Suamico holds first reading of ordinance to tighten construction‑site erosion controls after MS4 audit

Director Smith presented the first reading of ordinance 2026‑04 on April 6, which proposes amendments to chapter 10 related to construction site erosion control and a supporting stormwater reference guide.

Smith said language highlighted in the board packet adds inspection authority and fee‑schedule details that were missing or vague in the existing code, responding to recommendations from a recent MS4 audit. The proposed changes clarify the village’s authority to enter sites, inspect, charge fees and enforce corrective actions.

Trustees asked whether the change was prompted by a routine review; Smith said MS4 audits occur periodically and the Department of Natural Resources schedules communities on variable timetables. Trustees noted one developer question about using ditches as retention—Smith said that is not part of this ordinance and that infiltration in the right of way is not permitted.

Because this was a first reading, no formal action was taken; the ordinance will return for a subsequent meeting with full text included in the packet.