The MS4 General Permit is designed to reduce the amount of sediment and pollution that enters surface and ground water from storm sewer systems to the maximum extent practicable. Stormwater discharges associated with MS4s are subject to regulation under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System/State Disposal System. Through the MS4 General Permit, the City of Rochester is required to develop a stormwater pollution prevention program (SWPPP) that incorporates best management practices (BMPs) applicable to our MS4.
A municipal separate storm sewer system is a conveyance or system of conveyances (roads with drainage systems, municipal streets, catch basins, curbs, gutters, ditches, man-made channels, storm drains, etc.) that is also:
- owned or operated by a public entity (which can include cities, townships, counties, military bases, hospitals, prison complexes, highway departments, universities, etc.) having jurisdiction over disposal of sewage, industrial wastes, stormwater, or other wastes, including special districts under State law such as a sewer district, flood control district or drainage districts, or similar entity, or an Indian tribe or an authorized Indian tribal organization, or a designated and approved management agency under section 208 of the Clean Water Act that discharges to waters of the United States;
- designed or used for collecting or conveying stormwater;
- which is not a combined sewer; and
- which is not part of a publicly owned treatment works.
Governance
- Federal Level: Environmental Protection Agency
- State Level: Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
- Local Level: City of Rochester Stormwater Management
MS4 Permit Status
The City of Rochester is operating under the 2020 MS4 general permit. Coverage was issued to the City on November 18, 2021.