Danbury officials have adopted a resolution to track pollution found in local waterways back to their source.  The stormwater discharge ordinance has been contentious. 

Councilman Paul Rotello voted against the measure saying the pendulum has swung too far toward making life next to impossible for residents.  He says there's room for less restrictive language while achieving the goals of meeting EPA and state environmental regulations. 

Councilman Bob Taborsak was concerned about its vagueness.  He pointed specifically to the part about inspectors making a reasonable attempt to provide notice to an owner before entering private property.  He says what is a reasonable attempt could be spell out since there are other time specifics in the ordinance. 

Councilwoman Colleen Stanely told the group she was assured that the Public Works Department would have an educational component about Clean Water Laws.  But she hopes property owners aren't educated by way of fines.  She says it's unfortunate that the ordinance had to be enacted before education could take place. 

The regulations are connected to Danbury's municipal separate storm sewer system general permit from the state.  

Rotello says it was intentionally vague so code enforcement officers could use their discretion on violations, but it could mean everyone in Danbury with a driveway has an illicit connection to the stormwater system.  He added that the ordnance could be interpreted as anyone with grass clippings that blow into the street or soap from a driveway car wash could be counted as an illicit discharge.