The City of Nichols Hills, in order to comply with the EPA storm water program, applied for and received a permit on August 15, 2005. The permit is a five year permit and be renewed upon the expiration of the previous permit. The City of Nichols Hills falls under Phase II of the rule which includes entities under the direct influence of cities over 100,000 in population.
The intent of the program is to reduce the amount of pollutants in our nations waterways before it gets into the waterways. These pollutants are common items such as salt, sand, sediment, fuel, grease and oils from our roads, streets and highways. Pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, pet and organic wastes from our lawns. Paint, sediment, cigarette butts, plastic bottles, and wrappers from our construction sites. As these pollutants enter our streams, rivers and lakes they impair fish and wildlife habitat, contaminate drinking supplies and spoil recreation areas.