NR216 Stormwater Requirements
The Town of Buchanan was required to reduce stormwater pollutants 20% by 2008 and by an additional 40% by 2013 in order to meet its stormwater discharge permit requirements. These requirements are imposed by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources as required by Administrative Code NR216. The Town will need to possibly construct one more stormwater detention pond as well as support the Garners Creek Storm Water Utility for construction of several more ponds in order to fully comply with the 40% reduction requirement.
The following is some basic information about on-going or recently completed pond development projects in Buchanan:
- Speedway Heights Pond: This pond is located in the Speedway Heights subdivision just west of Wisconsin International Raceway. Pond construction was completed in the summer of 2010. Final landscaping will be completed in the coming years. The Town was successful in securing two grants for this project.
- Main Street Pond: This pond was completed by the Garners Creek Storm Water Utility. It is located south of Emons road and just east of Main Street. The pond will include native prairie plantings and also includes an unpaved trail. The Town also has plans to construct a small park at this location.
- Springfield Pond: The Springfield Pond was constructed by the Garners Creek Storm Water Utility. The pond is located west of Eisenhower Drive at Creekview Lane and will serve as a large regional pond. This pond was completed in coordination with the Buchanan Cottages development currently under construction.
- Regal Pond: Regal Pond is located behind the Regal Cinema and converted an existing dry detention area to a wet pond.
Please note that ponds are not to be used for swimming or fishing and domestic animals are not allowed to enter the water.
Erosion Control
The Town of Buchanan is required to implement and enforce erosion control for new construction in the Town. Inspections are completed on these properties. For information on erosion control inspections click here: Erosion Control Inspection Reports.
The Town has adopted the same ordinance as Outagamie County for erosion control. Any complaints regarding erosion control can be made to Town Hall.
Annual Report to DNR
The Town of Buchanan is required to annually report on activities regarding compliance with NR216 to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Reports that have been submitted to date are provided below.
2006-2007 Annual Report under MS4 General Permit
2008 Annual Report under MS4 General Permit
2009 Annual Report under MS4 General Permit
2010 Annual Report under MS4 General Permit
Illicit Discharge Detection & Elimination
The Town of Buchanan has adopted an Illicit Discharge & Connection Ordinance to prevent and eliminate illicit discharges to the stormwater management system of the Town. Generally, the illicit discharge ordinance requires the following:
- No discharging, spilling, or dumping of non-stormwater substances or materials.
- Identifies non-stormwater discharges or flows that are not considered illicit discharges.
- Establishes inspection, monitoring, sampling and enforcement authority.
Stormwater Management Ordinance
The Town has adopted the same stormwater management ordinance as Outagamie County.
Town Drainage Policy
The following Town policy is used to guide decision makers and Town engineers in assisting residents with drainage concerns. The Town of Buchanan owns all roadway ditches and right-of-way areas adjacent local roads. Landowners are responsible for general maintenance of these areas such as mowing, weed and brush removal and improvements which do not alter existing grades or drainage. Any other changes to ditches by landowners must be approved by the Town. To receive a review of drainage issue by the Town, residents must complete a Drainage Concern Form located in the Forms section of this website.
Roadway Ditch Drainage and ROW Policy
Stormwater Links
Northeast Wisconsin Stormwater Consortium
Garners Creek Storm Water Utility
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
