Cherokee County is a fast-growing region in Georgia, known for its beautiful natural landscapes and top-notch amenities. With over 250,000 residents, the county understands the importance of keeping its environment safe and clean.

One crucial aspect of environmental protection is stormwater management. Stormwater runoff occurs when rainwater flows off impervious surfaces, such as rooftops, driveways, and sidewalks, and makes its way into the local waterways, causing pollution and erosion.

To address this issue, Cherokee County has implemented a Stormwater Maintenance Agreement (SMA) program. This program is designed to ensure that property owners in Cherokee County take responsibility for managing their stormwater runoff and have maintenance agreements in place for BMPs (Best Management Practices) on their property.

The SMA program is a crucial tool in protecting the quality of the county`s water resources. Property owners who participate in the program agree to install and maintain BMPs, which may include rain gardens, bioswales, retention ponds, and more. These practices help to slow down and filter stormwater before it enters the local waterways, reducing the amount of pollutants that are carried into the streams, rivers, and lakes.

The Cherokee County SMA program is part of a larger effort to comply with federal and state regulations on stormwater management. The program helps to ensure that the county meets the requirements set forth by the Clean Water Act and the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES).

To participate in the program, property owners must sign a maintenance agreement with Cherokee County. The agreement outlines the BMPs that are required and provides guidelines for ongoing maintenance and inspections. Property owners must also obtain a permit from the county to install BMPs on their property.

In conclusion, the Cherokee County Stormwater Maintenance Agreement program is a crucial tool in protecting the county`s water resources. By requiring property owners to take responsibility for managing their stormwater runoff, the program helps to reduce the amount of pollution that enters the local waterways. By complying with federal and state regulations, Cherokee County is doing its part to protect the environment for future generations.