Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4) Stormwater Program

(Overview from current page)


General permit information

2020 MS4 General Permit

MS4 mapping tool

MCM guidance

(Link to own page that includes guidance, fact sheets, case studies, and examples for that specific MCM)

  • MCM 1
  • MCM 2
  • MCM 3
  • MCM 4 use as example (the DDL, toolkit, new permit requirements, and other pages would all be combined into these pages)
  • MCM 5
  • MCM 6

TMDL guidance

MS4 audit guidance

MCM 1 - Public Education and Outreach

(This is for reference only, coding and ideas)

Activity description Activity complete and available?
The SWPPP document describing BMPs to educate the public on the impact stormwater discharges have on water bodies and actions citizens, businesses, and other local organizations can take to reduce the discharge of pollutants to stormwater. Yes or No
The SWPPP document with measurable goals for each BMP (e.g. number of materials distributed, number of website hits, or number/percentage of behaviors changed) and timeframes and staff responsible for implementation. Yes or No
Partnerships established to implement the SWPPP or aspects of the SWPPP, including any formal agreements. Yes or No
High priority stormwater-related issue(s) are identified (e.g., specific TMDL reduction targets; responsible management of pet waste, household chemicals, yard waste, or deicing materials). Yes or No
Outreach and educational materials related to stormwater-related high priority issues are distributed and documented. Yes or No
Outreach and educational materials related to illicit discharge recognition and reporting are documented. Yes or No
Implementation plan developed that consists of the following:
  • target audience and measurable goals;
  • staff responsible for implementation;
  • specific activities and schedules to meet measurable goals; description of coordination with education partners, if applicable; and
  • an annual evaluation of measurable goals.
Yes or No
An annual evaluation of the effectiveness of the implementation plan has been completed. Yes or No
Modifications made to the program as a result of the annual evaluation are documented. Yes or No
Public education activities held are documented, including dates of the activities. Yes or No
Educational materials have been distributed and documented with quantities, descriptions, and dates. Yes or No

Tips for a successful public education and outreach program

  • Partner with organizations that specialize in public education and outreach, like Soil and Water Conservations Districts or non-profits.
  • Partner with neighboring communities to standardize the messaging related to your community’s waterbodies.
  • Develop culturally appropriate materials in languages applicable to the demographics of your community.
  • Conduct baseline screenings (e.g. through surveys) to evaluate the impact of your public education program and extent to which your program is changing behaviors.
  • Use a database or spreadsheet to track the number of outreach materials distributed and the date(s) of distribution.

Questions and concepts to consider

  • How were target audiences and high priority topics chosen?
  • How do you evaluate the effectiveness of your public education and outreach program?
  • Have you established behavior change goals and, if so, what have you done to cause behavior changes within your audiences?
  • What methods are you using to reach your target audiences and how do you know if you are successful?
  • Are you reevaluating your target audiences periodically?