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Confluence: October 2002, Vol. 4, No. 6
In Focus

Phase II Storm Water Program for Small Municipalities

In 1999 the Environmental Protection Agency announced that it would be expanding its National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Storm Water Program to “Phase II” which includes the regulation of additional sources of storm water to protect water quality. In plain terms, this means that the operators of municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4s) will be required to develop a storm water management program that implements six minimum measures designed by the EPA. Operators of MS4s must obtain permit coverage by March 10, 2003. With this deadline fast approaching, it is important that small communities understand what is involved in this process and where they can turn to for additional information.

The first of the six minimum control measures is a public education and outreach program dealing with the impacts of storm water on surface water and steps that can be taken to reduce storm water pollution. The program is to be aimed at the general community and commercial, industrial, and institutional dischargers. Second, there must be public involvement and participation in developing and implementing the Storm Water Management Plan. Third, illicit discharges to the MS4 must be eliminated. Fourth, a construction site storm water runoff ordinance is developed requiring the use of appropriate Best Management Practices (BMPs), a pre-construction review of the Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plans (SWP3s), site inspections during construction for compliance with the SWP3, and penalties for non-compliance. Fifth, a post-construction storm water management ordinance is produced that requires the implementation of structural and non-structural BMPs within new development and redevelopment areas, including assurances of long-term operation of the BMPs. The sixth and final measure is pollution prevention and good housekeeping for municipal operations such as efforts to reduce storm water pollution from the maintenance of open space, parks, and vehicle fleets. A watershed approach to storm water management is strongly endorsed by the EPA. The agency encourages preventative measures such as policies and ordinances that protect wetland and riparian areas, minimize imperviousness, maintain open space, and/or minimize the disturbance of soils and vegetation.

The Ohio EPA must issue permits covering construction sites by December 8, 2002. Regulated entities need to submit permit applications and management plans by March 10, 2003. For detailed information regarding Phase II, visit http://www.epa.state.oh.us/dsw/storm/phase2_fs.html

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