The contribution of pollutants through discharges from storm sewer systems has a significant impact on the receiving waters in Lake Wales. Improperly treated discharges from industrial activities and interconnected municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4s) and illicit discharges from spilling, dumping or disposal of material other than stormwater to the municipal separate storm sewer system will adversely affect the quality of waters receiving such discharges. The United States Environmental Protection Agency, pursuant to Title 40, Section 122.26 of the Code of Federal Regulations, has mandated that municipalities provide the legal authority to control discharges to the municipal separate storm sewer system under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) in order to control the quality of discharges from the MS4. The City Commission of Lake Wales therefore finds it necessary and in the public interest, to protect the quality of waters receiving stormwater discharges from becoming contaminated, for the health, safety, and general welfare of the citizens of Lake Wales.
