The City of Brooklyn Center is included in a group of communities with populations greater than 10,000 that are federally required to obtain a Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit for managing non-point source stormwater. Non-point source stormwater is generally the overland flow of stormwater that does not originate from a single pipe, otherwise known as point-source stormwater.

The Phase II National Pollution and Discharge and Elimination System (NPDES) permitting process requires cities such as Brooklyn Center to file a Phase II NPDES permit with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) which addresses how the City will regulate and improve stormwater discharges. The permit must include a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Program (SWPPP) addressing all the requirements of the permit.The City is also responsible to put in place Best Management Practices (BMP's) to control pollution and provide clean stormwater discharge to the Maximum Extent Practicable (MEP).

SWPPP Program Details

• Current Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan

Best Management Practices (BMPs)

BMPs are programs and policies used to reduce or prevent pollution of surface and groundwater.

Rain Barrels

A rain barrel is a container used to catch water from a downspout. Rain barrels reduce the amount of stormwater runoff by collecting roof runoff and storing the rainwater for future use.

Rain Barrel Benefits:

1. Rain barrels conserve water and help lower utility costs.
2. Rain barrels reduce water pollution by reducing stormwater runoff, which can contain pollutants such as sediment, oil, grease, bacteria, and chemicals.
3. Rain barrels reduce stormwater runoff to the local storm drain system and reduces the velocity of water entering local water bodies.
4. Rain barrels can be arraigned to slowly release the collected rainfall to areas that can soak up water to increases groundwater recharge.
5. Rainwater is naturally soft and does not contain chemicals such as chlorine and fluoride which is ideal for exotic indoor plants.

Rain barrels are available to purchase online and at most hardware stores, or you can make your own. For instructions on how to assemble a rain barrel, see the Ramsey-Washington Metro District Rain Barrel guide below. Visit the Recycling Association of MN website for rain barrel distribution events.

Publications:

• Ramsey-Washington Metro District Rain Barrel Guide
• University of Minnesota Rain Barrel Fact Sheet

Contact:

If you have questions about rain barrels, contact the Engineering Division at (763) 569-3340 or publicworks@ci.brooklyn-center.mn.us.

Join us for Brooklyn Center’s Earth Day tradition! The Shingle Creek Clean Up has been a staple in Brooklyn Center for over 20 years. On Saturday, April 20, 2024, from 9 am to noon, stop by the Centennial Park Amphitheater at 6301 Shingle Creek Parkway for this family friendly event. With everyone pitching in, Brooklyn Center can take part in keeping our creeks, lakes, ponds and rivers clean; improving the water quality in the metro area and the entire Mississippi watershed all the way to the Gulf of Mexico. Do your part by helping to keep our community clean.

We will provide volunteers with grabbers, safety vests, bags and gloves. However, feel free to bring your own pair of gloves. Steps will be taken to ensure the event is socially distanced. Dress for the weather as the event continues rain or shine. If April 23rd doesn’t work in your schedule, contact Cynthia at 763-585-7100 to arrange for supply pick up on another date.