Illegal discharges

into Peachtree City's stormwater drainage system will carry a hefty fine

if the city council signs off on a water protection ordinance compiled

Violators could

be fined up to $1,000 per day for illegal discharges into the stormwater

drainage system, according to the ordinance, which was presented to the

Peachtree City Planning Commission at its regular meeting Monday night.

City Engineer

Troy Besseche said this element of the ordinance will apply to all current

developments in the city.

The goal is

to improve the water quality results from samples at 34 different sites

in the city that were used in an initial water quality study, Besseche

said.

"We want

to try and find out what the problems are and deal with those area that

drain into the sampling sites," Besseche said.

The ordinance

prohibits the discharge of any materials other than stormwater which could

cause or contribute to a violation of water quality standards.

The water protection

ordinance, which is being required by the state, is similar to model ordinances

being developed by the North Georgia Water Planning District, Besseche

said. Most of the ordinance addresses requirements for new developments,

unlike the section on illegal discharges which must be followed city-wide,

Besseche said.

The ordinance

will also require the city to take over privately operated stormwater

collection systems such as those owned by homeowners' associations, Besseche

added.

"We have

had some trouble with the maintenance of (privately operated) stormwater

ponds," Besseche said.

The commission

voted unanimously to recommend the ordinance to the City Council.

Changes to

the ordinance will likely occur after the city attorney and a clarification

committee review the ordinance, Besseche noted.