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*[[What is a municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4)?]] | *[[What is a municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4)?]] | ||
*[[Why is a municipality regulated under the MS4 permit?]] | *[[Why is a municipality regulated under the MS4 permit?]] | ||
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+ | ==2020 MS4 General Permit reissuance== | ||
+ | Visit the [[MS4 General Permit reissuance]] page for updates on the new MS4 General Permit. | ||
==MS4 stormwater permit== | ==MS4 stormwater permit== | ||
*[https://stormwater.pca.state.mn.us/index.php?title=MS4_General_Permit 2013 MS4 General Permit] | *[https://stormwater.pca.state.mn.us/index.php?title=MS4_General_Permit 2013 MS4 General Permit] | ||
*[https://stormwater.pca.state.mn.us/index.php?title=MS4_Annual_Report MS4 Annual Report] | *[https://stormwater.pca.state.mn.us/index.php?title=MS4_Annual_Report MS4 Annual Report] | ||
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*[https://stormwater.pca.state.mn.us/index.php?title=File:Mpls_MS4Permit_Mod.pdf Minneapolis 2018 Phase I Permit] | *[https://stormwater.pca.state.mn.us/index.php?title=File:Mpls_MS4Permit_Mod.pdf Minneapolis 2018 Phase I Permit] | ||
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*[https://stormwater.pca.state.mn.us/index.php?title=File:Final_Permit-StPaul_MS4Permit.pdf 2018 St. Paul Phase 1 permit] | *[https://stormwater.pca.state.mn.us/index.php?title=File:Final_Permit-StPaul_MS4Permit.pdf 2018 St. Paul Phase 1 permit] | ||
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==Previous permits== | ==Previous permits== | ||
+ | *[[Minneapolis 2011 Phase I Permit]] | ||
+ | *[[St Paul 2011 Phase I Permit]] | ||
*[https://www.pca.state.mn.us/sites/default/files/wq-strm4-51.pdf 2006 permit] | *[https://www.pca.state.mn.us/sites/default/files/wq-strm4-51.pdf 2006 permit] | ||
The municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) stormwater program is designed to reduce the amount of sediment and pollution that enters surface and ground water from storm sewer systems. Public entities that own or operate an MS4 play a key role in preventing or reducing the negative impacts stormwater runoff has on our valuable water resources.
Proper stormwater runoff management in urbanized areas is especially important for restoring and protecting surface waters. Urbanized areas are more likely to have activities that contribute pollutants to stormwater runoff, like applying anti/deicing mixtures to roads; fueling vehicles; grease, oil, and other spills; landscaping; and using pesticides and fertilizers. Urbanized areas have a large amount of impervious surfaces, or surfaces that rain and snowmelt cannot pass through, such as streets, driveways, rooftops, parking lots and sidewalks. Stormwater runoff from these surfaces travels faster and in higher amounts, damaging rivers, streams, and wetlands; destroying aquatic habitats; increasing the amount of pollutants that enter surface waters; and limiting groundwater recharge.
Visit the MS4 General Permit reissuance page for updates on the new MS4 General Permit.
When seeking to manage a Municipal Storm Sewer System (MS4), an effective Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program (SWPPP) has six different components known as Minimum Control Measures (MCMs). Follow this link to learn more about each MCM along with resources and guidance.
Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) are EPA approved amounts of pollutant loading that can occur and have a water body meet water quality standards. Follow this link to learn more about them along with guidance and resources.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) mandates the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) to evaluate MS4 permittees for compliance with the MS4 General Permit. The MPCA does this through compliance audits. To find out more information about the audit process see the pages below: