MS4 Stormwater Program

About the Program

The Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) is required under the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), a federal program designed to eliminate storm water pollutant discharges to receiving waters of the United States. 

History

In 1987, the EPA was required under Section 402 (p) of the Clean Water Act (N40CFR Part 112.26) to establish final regulations governing storm water discharge permit application requirements. The NPDES program is permitted through the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) and the permit requirements are issued and inspected by ADEM. 

In 1996, the first five-year permit (NPDES Permit No. ALS000003) was issued to Shelby County and its eight additional co-permittees. In October 2001 the second term, five-year Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit was issued and administratively extended through order of ADEM.  Shelby County acted as lead permittee for the Shelby County MS4 permit from 1996-2015. 

On October 1, 2015, ADEM issued the new individual MS4 permit to Shelby County (NPDES Permit No. ALS000008); ending the previous co-permittee configuration. The goal of the MS4 Storm Water Program is to reduce Non-Point Source (NPS) pollution, which occurs from rain runoff from various sites.

Requirements

The Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit requires six basic elements to be implemented:

  • Construction Site Runoff Program
  • Industrial / High-Risk Program
  • Pesticide, Herbicide, and Fertilizer Application Program
  • Public Education and Outreach
  • Roadway Program
  • Spill Prevention and Response

An annual report is provided to ADEM of the activities performed in the MS4 region.