USEPA and Region III States MS4 Fact Sheets

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Municipal Stormwater Programs

Operators of regulated MS4s are required to develop a stormwater management plan (SWMP) that includes measurable goals and to implement needed stormwater management controls (BMPs). The process of developing a plan, implementing the plan, and evaluating the plan is a dynamic, iterative process that helps move communities toward achievement of their goals. This fact sheet provides guidance to MS4's to assist in the examination and evaluation of the effectiveness of their stormwater management programs.​​


Funding Stormwater Programs

Guidance to assist local stormwater managers understand the alternatives available to fund their stormwater program. The most stable source of funding is generally the stormwater utility, so this document briefly lists the various funding alternatives then describes in more detail the three different types of stormwater utility rate structures and the basic steps involved in creating a stormwater utility.


Incorporating Environmentally Sensitive Development Into Municipal Stormwater Programs

Managing stormwater with low impact site design techniques (green infrastructure) can help jurisdictions meet National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) requirements, and the techniques offer construction cost savings as well as a variety of other benefits when compared to traditional stormwater management approaches. This fact sheet is intended to provide a basic overview of the benefits of green infrastructure and how to implement these practices in your MS4 community.


Understanding Impaired Waters and Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Requirements for Municipal Stormwater Programs

This document describes how municipal stormwater managers can determine if their storm drain system discharges to an impaired waterbody and how to update their stormwater management program to address a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL).

A alternative street design that reduces stormwater runoff from impervious surfaces. This technique employs pervious pavements, curvelinear streets, rain gardens and native vegetation. The practices at this particular site reduce 99% of the stormwater runoff.
A alternative street design that reduces stormwater runoff from impervious surfaces. This technique employs pervious pavements, curvelinear streets, rain gardens and native vegetation. The practices at this particular site reduce 99% of the stormwater runoff.