streambank stabilization tour photo
Anoka Conservation District staff giving a tour of a streambank stabilization project. Credit: Anoka Conservation District

Introduction

An educated and informed community can not only prevent pollution in stormwater, but also identify and report illicit discharges or construction activities that may negatively affect stormwater. Therefore, Minimum Control Measure (MCM) 1 of the MS4 General Permit requires every MS4 permittee to run an education and outreach program to teach their community about the impacts of stormwater discharge. The education and outreach program should foster proper stormwater management behaviors.

MS4 General Permit requirements for MCM 1

The MS4 General Permit requires MS4 permittees to:

  • Distribute educational materials focused on high priority, stormwater specific issues and illicit discharge recognition and reporting.
  • Develop an implementation plan that includes target audiences; activities and schedules; measurable goals for each audience; the staff in charge of implementing the plan; coordination with any outside organizations (if any); and an evaluation to measure whether the goals are being, or on track to be, met.
  • Document activities, as described here.

Resources

Click on the blue links above in the "MS4 General Permit requirements" section to get more information and resources specific to those permit requirements. In addition, all resources related to MCM 1 are below.

Fact sheets and guidance documents

  • EPA MCM 1 guidance - EPA's guidance and suggested BMPs for an effective public education program

Documentation and tracking templates

Example procedures

Educational materials