
Native Plants	Native Plants are plants originally found on the Iowa landscape. These plants typically have deep roots that improve rain infiltration. Native plants generally need less fertilizer and irrigation than standard turf and provide an important food source for pollinators. The one-time native plant rebate covers 50% of eligible purchases for the project, up to a maximum reimbursement of $1,000. See also: Maintenance Agreement for Native Plants.
Trees	Trees help intercept rainwater before it reaches the ground and becomes runoff. They also cool down hot surfaces which reduces thermal pollution from stormwater. Up to a $50 rebate can be applied to newly purchased trees. This rebate can be applied for up to three times per property.
Rain Barrels	Rain barrels collect rain water from roofs and downspouts. This water can then be used to water plants, gardens, lawns, or even for flushing toilets. Up to a $50 rebate can be applied to a newly purchased rain barrel. This rebate can be applied for up to three times per property.

HELP KEEP OUR WATER CLEAN

Stormwater runoff from your street, sidewalk and driveway flows directly through storm drains and ditches to streams, wetlands, and lakes. This runoff washes pollutants into surface waters harming water quality and fish habitat.

Your everyday activities can help preserve the health and well-being of nearby waters like Indian Creek & Squaw Creek. Below are some tips to help prevent water pollution from runoff:

Sweep you walks and driveway instead of hosing them down. Soil, grit and debris from paved surfaces often contain contaminants that pollute water.
Wash your vehicle on grass or gravel areas to prevent wash water from running into storm drains. Wash water can contain oils and detergents that harm water quality.
Maintain your vehicle regularly. Oil leaking from vehicles contains toxic metals. Rain picks up these materials and carries them to area streams, lakes, and wetlands where they pollute water and harm fish.
Recycle used motor oil and dispose of household hazardous waste properly. Call 319-373-4771 for information on recycling or disposal sites near you. Never dump oil or other hazardous wastes down a storm drain or pour it on the ground.
Use safe, non-toxic solutions to manage plant problems. For information about effective ways to manage pests with toxic chemicals, call Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Master Gardeners at 319-377-9837.
Preserve vegetation. Plants filter pollutants from runoff, and prevent erosion. Plants near waterways provide habitat for fish and wildlife and shield streams from extreme temperatures.
Control animal access to streams. Animal wastes degrade water quality and livestock can trample and erode stream banks.
Buy low-phosphate detergents.
Place trash in the garbage.

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS

RESOURCES

IAMU - Iowa Association of Municipal Utilities
With the mission to support and strengthen Iowa's municipal utilities, IAMU represents more than 550 municipal electric, gas, water and broadband utilities in the state.

Iowa Stormwater Education Program
Provides education, outreach, technical resources and training programs to protect and improve water quality in Iowa.

Rainscaping Iowa
A statewide educational campaign that promotes urban storm water management practices to protect water quality and reduce runoff.

Interactive Water Cycle Diagram for Kids
The water cycle describes how the Earth's water changes from liquid (rain), gas (vapor), and solid (ice), as well as how it moves around the Earth. The water cycle is a continual process that does not stop.

Chapter 274 is the portion of the city's Municipal Code of Ordinances that deals with Stormwater Management.

CONTACT

For questions or concerns regarding any stormwater related issue, please call the City of Marion Stormwater Hotline (Engineering Department): 319-743-6340.

If you would like to report illegal or illicit discharges of non-storm water, non-irrigation runoff to the stormwater system, please use either the online form or our printable form. Questions and discussion of Stormwater Management should be done in the forum created for that specific purpose.

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