MS4 Resources

MS4 Resources

Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems, or MS4s, are publicly owned systems, such as storm drains, pipes, ditches or swales that collect or move runoff to surface waters. MS4s must obtain permit coverage and develop a stormwater management program. Phase 1 MS4 permits are issued to communities with a population size greater than 100,000, while Phase II permits are issued to smaller communities. The designated MS4 may be a county, city, township, transportation agency, university, or a number of other “non-traditional” permittees.

Because every MS4 faces unique stormwater challenges each management program is unique. But every program includes the same six focus areas that the Environmental Protection Agency considers essential for success, called Minimum Control Measures or “MCMs”:

  • Public Education and Outreach
  • Construction Site Erosion Control
  • Public Participation and Involvement
  • Post Construction Stormwater Management
  • Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination
  • Pollution Prevention and Good Housekeeping

 

On this page, you can find resources for each of the MCMs, along with case studies from MS4s of all sizes that demonstrate successes and lessons learned.

[Recording] Confronting DEIJ Issues in Urban Watersheds and Our Stormwater...

Panel Overview: This panel will explore diversity, equity, inclusion and environmental justice in the context of the stormwater management practice and profession. After a...
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[Recording] Incorporating Equity into Green Infrastructure Planning

Speakers: Dr. Megan Heckert - West Chester University Dr. Tina Rosan - Temple University [----] Local governments across the Chesapeake Bay watershed are working...
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[Recording] Runoff Rendezvous: Designing the Next Generation of Stormwater Design...

Panel Overview: This session will focus on what Bay stakeholders want to see in the next generation of stormwater design criteria, using our #1...
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[Recording]: Secrets of the Rich and Famous: Tips on More...

Panel Overview: This panel will provide tips and tricks to improve your chances to attract more grant funds for restoration practices in your community....
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[Slides] Dawson: DEIJ in Stormwater

Frank Dawson's presentation slides from the Runoff Rendezvous panel, Confronting DEIJ Issues in Urban Watersheds and our Stormwater Profession.
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[Slides] Dowdell: Water, Equity, and Ecology in Urban Planning DEIJ...

Jennifer Dowdell's presentation slides from the Runoff Rendezvous panel: Confronting DEIJ Issues in Urban Watersheds and our Stormwater Profession.
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[Slides] Hathaway: Next Generation Stormwater Design Criteria

Jon Hathaway's slides from the Runoff Rendezvous Panel: Developing the Next Generation of Stormwater Design Criteria, which aired on March 23, 2021.
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[Slides] Hoover: Justice in Green Stormwater Infrastructure

Dr. Fushcia Hoover's presentation slides from the Runoff Rendezvous Panel on climate change and extreme precipitation, which aired on March 16, 2021.
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[Slides] Incorporating Equity into Green Infrastructure Planning

Presentation slides from the September 8, 2021 webcast, "Incorporating Equity into Green Infrastructure Planning".
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