Phase II MS4 challenges: moving toward effective stormwater management for small municipalities

Abstract Federal regulations for municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4s) in the United States have been place since 1990 as part of Nation Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), aiming to reduce sediment and pollutant loads originating from urban areas. However, small-municipality (Phase II) MS4s frequently grapple with several challenges, resulting a lack stakeholder buy-in actionable stormwater management plans. We identify five common challenges concerning MS4 requirements based on literature review, professional experience, feedback solicited stakeholders, managers, fellow professionals offer real-world examples efficient, effective frameworks and/or solutions. The are summarized beliefs that: (1) agricultural land use is largest contributor root cause pollution problems; (2) only benefits downstream communities; (3) large, expensive projects required comply regulations; (4) maintenance, monitoring, inspection best practices (BMPs) overwhelmingly complex expensive; (5) direct funding makes complying an impossible task. These universal nature Phase II permittees can create real barriers management. we found many methods or techniques effectively address these specific making them well-suited important discussion. BMPs tangible improvements surrounding communities (e.g., reduced streambank erosion flooding), improved understanding structure options within program will help small municipalities make informed choices about