| What is a MS4 Storm
Water Program? The
Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) is required under the United States
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
(NPDES); a federal program designed to eliminate storm water pollutant discharges to
receiving waters of the United States. In 1987, the EPA was required under Section 402 (p)
of the Clean Water Act (N40CFR Part 112.26) to establish final regulations governing storm
water discharge permit application requirements. The
NPDES program is permitted through the Alabama Department of Environmental Management
(ADEM) and the permit requirements are issued and inspected by ADEM. In 2003, a 5-year permit (NPDES Permit No.
ALR040005) was issued to Colbert County. In 2008, the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer
System (MS4) permit was administratively extended through order of ADEM. The goal is to
reduce Non-Point Source (NPS) pollution which occurs from rain run-off from various sites.
What does the MS4 Permit require?
The Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit requires the
following basic elements to be implemented and include the following:
 | Public Involvement/Participation |
| Public Education and Outreach |
| Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination |
| Pollution Prevention/Good Housekeeping for Municipal Operations |
An Annual Report is provided to ADEM of the activities performed
in the MS4 region.
What can you do?
There are several things that you can do to reduce Non-Point Source
pollution from around your home and yard.
| Report pollution. If you see a construction site that has
run-off, a road that has litter, or any type of spill, call the Colbert County Engineers
Office at 256-381-2120. |
| Don't litter. Litter and debris can wash into the streams and
tributaries eventually polluting the Tennessee River system. |
| Properly dispose of yard waste. Yard waste such as leaves and grass
clippings that wash into drains and streams will biodegrade. As the bacteria
decompose these organic materials, they utilize the oxygen in the water and cause a strain
on the aquatic life in the stream |
| Be responsible when washing your car. Take your car to a car wash
facility or wash it in your yard over the grass. Don't wash your car on the concrete
or asphalt driveway as the water will run into the storm drain increasing the amount of
detergents that enter the stream. |
| Reduce pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers. Follow
manufacturers recommendations for dosage and don't overspray onto concrete or pavement.
Don't apply just before a rain - the majority will run off into the drain or stream and
will not help your lawn. |
| Prevent oil from entering the storm drains or streams. Take your
vehicle to an oil change facility or properly dispose of oil products if you do it
yourself. Fix oil leaks on your vehicle. Always remember if it hits the pavement, it
will run into the stream the next time it rains. |
2009 Water Festival in Tuscumbia City School System
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ADEM Prevention and Reduction
of Polluted Runoff in Alabama pamplet
Additional Resources
Alabama Clean Water Partnership
Alabama
Department of Environmental |
