Stormwater Management

The City of Cookeville is one of about 100 Tennessee communities that is required to obtain coverage under the NPDES permit for stormwater discharges as a Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4).  This permit program was developed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as part of the Clean Water Act and is administered statewide by Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC).  The City of Cookeville has been issued a Notice of Coverage (NOC) for the Phase II Small MS4 general storm water permit by TDEC.  Under this permit, the City of Cookeville is required to develop, implement, and enforce a Stormwater Management Program (SWMP) to manage the quality of stormwater runoff from the storm sewer drainage system within the city limits.  The program will focus on reducing the discharge of pollutants from the City’s storm sewer system through the following minimum control measures:

  • Public Education and Outreach on Stormwater Impacts
  • Public Involvement and Participation
  • Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination (IDDE)
  • Construction Site Stormwater Runoff Control
  • Post-Construction/Permanent Stormwater Management in New Development and Redevelopment
  • Pollution Prevention/Good Housekeeping for City Operations

The Public Works Department is responsible for the Stormwater Management Program for the City of Cookeville.  Through the SWMP the City is responsible for multiple components that addresses both water quantity and water quality issues which includes the following:

  • Stormwater system planning
  • Review of development and re-development plans for compliance with local, state, and federal requirements
  • Construction stormwater inspections and complaint investigations
  • Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System permit requirements
  • Providing education on the importance of water quality to the environment and the public health
  • Promoting public involvement in the stewardship of our local creeks, streams, wetlands, sinkholes, and caves
  • Ensure that damaged drainage structures are repaired or replaced and that catch basins, detention ponds, and storm pipes are clean
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  1. What is an Illicit Discharge?
  2. What is stormwater runoff?
  3. What problems does it cause?
  4. Why are the storm water and sewer systems separate?
  5. What is nonpoint source pollution?
  6. What is impervious surface area?
  7. How did the city determine impervious surface area?
  8. What can I do to reduce pollution in stormwater runoff?
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Construction and Permanent Stormwater Ordinances, Guidelines, & Policies

  1. Construction Stormwater Permitting 2022
  2. Erosion and Sediment Control Ordinance 2018 (PDF)
  3. Erosion and Sediment Control Policy 2018 (PDF)
  1. Riparian Buffer Zone Ordinance 2016 (PDF)
  2. Stormwater Management Ordinance 2017 (PDF)
  3. Stormwater Management Guidelines 2017

Permit Forms, Agreements, and Checklists

  1. Notice of Intent for Construction Stormwater Discharges (PDF)
  2. Notice of Termination for Stormwater Discharges (DOC)
  3. Public Works Site Plan Review Checklist
  1. Public Works Subdivision Plan Review Checklist
  2. Spill Prevention Guidelines for Mobile Food Trucks
  3. Stormwater Maintenance Agreement

Pamphlets & Information

  1. Automotive Maintenance and Car Care (PDF)
  2. Detention Pond Maintenance (PDF)
  3. Food Service Industry (PDF)
  4. Heavy Equipment and Earth Moving Activities (PDF)
  5. Home Repair and Remodeling (PDF)
  6. How to Build a Rain Barrel (PDF)
  1. How to Install a Rain Barrel (PDF)
  2. How to Paint a Rain Barrel (PDF)
  3. Landscaping, Gardening and Pest Control (PDF)
  4. Native Plants for Rain Gardens (PDF)
  5. Photos of Rain Garden Plants (PDF)
  6. Swimming Pool Discharge Guidance (PDF)