The Town of Hampton hopes that by sharing resources we are able to collectively reduce stormwater pollution and improve water quality as a whole within our community, and throughout New Hampshire.

What is Stormwater? 

Stormwater is excess rain or snowmelt that does not soak into the ground, and as it flows over rooftops, driveways, sidewalks, and roads, it picks up contaminants. Stormwater picks up that bit of spilled oil or gasoline in the driveway, or the discarded piece of chewing gum on the sidewalk, as well as excess fertilizer or pesticides from your lawn.

Where does Stormwater go? 

• Stormwater travels through storm drains and pipes that directly enter rivers, lakes, streams, and the ocean. Keep an eye out for storm drains in your neighborhood and remember to keep them clean!

Can contaminated Stormwater be harmful?

• It can be! Stormwater can be high in nutrients and sediment, as well as chemicals that are harmful to aquatic life. Excessive stormwater pollution from your community can cause beach closures, swimming bans, and drastically diminish water quality.  

How can you help keep our natural resources clean?  

• Reduce the amount of stormwater that runs off your property. As much as 70% of the rain that falls on your property leaves your property, reduce it by directing roof-downspouts onto vegetated areas or rain barrels, plant shrubs, trees, or a rain garden.
• Prior to fertilizing your lawn, get your soil tested to see if your lawn needs fertilizer, and use the appropriate amount. If pesticides are necessary, spot treat only.
• Keep your car tuned up and free of leaks,and dispose of auto fluids and batteries at designated locations. Also, use phosphorous-free detergent when washing your car.

What is the Town doing to keep our Stormwater clean?

• DPW completes annual monitoring reports and complies with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) MS4 Permit.  This permit requires monitoring outfalls, preparing educations for the community, the creation of a Storwmater Pollution and Prevention Plan and overall better protection of our environment.

Changes to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Construction General Permit (CGP)

Construction Projects that require coverage under this permit (Projects or activities that disturb one or more acres of land) need to take action to reduce the amount of materials, such as sediment that are picked up by stormwater and deposited into oceans, lakes, rivers, streams, wetlands and natural resources. If construction sites are not properly prepared and maintained the deposited materials can cause negative effects to the water quality of these waterbodies. For more information click the link below: 

• Notice to All Persons Considering Land Development in the Town of Hampton and a New 2022 Construction General Permit Fact Sheet

As required by the CGP the applicant will need to:

• Develop a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) and keep it up to date.
• Complete and submit a Notice of Intent (NOI) to EPA.
• Implement erosion and sediment controls and pollution prevention practices throughout the entire construction project. 
• Conduct required inspections to verify compliance with permit. Inspections may only be conducted by a qualified person who is duly Certified as an Inspector by EPA. 
• Conduct routine maintenance and take corrective action to fix problems with controls or discharges.
• Complete and maintain documentation of all site inspections, dewatering inspections, and corrective actions.
• Comply with turbidity monitoring requirements for dewatering discharges to sensitive waters (if applicable).
• Comply with any State requirements in Part 9 of the permit.